New ETSI specification allows single UICC to support the use of multiple applications simultaneously
Sophia Antipolis, 26 October 2022
New specifications released by ETSI will enable multiple subscriptions and identities to exist in the same smartphone handset without needing several SIM cards to be within the device.
The mobile telecom industry has been facing an increasing demand for applications running on mobile devices like banking, payments, transport and identity for some time. These new specifications address this demand by adding the possibility to host and address several "virtual secure elements" into the same UICC. This allows multiple virtual secure elements to coexist logically separated, whilst having the ability to be addressed independently through the same physical interface.
Chair of the SET group at ETSI, Denis Praca says, “we’re so excited to release new versions of several UICC Release 17 specifications that can benefit so many users. This is a breakthrough for end-users who will easily be able to use multiple services and for service providers to deploy their applications on a single mobile device, with the benefit of the long term recognized security provided by the UICC”.
This should also remove the need for smartphones to contain more than one SIM card to host two different subscriptions on the same device. ETSI’s technologies, referenced by GSMA eSIM specifications allow users and device makers to efficiently manage multiple accounts securely.
ETSI’s Secure Element Technologies committee (TC SET, formerly known as TC SCP) develops and maintains specifications for the Secure Element (SE), e.g., the UICC or the SSP and its interfaces with the outside world for use in telecommunication systems including the Internet of Things (IoT) and other industry sectors.
“The next stage for us at ETSI, is to get mobile network operators and secure application providers to come forward and work with us to creates the applications that will run on the ETSI developed platform”, Mr Praca continued. Anyone wanting to find out more or to become involved with the next stage of development is encouraged to visit the ETSI TC SET webpage.
About ETSI
ETSI provides members with an open and inclusive environment to support the development, ratification, and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT systems and services across all sectors of industry and society. We are a non-profit body, with more than 900 member organizations worldwide, drawn from over 60 countries and five continents. The members comprise a diversified pool of large and small private companies, research entities, academia, government, and public organizations. ETSI is officially recognized by the EU as a European Standardization Organization (ESO). For more information, please visit us at https://www.etsi.org/
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