The set of applications residing on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that interacts with a mobile device’s operating system facilitates communication between the SIM and the handset. These applications allow mobile network operators and other service providers to deliver a variety of services directly to the user’s device. As an example, this functionality might enable banking applications, information services, or promotional offers to be accessed directly from the SIM.
This capability offers significant benefits, allowing mobile network operators to extend their service offerings beyond basic voice and data. It provides a secure and efficient channel for delivering value-added services, increasing customer engagement, and generating new revenue streams. Its origins lie in the evolution of SIM card technology, designed to provide secure authentication and storage, and progressively expanded to include application execution environments.