5
SIM Application Toolkit
This is a new GSM feature that has been integrated into the GSM standards in Release 96, with
further enhancements added as part of the Release 97 feature set. This feature came about
because of a desire by Network Operators to offer differentiated services, without the need for the
Mobile Manufacturers having to build different variant for different customers. The unique service
offered by the Operator is placed as an application on the SIM and that could work on any mobile
that supports the Toolkit feature.
There is a distinct set of commands between the mobile and the SIM specifically for the Toolkit
that allows the SIM Toolkit and the mobile to communicate independently of the GSM
communication between the SIM and the mobile. Henceforth, the SIM Application Toolkit and
GSM functionality on the SIM are separated logically. The Toolkit can interact directly with the
mobile itself and adding itself to the mobile menu.
Currently, Toolkit application on the SIM and its “other half” communicate by using the Short
Message Service(SMS). “Proactive SIM” is a mechanism whereby the SIM can initiate actions to
be taken by the mobile. These actions include:
·
Display text from the SIM on the Mobile display
·
Send short message
·
Set up a voice call to a number held by the SIM
·
Set up a data call to a number and bearer capabilities held by the SIM
·
Send a Supplementary Service (SS) control or Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
(USSD) string
·
Play a tone in the mobile’s ear piece or ringer
·
Initiate a dialogue with the user
·
Provide local information from the mobile to the SIM.
·
Data download to the SIM from network
·
Call control by the SIM.
SIM Applications Toolkit (SAT) allows the flexibility to update the SIM, to change the services and
download new services over the air. In the SAT specification, the short message service is a key
mechanism for personalizing the SIM in each user’s GSM phone. It is designed as a client-server
application. A50 series supports SAT Class 3 specification.
When active, the name of the service may appear in the menu, and there will be sub-menu if
more than one application is active. Figure 1.4 is the SAT icon.
FIGURE 1.4 SAT ICON
Extended GSM 900, E-GSM
This is a new standard that allows Network Operators to increase their capacity through an
extended frequency. The frequency range of E-GSM is as follows:
·
Mobile Transmit: 880,2 - 914,8 MHz
·
Mobile Receive: 925,2 - 959,8 MHz
A50/1168 series is a GSM Phase 2 / Phase 2+ Dualband E-GSM / GSM 1800 mobile phone.
