Everything you wanted to know about the Integrated SIM – FAQs by Sony Semiconductor IL & G+D

What is the iSIM benefit for a cellular IoT device vendor?

Our all-in-one iSIM technology breakthrough allows IoT device vendors to offer smaller and more power-efficient solutions to drive
the predicted exponential growth in the IoT market.

Which LTE IoT standards are supported by this solution?

NB-IoT & CAT-M.
In addition, 2G is available in specific modules.

How does the system achieve this high level of security?

G+D’s leading SIM software runs on an isolated hardware secure element integrated inside the Altair chip & adheres to G+D’s strict security assessment standards.

Does the integrated SIM support Multi IMSI solutions?

Yes, it can support Multi IMSI application.

How many MNOs have approved it?

The integrated SIM is already acknowledged and approved by multiple global Tier-1 MNOs and MVNOs, including publicly announced AT&T,
LGU+ and more. The onboarding of additional Tier-1 operators is in progress.

Is the service activation/provisioning on the network the same (profile setup) as with a traditional SIM?

Yes, the activation of the Integrated SIM is the same as with traditional SIM cards.

Can the MNO be changed after initial iSIM Profile setup and especially after device deployment?

Currently not. The Integrated SIM is compliant with ETSI/3GPP and therefore only remote file administration is supported, e.g. changing profile content.
In its next phases, the integrated SIM may evolve to comply with upcoming GSMA standards.

Is the iSIM integrated ALT125x cheaper than the eSIM solution ? What is ASP of both solutions?

The Integrated SIM in the ALT125x enables greater cost reduction compared to standard eSIM solution. From total-cost-of-ownership perspective it is not
only the iSIM cost advantage but also the savings to be realized by reduced BOM, size reduction, no need of SIM tray for plug-in SIM, significantly reduced
handling and processing cost for discrete SIM cards.

Are there any shared resources (e.g. memory) between the iSIM and the modem chipset?

All resources are statically assigned to iSIM and securely assessed to be protected from change.

Is the iSIM envisioned just for IoT devices with low bandwidth (“slow” data transfer) or also for devices with high throughput like phones and modems?

The Integrated SIM is applicable for any cellular device.
As for IoT, the integrated SIM based on the ALT1250 chipset can be used in the R14 LTE CAT-M/NB-IoT
and 2G network and the ALT1255 chipset can be used in the R14 NB-IoT and 2G network as fallback.

Is the iSIM compliant with GSMA standards?

The integrated SIM is compliant with ETSI/3GPP. In its next phases, the integrated SIM may evolve to comply with upcoming GSMA standards.

What is the level of commercial readiness worldwide? In markets like India there are local government regulations. For example, we cannot have iSIM personalized outside India as we cannot send iSIM/eSIM data outside the country; and any data personalization on the integrated SIM and the module/chip has to be done within India. Are there any plans for GSMA SAS certified data generation as well as personalization site in India or similar countries where such regulations are present?

The Integrated SIM is commercially deployed. Personalization can be done locally in India. Sony and G+D can support and introduce the process.

What’s the timing to enable iSIM to support 5G NR for mobile devices?

The Integrated SIM based on ALT1250 chipset is used in IoT devices targeting LTE CAT-M/NB-IoT.
The same Integrated SIM will be used in the next generation chipset with 5G NR capabilities.

Will there be a specific set of IMEI+IMSI+ICCID even before module/device production?

Yes, a specific set of data is pre-generated and bundled with the secure operating system and is provisioned
during the module or device manufacturing process.

Will there be a few different PNs of chipset with the iSIM and without? Or will all Sony chipsets starting with the ALT125x come with an iSIM?

The PNs with iSIM are ALT1250ST, ALT1250SB and ALT1255SB.

Does OTA services supported with iUICC?

OTA services such as remote file management are supported.

Will there be a chipset API to switch from iSIM to the external SIM interface?

There is an AT command to switch from the iSIM to the external SIM I/O.

When will we see iSIM in the automotive sector?

The ALT1250/ALT1255 chipsets are qualified for industrial grade and are being commercially used
in automotive after-market applications. At the moment there is no plan for AEC-Q qualification.

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