Multi-Tech Systems MTSGSM manual Troubleshooting, Q6. How do smart cards work ?

Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting

all calls to the subscriber’s number. The SIM card is one of the security devices on the GSM network, making it difficult to steal numbers or otherwise make fraudulent phone calls. The card also allows for roaming with other GSM operators around the world. In addition, the card stores personal phone numbers, missed calls, voice mail notifications, text messages, service center information, etc. Furthermore, the card could be used for other purposes, such as a debit card, credit card, bus pass, or other uses. The possibilities of SIM card technology are practically endless.

Q6. How do smart cards work ?

A6. The SIM (smart card) is inside each handset, and functions as its digital brain. It’s the SIM that prevents your number from being stolen and your calls from being eavesdropped. The SIM’s digital memory, which stores information like your rate plan and service features, also allows you to easily personalize your service. The GSM standard provides the “brain” (smart card) of a PCS Mobile Phone. It contains user ID and billing information that can be switched between different phones - so calls can be made or received even when you’re not using your own phone.

Q7. Do smart cards come in more than one format ?

A7. Smart cards come in two formats. One version resembles a small chip and is semi-permanently placed inside the phone. The second version is similar to a credit card and can be used in phones equipped with a slot for the smart card.

Q8. How does the smart card help prevent fraud and “eavesdropping” ?

A8. In GSM networks, an encryption algorithm scrambles the digitized voice transmission between the handset and the GSM transmission site. The information that is required to decode the encryption is hidden within the smart card This feature provides the industry’s most effective prevention of radio- based eavesdropping and cloning fraud.

Q9. When did the first GSM network start providing commercial service ?

A9. The first GSM systems began commercial operation in 1991 in Europe. Since then, more than 250 wireless service providers around the world have selected GSM-based systems for their advanced digital wireless communications networks. GSM is the most widely used digital standard in the world today and now represents nearly 40 percent of the world’s total market for wireless services.

Q10. How popular is GSM in the U.S. and Canada ?

A10. In North America, 24 PCS companies have selected GSM as their digital technology. One of the biggest reasons was the belief that GSM would give them an advantage in time to market. The first U.S. commercial broadband PCS service went on-line in the Washington and Baltimore markets in late 1995 (it was a GSM company). And since day one, GSM had led the market in terms of coverage and customers. Today, 15 GSM companies across the U.S. & Canada now provide commercial service to about two million customers in more than 1,500 cities in 41 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and four Canadian provinces. But GSM’s popularity isn’t limited to just North America. Two million new customers around the world are added every month. That’s one new subscriber every second!

Q11 What benefits does GSM provide PCS customers ?

A11. With GSM, customers get the richest, proven, advanced digital technology available in the marketplace today. GSM provides integrated voice mail, high-speed data, fax, paging and short message services capabilities. With GSM, customers get the advantage of secure communications. GSM offers unparalleled call privacy and fraud prevention. As well as the advantage of national and international roaming. In addition, GSM offers the best voice quality of any digital wireless standard. Independent laboratory & field test reports validate near wireline parity.

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