ICCID

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ICCID

ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is a unique identifier assigned to physical SIM cards used in mobile devices, providing information such as the carrier and subscription details. It helps differentiate between different SIM cards and ensures proper network connectivity.

What does ICCID mean?

The Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) is a unique 19-digit number used to identify a SIM card or embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC). It is essentially the SIM card’s serial number and serves as a global identifier for the card. The ICCID is stored on the SIM card’s chip and is transmitted to the network when the card is inserted into a device.

The ICCID consists of three parts:

  • The first six digits are the Issuer Identification Number (IIN), which identifies the network operator that issued the card.
  • The next ten digits are the Individual Account Identification (IAI), which is a unique number assigned to the card by the network operator.
  • The last three digits are the Check Digit, which is a mathematical calculation used to verify the accuracy of the ICCID.

Applications

The ICCID is used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Identification: The ICCID is used to identify the SIM card and the associated device to the network.
  • Authentication: The ICCID is used to authenticate the SIM card to the network.
  • Provisioning: The ICCID is used to provision the SIM card with services, such as voice, data, and messaging.
  • Management: The ICCID is used to manage the SIM card, such as changing the PIN code or locking the card.

The ICCID is an important part of the SIM card and plays a vital role in mobile communication.

History

The ICCID was first introduced in the late 1990s as part of the GSM standard. It was originally used to identify SIM cards in GSM networks. However, over time, the ICCID has been adopted by other mobile communication standards, such as UMTS, LTE, and 5G.

As the mobile communication industry has evolved, so has the ICCID. In 2016, the GSMA introduced the eUICC, which is a new type of SIM card that can be programmed over-the-air. The eUICC uses the same ICCID Format as the traditional SIM card.

Today, the ICCID is a global identifier for SIM cards and eUICCs. It is used by network Operators to identify, authenticate, provision, and manage SIM cards and eUICCs.