This is a set of applications residing on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that interacts with the mobile device’s operating system. Functionality includes services such as balance inquiries, mobile banking, information services, and network configuration. As an example, a user might access a menu within the phone’s interface to check their prepaid balance through the SIM, initiating a request sent to the network operator.
Its significance lies in enabling mobile network operators to provide value-added services directly to subscribers, independent of the handset manufacturer or operating system. This provides a consistent user experience across a wide range of devices. In earlier mobile communication eras, it was a crucial channel for delivering essential services and differentiating offerings in competitive markets.
