Reader Forum: UICC – the speed advantage in 4G Networks

Editor’s Note: Welcome to our weekly Reader Forum section. In an attempt to broaden our interaction with our readers we have created this forum for those with something meaningful to say to the wireless industry. We want to keep this as open as possible, but maintain some editorial control so as to keep it free of commercials or attacks. Please send along submissions for this section to our editors at: [email protected] or [email protected].
Speed. The word speed evokes mental images of how we as humans try to push past the limits of what is possible to make something go faster. For example, some of the world’s most sophisticated aerodynamic concepts are applied to race cars to ensure they achieve their maximum speed potential. Formula One in particular uses a reverse airfoil design to put just enough air pressure on the car to keep it on the ground while accelerating past 200 mph. This investment in design is critical to achieve top speeds, but is also dependent on other key elements of the car, namely the tires. If the car does not have the proper tires designed to handle the speed and pressure, the car simply will not perform to its potential.
4G networks are analogous (e.g., LTE networks currently being deployed by Verizon and MetroPCS). 4G networks are designed for speed by leveraging industry standard IP-based technology, but unless all of the elements are in place to support this intricate new approach, the network will simply not live up to its potential.
In order to achieve the highest levels of performance and support a growing number of sophisticated users and even more sophisticated mobile devices, the network has to keep up. Operators with 2G or 3G GSM networks rely on SIM cards for secure subscriber identity and network connectivity. The 2G or 3G SIM card’s communication with the network is based on low-bandwidth SMS (Short Message Service). This was cutting edge technology when it was introduced, but as with all technology, new innovations have brought about more efficient and faster methods of communication with the mobile device. With reverse compatibility capabilities it is not required to use these new methods in 4G networks; however, not using them is analogous to putting street tires on your Formula One race car – it simply doesn’t make sense.
The UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) differs from a SIM in that it is able to support IP-based communication over HTTPS. When paired with the corresponding Over-the-Air (OTA) platform, operators can capitalize on the speed and efficiency of an IP-based connection to the mobile handset. Services managed by the UICC, such as files and applications, are delivered much faster over HTTPS, at a lower cost than SMS and with the increased security of the UICC smart card technology coupled with the HTTPS protocol.
By leveraging the UICC in a 4G deployment, operators have the opportunity to achieve gains in network efficiency and reliability. For example, when enrolling a new subscriber, the mobile device automatically activates subscription services as soon as it is connected to a network. Going beyond the initial connection of the device, operators could schedule updates to occur automatically when the device is detected on the network, eliminating a large SMS push that gives no assurance that all devices have been updated. With the IP UICC, all devices would receive updates (e.g., new roaming preferences) ensuring that the most current and cost effective preferences are on all connected devices. These are not future features. This technology is available and in use today.
By tapping into IP-based communications, operators can leverage the extensive work being done in delivering services via a secure cloud computing model. While there are many concerns about security in cloud computing, the UICC addresses these issues, providing the same level of identity validation and strong authentication used in government and military applications.
This has directly translated into new cloud-based applications like our recently introduced Digital Life Management platform. This technology leverages the speed and efficiency of the IP-based connection empowered by the UICC to provide a platform to unify and backup everything stored on a multimedia smartphone. With this platform, a subscriber can manage all aspects of his or her mobile digital experience, including social media profiles, in one consolidated location and with the added assurance that this personal information is secure and retrievable even if the handset is lost.
The UICC will be an integral part of IP-based networks going forward. The goal in a race is to win. In the end it typically comes down to the team who has all the right pieces in place to achieve ultimate success. The IP-based UICC and 4G networks are the winning combination in delivering fast and reliable service to an ever increasingly data-hungry subscriber base.
As president, Paul Beverly is responsible for accelerating growth of the large Gemalto North America business headquartered in Austin. Beverly also heads up marketing worldwide for Gemalto, a €1.65 billion leader in digital security technology.