A technology enabling applications to reside and execute directly on the Subscriber Identity Module, it facilitates communication between the SIM card and mobile devices. A typical instance involves a network operator updating device settings automatically upon insertion of a new SIM, or providing interactive menus for accessing mobile services.
Its significance lies in empowering mobile network operators and service providers to offer a broader range of value-added services, such as mobile banking, information services, and location-based applications, directly to subscribers. Historically, this functionality provided a crucial mechanism for delivering over-the-air provisioning and configuration updates, enhancing the user experience and creating new revenue streams for operators. The inherent security features of the SIM card also make it suitable for sensitive applications requiring authentication and secure data storage.