Chaz,
<< Is there any software modifications which are also necessary? I would assume there would be. In other words, while the cards themselves and the appropriate chips are essential, wouldn't the CDMA software have to be adjusted to permit smart card use? >>
Perhaps to some degree, but maybe less than you think, and maybe not at all. The firmware on the chip has the basic handset I/O. A primary function of the CDMA SIM is to authenticate and present subscriber information to a GSM network. Given the proper I/O and functionality in the chipset the CDMA SIM should be able to accomplish this, which is why the availability of a 1xMC chipset with SIM/R-UIM interface and functionality becomes important near term for, lets say, a Verizon user who wants to roam on Vodaphone (and other networks GSM in Europe). This would of course require adding another frequency (900 MHz) and mode of operation (GSM) to an existing tri-mode (ideally) handset.
In a dual mode GSM/AMPS handset the SIM carries not only an authenticating GSM engine (algorithm) to authenticate to the phone which in turn authenticates to the GSM network, but it also carries an authenticating AMPS algorithm to authenticate to the phone which in turn authenticates to the GSM network. I am not sure that this is the case with a CDMA SIM, but I assume it might be. Whether or not this is the case, I am assuming that all current CDMA functionality is either on the handset chipset or SIM and no further software modifications are necessary to the network.
Beyond the primary role of the SIM for authentication and subscriber identity, multiple applications can be added directly to the SIM. In some cases there might be some modification to a web site that the SIM application is going to interact with but these would be developed at the same time the SIM application is developed.
- Eric - |
