LG Uplus Unveils World's First 'USIM-Free Communication Module'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] The world's first communication module without a USIM has completed commercial certification by a telecom operator.

LG Uplus announced on the 8th that it has developed a communication module based on the SIM card-free communication technology 'iUICC' in collaboration with Sony Semiconductor Israel, Entimoa, and G&D, and has completed service certification. This is the first time in the world that a mobile carrier has certified iUICC technology.

iUICC is a technology that implements the SIM, a small memory card used for subscriber authentication, as a function of the communication chipset responsible for voice and data signal processing in the device. Although there have been similar technologies that replace SIMs through software methods, their use in services was limited due to security vulnerabilities.

With this certification, when the technology is applied to devices in the future, customers will be able to use smaller and lighter Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Since the iUICC function is embedded within the communication chipset, no separate space or component for the SIM is required, thereby reducing the size and weight of the device.

The purchase cost or rental fee of IoT devices will also decrease. As the SIM and the socket for mounting the SIM are removed, cost reduction for manufacturers is expected. Additionally, excluding the SIM increases durability against external environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and vibration, making device usage more convenient and expected to enhance utilization in specialized industrial sites.

LG Uplus plans to first apply the iUICC technology to IoT devices based on NB-IoT and LTE-Cat.M1 networks. In particular, it is considering applying it to devices such as remote metering, where reliability in outdoor conditions is important, and location trackers that require miniaturization.

Jeon Young-seo, head of LG Uplus Technology Service Development, said, "We will showcase a differentiated IoT device lineup by leveraging the economic efficiency, reliability, and space efficiency advantages of iUICC," adding, "We will provide the best IoT services to corporate customers by utilizing various networks."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.