What is an ICCID Number and Why is ICCID Important?
In order to join the global network, you need a name or identifier. That’s why we all receive a name and a social security number at birth. These identifiers help schools, employers, and government entities connect important information throughout our lives. ICCID numbers on SIM cards operate in a similar way but for machines and devices.
A SIM card connects devices to allow back-and-forth communication as well as connection to the cloud. An IoT SIM card is assigned identifiers to help business owners track the performance of their devices. Each number on the card relays valuable information about the carrier, country, and device. In this article, we will break down the key components of an IoT SIM Card, the ICCID number significance, and types of IoT Sim Cards.
Key Components of an IoT SIM Card
An IoT SIM card is a rather simple idea that operates using a complex system of numbers. Understanding the various numbers and other key components will help build a broader knowledge of IoT SIM card functions.
Each IoT SIM card has a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) otherwise known as a wireless service provider. Certain SIM cards are able to connect to multiple MNOs. However, only one can be active at a time. Each MNO stores information on the ICCID code, the MSISDN, and the IMSI.
What Is the ICCID?
The Integrated Circuit Card Identifier, or ICCID, is a number that specifies the industry, region, network, and device of a SIM Card. The ICCID number is tied to the SIM card itself and can therefore not be changed.
What Is the MSISDN?
The Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN) is applicable for devices used to make voice calls and send SMS messages. The MSISDN is the phone number that shows up when the device makes contact with another device.
What Is the IMSI?
The International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is part of the operator profile data for the SIM card. This number is used to identify the devices within the MNO. The IMSI shouldn’t be confused with an International Mobile Equipment Number (IMEI), which is linked to a device, not the mobile network. Usually the IMSI is about 15 digits long. This number includes the mobile country code (MCC), the mobile network code (MNC), and the line of service (MSIN).
How does ICCID relate to IMSI and IMEI?
Along with the ICCID, there are two other mobile network identifiers you should be familiar with: IMSI and IMEI. The ICCID identifies the SIM card while the IMSI identifies the specific subscriber, and the IMEI identifies the specific device.
Finding and Decoding the ICCID Number
If you’re conducting an ICCID lookup, you’ll need to know where to find the ICCID number and it helps to know what the numbers involved with the ICCID mean. You can find the ICCID number and the IMSI burned into the SIM card for easy identification. The SIM card ICCID code is typically made up of 18 to 22 visible characters and follows this format: MMCC-IINN-NNNN-NNNN-NN C(X).
This code consists of groupings that represent various identifiers and codes, which makes each SIM card unique. This large code is broken down into the following four major segments.
Major Industry Identifier (MII): In the telecommunications industry, every two numbers of an ICCID code start with 89. This helps differentiate the purpose of the card from similar chip cards such as credit cards.
The Country Code: The country code in an ICCID code specifies the operating region as dictated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T). For example, the NANP countries, excluding Canada, use 01 for their country code.
Mobile Network Code: This section of an ICCID code is used to identify the base network. This number is usually 1-4 digits and issued from the network that gave you the SIM card, but it could also be generated from a partner company.
Individual Account Number: This part of the ICCID code will be unique to your SIM card. This will differentiate your devices from all others. The distinguishing code will also end with a single digit that is pulled from a Luhn algorithm.
How to find the ICCID:
Looking for the ICCID on a SIM card is typically the most basic way to find it. However, it might not always be the most convenient way to find the ICCID. Here’s another simple way you will be able to find the ICCID. Simon IOT SIM cards come with a barcode scanner that will easily tell you what the ICCID is without the hassle of trying to find it.
Types of IoT SIM Cards
IoT SIM Cards have been manufactured to meet the evolving needs of IoT users. All sizes and types of companies are finding ways to take advantage of IoT services and SIM cards. There are three main times of IoT SIM cards currently used today: commercial, industrial, and embedded.
Commercial
This SIM card can be used in any device. Besides commercial applications, these SIMs are recommended for prototypes.
Industrial
This SIM’s sturdy construction is prepared to handle industrial environments. Compared to the commercial SIM, this handles higher temperatures and lasts longer.
Embedded (eSim)
The eSIM is newer SIM card technology that has the world excited. There are two different technologies that exist within the umbrella of the term eSIM. 1. The embedded aspect; devices can now include a built-in SIM card. 2. Ability to switch between different carriers on the same SIM. Before, you’d need to use a different SIM card for each carrier.
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