June 10, 2014

DOCOMO Develops World's First SIM-based Authentication Mini Device

  • Print

R&D

TOKYO, JAPAN, June 10, 2014 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC., a personalized mobile solutions provider for smarter living, announced today that it has developed a prototype of the world's firstnotice1 SIM-based authentication device, named Portable SIM, that can wirelessly activate any compatible smartphone or tabletnotice2 for network-access authentication with a simple wave to replace the mobile device's SIM function with securely stored subscriber identity information.

Portable SIM incorporates three major modules: SIM card, Bluetooth® and NFC. The pocketsize mini device is expected to be incorporated in convenient wearable devices after further downsizing.

By simply waving Portable SIM next to a mobile device, the user's subscriber identity can be transmitted to the mobile device via Bluetooth, eliminating the need to physically insert a SIM card. Using this feature, for example, the smartphone user can switch their subscriber identity from a personal device to a shared tablet in the workplace. For security, the switched phone number in the smartphone is locked once the Bluetooth link is broken.

Portable SIM can securely store multiple credentials, such as IDs and passwords, so it also can be used with PCs and other connected devices to eliminate the need to type in such information when accessing online-shopping and other sites.

Going forward, DOCOMO will continue to study key technologies, functions and service applications before commercialization of the device. DOCOMO will also study ways to link Portable SIM and other smart devices, such as TVs, music players and in-car informatics systems, to bring convenient services and products to customers.

  • notice1 Based on DOCOMO's own research as of June 9, 2014.
  • notice2 Portable SIM is not yet compatible with any smartphone or tablet currently on the market.
  • noticeBluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.
  • noticeAll other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 63 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/ for more information.

Go to top of the page