SIM Application Toolkit: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:45, 4 September 2018

Revision as of 08:14, 19 September 2018

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'''SIM Application Toolkit''' (commonly referred to as '''STK''') is a standard of the [[GSM]] system which enables the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) to initiate actions which can be used for various [[value-added service]]s.<ref name=autogenerated2>[{{Cite web |url=http://www.cellular.co.za/sim_toolkit.htm |title=SIM Toolkit<!-- Bot generated title -->]{{dead link|access-date=June2006-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207010523/http://www.cellular.co.za/sim_toolkit.htm |archive-date=2006-12-07 |dead-url=yes |df= 2018}}</ref>

The SIM Application Toolkit consists of a set of commands programmed into the SIM which define how the SIM should interact directly with the outside world and initiates commands independently of the handset and the network.<ref name=autogenerated5>[http://developer.gemalto.com/home/technology/sim-toolkit.html ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429113530/http://developer.gemalto.com/home/technology/sim-toolkit.html |date=April 29, 2013 }}</ref> This enables the SIM to build up an interactive exchange between a network application and the end user and access, or control access to, the network.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> The SIM also gives commands to the handset such as displaying menus and/or asking for user input.<ref name=autogenerated1>http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_t/WG3_U/T_10/docs/t3-9346.doc{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

STK has been deployed by many mobile operators around the world for many applications, often where a menu-based approach is required, such as [[Mobile Banking]] and content browsing.<ref name=autogenerated2 />

Designed as a single application environment, the STK can be started during the initial power up of the SIM card<ref name=autogenerated1 /> and is especially suited to low level applications with simple user interfaces.<ref name=autogenerated3>[{{Cite web |url=http://www.gsmmobile.co.nz/Sim_Toolkit.htm |title=SIM Toolkit<!-- Bot generated title -->] |access-date=2006-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011090927/http://www.gsmmobile.co.nz/Sim_Toolkit.htm |archive-date=2007-10-11 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>

In [[GSM]] networks, the SIM Application Toolkit is defined by the GSM 11.14 standard released in 2001.<ref name=autogenerated2 /><ref name=autogenerated5 /><ref name=autogenerated3 />

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Change in applications and menus stored on the SIM is difficult after the customer takes delivery of the [[Subscriber Identity Module|SIM]] and sometimes may be recognized as surveillance software.

To deliver updates, either the SIM must be returned and exchanged for a new one (which can be costly and inconvenient) or the application updates must be delivered [[Over-the-air programming|over-the-air (OTA)]] using specialized, optional SIM features. {{as of|October 2010}}, [[mobile network operator]]s can, for example, deliver updated STK application menus by sending a secure [[SMS]] to handsets that include a Toolbox (S@T) compliant [[Mobile browser|wireless internet browser (WIB)]]. When using a SIM card compliant to the (BIP{{what|date=December 2017}}) in a BIP-compliant handset, the updates can be delivered very quickly as well (depending upon the network connectivity available to and supported by the handset, i.e. [[GPRS]]/[[3G]] speed). It might also be possible to change the menu of STK applications based on the Wireless Internet Gateway (WIG) specification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gemplus.com/press/archives/2004/telecom/15-06-2004-ota_saudi.html |title=Gemplus has become Gemalto |publisher=Gemplus.com |date=2006-06-02 |accessdate=2014-06-18 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411013110/http://www.gemplus.com/press/archives/2004/telecom/15-06-2004-ota_saudi.html |archivedate=April 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.smartcardalliance.org/industry_news/industry_news_item.cfm%3FitemID%3D357 Gemplus to Deliver SIM Card-Based Solution to Oi For First GSM Launch in Brazil - Smart Card Alliance<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925044023/http://www.smartcardalliance.org/industry_news/industry_news_item.cfm%3FitemID%3D357 |date=September 25, 2006 }}</ref> The update limitations hinder the number and frequency of STK application deployments.<ref>http://www.mygemplus.com/pss/telecom/download/GemConnect_online_sdk.pdf{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

STK has essentially no support for multimedia, only basic pictures.<ref name="autogenerated4" />