T-Mobile celebrates its 20th anniversary – Let´s recall how the SIM card evolved

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the network launch (1996 – Paegas, Radiomobil), we took a look at how the SIM card has evolved in our network. Since 1996, Paegas/T-Mobile has released the incredible number of nearly 23 million SIM cards; cards bearing the Paegas logo are still in use by more than 200,000 customers.

The most commonly used type of SIM card is the Universal SIM card supporting LTE, which accounts for 85% of the base. Although these SIM cards have been available over the years in several versions and formats and with different chips, the common feature of these cards is that they either support LTE by default or this technology can be activated on the cards “over the air”, which makes them unique.

The infographic provided below and in the attachment shows how the different cards were introduced over time and what their unique features were at the time.

SIM card evolution in the Paegas/T-Mobile network
(Infographics see here: http://www.t-press.cz/cs/novinky/t-mobile-slavi-20-let-zavzpominate-s-nami-jak-se-vyvijela-sim.html):

2016- 2017        eSIM                                 Gradual introduction of embedded SIM cards – eSIM cards.
2014                  3-in-1 SIM cards             All three sizes: mini (2FF), micro (3FF), nano (4FF) can be easily punched out
                                                                   from one plastic holder.
2013                  NFC SIM                          NFC SIM card for the pilot operation of the NFC payment service in cooperation
                                                                  with ČSOB and Poštovní spořitelna.
2012                  LTE-supporting SIMs   The majority of old SIM cards were updated over the air.
                          nanoSIM                         On a thinner plastic holder.
2011                  M2M Chip SIM                Special modules with increased durability and service life fulfilling the function of
                                                                  SIM cards are used as integrated electronic components (MFF format). 
                          SIM cards supporting 1.8-volt operation Reduction of energy consumption (until 2011,SIM cards
                                                                   supported 3- and 5-volt operation).
2010                  T-Mobile TV Distribution of smart cards(Irdeto Pl-SYS type) for decoding satellite signal in satellite 
                                                                   receivers.
                           MicroSIM cards             MicroSIM cards were cut from the standard-sized SIM card with special cutters.
2003                   Universal SIM                The new-generation SIM card – larger directory, SMS storage, universal use for
                                                                   banking applications.
2002                   Paegas/T-Mobile rebranding In addition to the visuals, the name of the network changed too.
2000                   Profi SIM                        Possibility for customers to develop their own applications running on
                                                                   the SIM card.
                           Paegas Locator             Search for other SIM cards via the SIM toolkit menu, secured with PUK2 and LPIN.
1998                   Paegas GSM Banking   Mobile banking.
                           SIM Toolkit, Paegas info Introduction of SIM cards with the SIM toolkit menu – Paegas Info.
1997                   The first “punch-out” mini SIM card
1996                   The first year                 The first SIM card in the history of RadioMobil a.s. operating the Paegas network.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.