The benefit of using SIM application toolkit in the context of near field communication applications

NFC is one of the most promising technologies in handsets for business applications like ticketing or payment. Actually those applications require a secure store for keeping sensitive data. Using the SIM card as a removable secure element for proximity applications is one option. We will elaborate a comprehensive study on the requirements and impacts of using the SIM card as a secure store for proximity applications, presenting the pros and cons of combining NFC with the SIM card in handsets. Based on these facts we worked out a concept and necessary processes for an NFC ecosystem based on a SAM. Hence we line out two different approaches for managing applications in the secure element. Finally the effects of this implementation on mobile network operators and application providers as well as consumers are summarized.