Press Releases

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 first1 SIM-based authentication device, named Portable SIM, that can wirelessly activate any compatible smartphone or tablet2 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.