Abstract

SUBJECT Deletion of all release 97 material from the R96 version

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Nov-2003
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
01-Dec-2003
Due Date
01-Dec-2003
Completion Date
01-Dec-2003

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SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003

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SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 is the Slovenian standard identical to ETS 300 977 Edition 5 from ETSI. It specifies the GSM Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface for network operation, including SIM physical characteristics, electronic signaling, file organization, security functions, commands, and application protocol. It is aimed at SIM, mobile equipment, and GSM implementation teams that need interoperable behavior across manufacturers and operators.

What does SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 specify?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 specifies the SIM - ME interface used during the GSM network operation phase, plus the SIM organization needed to support that interface. It is written to make SIMs and mobile equipment work together independently of the manufacturer or operator.

The scope covers:

  • physical characteristics of the SIM
  • electrical signals and transmission protocols
  • the logical model of SIM files
  • security features
  • interface functions and commands
  • the contents of files needed for the GSM application
  • the application protocol

The standard also states that references to GSM apply to DCS 1800 unless otherwise stated. It excludes the administrative management phase, and it does not specify the security algorithms themselves. The document is organized into clauses 1 to 11, with annexes A and C used for the Plug-in SIM figure and FDN/BDN procedures.

AnnexWhat it covers
Annex APlug-in SIM layout and dimensions, with Figure A.1
Annex CFDN/BDN procedures and example initialization flows

What are the key requirements of SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 ties together the SIM electrical interface, file system, security, and application commands so that a terminal can initialize a card, read subscription data, authenticate the subscriber, and support SIM-based services. In practice, this means implementers must follow the same card behavior for power, selection, access control, and command coding.

Physical and electrical interface

Clause 4 defines two physical SIM types: ID-1 SIM and Plug-in SIM. The standard links their physical characteristics to ISO 7816-1 and ISO 7816-2, and it adds GSM-specific requirements for temperature, contacts, precedence, and static protection. The operating temperature range is specified for normal use with occasional higher peaks, so equipment designers need to verify card housing and handset thermal behavior.

Clause 5 sets the electrical interface. The SIM shall support the T=0 transmission protocol, use ME-supplied clocking, and operate within the stated limits for Vcc, RST, Vpp, CLK, and I/O. The standard also defines the SIM states, initial baudrate, ATR behavior, PTS procedure, and error handling. In practice, this tells handset designers how to power, reset, clock, and communicate with the card without breaking compatibility.

SIM file model and selection rules

Clause 6 defines the hierarchical file model: Master File (MF), Dedicated File (DF), and Elementary File (EF). The MF is implicitly selected after ATR, and files are selected with the SELECT function using a 2-byte file identifier. The current directory and current EF rules matter because many commands are only valid in the right directory context.

The standard also reserves file identifiers for GSM use and describes how 1-level and 2-level DFs can coexist on multi-application cards. That matters for card personalization and for terminals that must navigate a mixed GSM card safely.

Security and access control

Clause 7 defines the security model around subscriber authentication, cipher key generation, and file access conditions. The network sends a Random Number (RAND), the SIM runs the A3/A8 process through RUN GSM ALGORITHM, and the SIM returns SRES and Kc. The subscriber authentication key Ki is stored in the SIM and is 128 bits long.

The access control model uses levels such as ALWays, CHV1, CHV2, ADM, and NEVer. Clause 8 and clause 11 show how CHV verification, change, disable, enable, and unblock work, including retry counters and blocking after repeated wrong presentations. For operators and terminal makers, this is what governs which files can be read or updated after successful user verification.

Mandatory GSM commands and procedures

Clause 8 states that compliant cards shall support the functions described in the standard. The key command set includes:

  • SELECT and STATUS for file navigation and state information
  • READ BINARY and UPDATE BINARY for transparent EFs
  • READ RECORD and UPDATE RECORD for record-based EFs
  • SEEK for pattern-based record search
  • INCREASE for cyclic EFs
  • VERIFY CHV, CHANGE CHV, DISABLE CHV, ENABLE CHV, and UNBLOCK CHV for security control
  • INVALIDATE and REHABILITATE for file state handling
  • RUN GSM ALGORITHM for authentication
  • TERMINAL PROFILE, ENVELOPE, FETCH, and TERMINAL RESPONSE for SIM Application Toolkit support

This matters because interoperability depends not only on the function names, but also on the exact command-response behavior and status handling.

File contents needed for GSM operation

Clause 10 defines the key EFs used by the GSM application and telecom application. Among the most important are:

  • IMSI for subscriber identity
  • Kc for ciphering
  • PLMN selector and Forbidden PLMNs for network selection behavior
  • HPLMN search period for home network search timing
  • SIM service table for enabled services
  • LOCI for location information
  • MSISDN, ADN, FDN, LND, and SDN for dialing and service numbers
  • Short messages and SMS parameters for SMS storage and defaults
  • Service Provider Name and Network’s Indication of Alerting for presentation to the user
  • eMLPP and Emergency Call Codes for specialized service behavior

These definitions matter because terminals must know how to interpret card records, display information correctly, and preserve user and network data in the expected format.

SIM Application Toolkit behavior

Clause 11 defines the procedures used when the SIM and the ME exchange SIM Application Toolkit commands. It covers initialization, proactive polling, command support, response codes, independence from normal GSM tasks, and data download paths such as SMS-CB and SMS-PP. This is the part that lets a SIM request actions from the handset, not just respond passively.

What terms does SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 define?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 defines the SIM file model and the security and session terms used throughout the interface.

  • Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) - The card or module that stores subscriber data, security data, and GSM application files.
  • Mobile Equipment (ME) - The terminal that powers and communicates with the SIM.
  • Master File (MF) - The unique top-level file that anchors the SIM file hierarchy.
  • Dedicated File (DF) - A directory-like file that groups related files and can contain EFs and other DFs.
  • Elementary File (EF) - A file that contains data and access conditions, but no other files.
  • Card Holder Verification information (CHV) - A secret code used as an access condition for protected files and commands.
  • Answer To Reset (ATR) - The initial information sent by the SIM at the start of a card session.
  • Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) - The command or response format used to carry SIM instructions and data.

Who uses SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 is used by SIM vendors, mobile phone and modem manufacturers, GSM network operators, and test laboratories. It is also relevant to card personalization teams, quality managers, and compliance engineers who need to check that a SIM and a terminal can initialize, authenticate, read files, and run service procedures in the same way.

In practice, these users rely on the standard when they:

  • design SIM cards and card readers
  • implement terminal firmware for SIM access
  • personalize subscriber data and service tables
  • test authentication, file access, and SMS-related behavior
  • verify interoperability across different GSM implementations

What changed in SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 from the previous edition?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 deletes all Release 97 material from the R96 version and keeps only the material relating to the 1996 release of GSM 11.11. The document note also says that Release 97 material is available in the later release 6.x.y version of GSM 11.11.

Which standards are used with SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 is used together with several GSM and ISO references that supply the surrounding rules for the SIM environment.

  • GSM 01.02 - General description of a GSM Public Land Mobile Network
  • GSM 01.04 - Abbreviations and acronyms used in GSM documents
  • GSM 02.07 - Mobile Stations features, including display-related behavior
  • GSM 02.09 - Security aspects for GSM
  • GSM 02.11 - Service accessibility, including HPLMN search timing references
  • GSM 02.17 - Functional characteristics of Subscriber Identity Modules
  • GSM 02.24 - Description of Charge Advice Information
  • GSM 02.30 - Man-Machine Interface of the Mobile Station
  • GSM 03.20 - Authentication and ciphering algorithms
  • GSM 03.38 - Default 7-bit coded alphabet for text fields
  • GSM 03.40 - Short Message Service coding and TPDU structure
  • GSM 04.08 - Core GSM signaling and coded identity/location items
  • GSM 04.11 - SMS transport details used by SIM records
  • GSM 11.14 - SIM Application Toolkit procedures and data download behavior
  • ISO 7816-1, ISO 7816-2, and ISO/IEC 7816-3 - SIM physical format and electronic communication rules
  • GSM 09.91 - Backward-compatibility handling for DCS 1800 directory selection

What does the SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 document contain?

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 contains detailed tables for electrical characteristics, APDU coding, status words, file access conditions, and SIM file contents. It also includes figures for the logical file structure, the overall SIM file tree, and the Plug-in SIM layout in Annex A.

The document further provides step-by-step procedures for selecting files, reading and updating EFs, verifying CHVs, running GSM authentication, and handling SIM Application Toolkit exchanges. Annex C adds example FDN/BDN initialization and rehabilitation flows, which are useful when checking how the card behaves during startup and service restriction handling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996)". This standard covers: SUBJECT Deletion of all release 97 material from the R96 version

SUBJECT Deletion of all release 97 material from the R96 version

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.070.50 - Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST ETS 300 977 E5:2003 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
'LJLWDOQLFHOLþQLWHOHNRPXQLNDFLMVNLVLVWHP ID]D ±6SHFLILNDFLMDYPHVQLND
QDURþQLãNLLGHQWLILNDFLMVNLPRGXOPRELOQDRSUHPD 6,00(  *60UD]OLþLFD
L]GDMD
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); Specification of the
Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface (GSM 11.11 version
5.10.1 Release 1996)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ETS 300 977 Edition 5
ICS:
33.070.50 Globalni sistem za mobilno Global System for Mobile
telekomunikacijo (GSM) Communication (GSM)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN ETS 300 977
TELECOMMUNICATION December 1998
STANDARD Fifth Edition
Source: SMG Reference: RE/SMG-091111QR6
ICS: 33.020
Key words: Digital cellular telecommunications system, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)
R
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module -
Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface
(GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996)
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institute
ETSI Secretariat
Postal address: F-06921 Sophia Antipolis CEDEX - FRANCE
Office address: 650 Route des Lucioles - Sophia Antipolis - Valbonne - FRANCE
Internet: secretariat@etsi.fr -
http://www.etsi.fr - http://www.etsi.org
Tel.: +33 4 92 94 42 00 - Fax: +33 4 93 65 47 16
Copyright Notification:
No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission. The copyright and the
foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.
© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 1998. All rights reserved.

Page 2
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation and publication of this document, errors in content,
typographical or otherwise, may occur. If you have comments concerning its accuracy, please write to
"ETSI Standards Making Support Dept." at the address shown on the title page.

Page 3
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
Contents
Foreword .9
1 Scope . 11
2 Normative references . 11
3 Definitions, abbreviations and symbols. 13
3.1 Definitions. 13
3.2 Abbreviations. 14
3.3 Symbols. 15
4 Physical characteristics. 16
4.1 Format and layout. 16
4.1.1 ID-1 SIM . 16
4.1.2 Plug-in SIM. 16
4.2 Temperature range for card operation . 16
4.3 Contacts. 16
4.3.1 Provision of contacts . 16
4.3.2 Activation and deactivation. 17
4.3.3 Inactive contacts . 17
4.3.4 Contact pressure. 17
4.4 Precedence. 17
4.5 Static Protection . 17
5 Electronic signals and transmission protocols . 17
5.1 Supply voltage Vcc (contact C1). 18
5.2 Reset (RST) (contact C2). 18
5.3 Programming voltage Vpp (contact C6). 19
5.4 Clock CLK (contact C3). 19
5.5 I/O (contact C7). 19
5.6 States . 20
5.7 Baudrate . 20
5.8 Answer To Reset (ATR) . 20
5.8.1 Structure and contents. 20
5.8.2 PTS procedure. 22
5.8.3 Speed enhancement. 23
5.9 Bit/character duration and sampling time. 23
5.10 Error handling . 23
6 Logical Model . 24
6.1 General description. 24
6.2 File identifier. 24
6.3 Dedicated files. 25
6.4 Elementary files . 25
6.4.1 Transparent EF. 25
6.4.2 Linear fixed EF. 25
6.4.3 Cyclic EF. 26
6.5 Methods for selecting a file. 27
6.6 Reservation of file IDs . 28
7 Security features. 28
7.1 Authentication and cipher key generation procedure. 28
7.2 Algorithms and processes. 29
7.3 File access conditions. 29

Page 4
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
8 Description of the functions .30
8.1 SELECT.30
8.2 STATUS.31
8.3 READ BINARY.31
8.4 UPDATE BINARY.31
8.5 READ RECORD.31
8.6 UPDATE RECORD.32
8.7 SEEK.32
8.8 INCREASE .33
8.9 VERIFY CHV.33
8.10 CHANGE CHV .34
8.11 DISABLE CHV .34
8.12 ENABLE CHV .34
8.13 UNBLOCK CHV.35
8.14 INVALIDATE.35
8.15 REHABILITATE.35
8.16 RUN GSM ALGORITHM.36
8.17 SLEEP .36
8.18 TERMINAL PROFILE.36
8.19 ENVELOPE .36
8.20 FETCH.36
8.21 TERMINAL RESPONSE .36
9 Description of the commands .37
9.1 Mapping principles.37
9.2 Coding of the commands .39
9.2.1 SELECT .40
9.2.2 STATUS .43
9.2.3 READ BINARY.43
9.2.4 UPDATE BINARY.44
9.2.5 READ RECORD.44
9.2.6 UPDATE RECORD.44
9.2.7 SEEK .44
9.2.8 INCREASE .45
9.2.9 VERIFY CHV .45
9.2.10 CHANGE CHV.46
9.2.11 DISABLE CHV .46
9.2.12 ENABLE CHV.46
9.2.13 UNBLOCK CHV.46
9.2.14 INVALIDATE.47
9.2.15 REHABILITATE.47
9.2.16 RUN GSM ALGORITHM.47
9.2.17 SLEEP .47
9.2.18 GET RESPONSE.47
9.2.19 TERMINAL PROFILE .48
9.2.20 ENVELOPE .48
9.2.21 FETCH .48
9.2.22 TERMINAL RESPONSE .48
9.3 Definitions and coding.48
9.4 Status conditions returned by the card .50
9.4.1 Responses to commands which are correctly executed.50
9.4.2 Responses to commands which are postponed.50
9.4.3 Memory management.50
9.4.4 Referencing management.51
9.4.5 Security management .51
9.4.6 Application independent errors.51
9.4.7 Commands versus possible status responses.51
10 Contents of the Elementary Files (EF).52
10.1 Contents of the EFs at the MF level.53

Page 5
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
10.1.1 EF (ICC Identification) . 53
ICCID
10.2 DFs at the GSM application level. 53
10.3 Contents of files at the GSM application level. 54
10.3.1 EF (Language preference). 54
LP
10.3.2 EF (IMSI) . 54
IMSI
10.3.3 EF (Ciphering key Kc). 55
Kc
10.3.4 EF (PLMN selector) . 56
PLMNsel
10.3.5 EF (HPLMN search period). 56
HPLMN
10.3.6 EF (ACM maximum value) . 57
ACMmax
10.3.7 EF (SIM service table) . 58
SST
10.3.8 EF (Accumulated call meter). 60
ACM
10.3.9 EF (Group Identifier Level 1). 61
GID1
10.3.10 EF (Group Identifier Level 2). 61
GID2
10.3.11 EF (Service Provider Name) . 61
SPN
10.3.12 EF (Price per unit and currency table) . 62
PUCT
10.3.13 EF (Cell broadcast message identifier selection) . 63
CBMI
10.3.14 EF (Broadcast control channels). 63
BCCH
10.3.15 EF (Access control class) . 64
ACC
10.3.16 EF (Forbidden PLMNs). 64
FPLMN
10.3.17 EF (Location information). 65
LOCI
10.3.18 EF (Administrative data). 67
AD
10.3.19 EF (Phase identification). 68
Phase
10.3.20 EF (Voice Group Call Service) . 68
VGCS
10.3.21 EF (Voice Group Call Service Status). 69
VGCSS
10.3.22 EF (Voice Broadcast Service). 69
VBS
10.3.23 EF (Voice Broadcast Service Status) . 70
VBSS
10.3.24 EF (enhanced Multi Level Pre-emption and Priority) . 70
eMLPP
10.3.25 EF (Automatic Answer for eMLPP Service). 71
AAeM
10.3.26 EF (Cell Broadcast Message Identifier for Data Download) . 72
CBMID
10.3.27 EF (Emergency Call Codes). 73
ECC
10.3.28 EF (Cell broadcast message identifier range selection). 73
CBMIR
10.3.29 EF De-personalization Control Keys. 74
DCK
10.3.30 EF (Co-operative Network List). 74
CNL
10.3.31 EF (Network’s Indication of Alerting). 76
NIA
10.4 Contents of files at the telecom level. 77
10.4.1 EF (Abbreviated dialling numbers). 77
ADN
10.4.2 EF (Fixed dialling numbers). 80
FDN
10.4.3 EF (Short messages) . 80
SMS
10.4.4 EF (Capability configuration parameters). 81
CCP
10.4.5 EF (MSISDN). 82
MSISDN
10.4.6 EF (Short message service parameters). 82
SMSP
10.4.7 EF (SMS status). 84
SMSS
10.4.8 EF (Last number dialled) . 85
LND
10.4.9 EF (Service Dialling Numbers) . 85
SDN
10.4.10 EF (Extension1) . 86
EXT1
10.4.11 EF (Extension2) . 87
EXT2
10.4.12 EF (Extension3) . 88
EXT3
10.4.13 EF (Barred Dialling Numbers) . 88
BDN
10.4.14 EF (Extension4) . 89
EXT4
10.5 Files of GSM (figure 8). 89
11 Application protocol. 92
11.1 General procedures . 93
11.1.1 Reading an EF. 93
11.1.2 Updating an EF . 93
11.1.3 Increasing an EF. 94
11.2 SIM management procedures . 94
11.2.1 SIM initialization . 94
11.2.2 GSM session termination. 95
11.2.3 Emergency Call Codes . 96

Page 6
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
11.2.4 Language preference.96
11.2.5 Administrative information request;.96
11.2.6 SIM service table request .96
11.2.7 SIM phase request .96
11.2.8 SIM Presence Detection and Proactive Polling.96
11.3 CHV related procedures .96
11.3.1 CHV verification.97
11.3.2 CHV value substitution .97
11.3.3 CHV disabling.97
11.3.4 CHV enabling .97
11.3.5 CHV unblocking.98
11.4 GSM security related procedures.98
11.4.1 GSM algorithms computation.98
11.4.2 IMSI request.98
11.4.3 Access control request .98
11.4.4 HPLMN search period request.98
11.4.5 Location information.98
11.4.6 Cipher key .98
11.4.7 BCCH information.98
11.4.8 Forbidden PLMN .98
11.5 Subscription related procedures .99
11.5.1 Dialling numbers.99
11.5.2 Short messages. 101
11.5.3 Advice of Charge (AoC). 102
11.5.4 Capability configuration parameters . 102
11.5.5 PLMN selector . 102
11.5.6 Cell broadcast message identifier. 102
11.5.7 Group identifier level 1. 103
11.5.8 Group identifier level 2. 103
11.5.9 Service Provider Name . 103
11.5.10 Voice Group Call Services. 103
11.5.11 Voice Broadcast Services . 103
11.5.12 Enhanced Multi Level Pre-emption and Priority Service. 103
11.5.13 Cell Broadcast Message range identifier . 104
11.5.14 Depersonalisation Control Keys. 104
11.6 SIM Application Toolkit related procedures. 104
11.6.1 Initialization procedure . 104
11.6.2 Proactive polling. 104
11.6.3 Support of commands. 104
11.6.4 Support of response codes . 104
11.6.5 Command-response pairs . 104
11.6.6 Independence of normal GSM and SIM Application Toolkit tasks . 105
11.6.7 Use of BUSY status response . 105
11.6.8 Use of NULL procedure byte . 105
11.6.9 Using the TERMINAL PROFILE, ENVELOPE, and TERMINAL
RESPONSE commands. 105
11.6.10 Using the FETCH command. 105
11.6.11 Data Download via SMS-CB. 105
11.6.12 Data Download via SMS-PP. 106
11.6.13 Menu selection. 106
11.6.14 Call Control. 106
11.6.15 Proactive SIM . 106
Annex A (normative): Plug-in SIM. 107
Annex B (informative): Not used. 108
Annex C (informative): FDN/BDN Procedures. 109
Annex D (informative): Suggested contents of the EFs at pre-personalization. 115

Page 7
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
Annex E (Informative): SIM application Toolkit protocol diagrams. 116
Annex F (informative): Bibliography. 123
Annex G (informative): Change history. 124
History. 125

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ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
Blank page
Page 9
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
Foreword
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) has been produced by the Special Mobile Group
(SMG) of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
This ETS defines the interface between the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and the Mobile Equipment
(ME) for use during the network operation phase of GSM as well as those aspects of the internal
organization of the SIM which are related to the network operation phase, within the digital cellular
telecommunications system (Phase 2/Phase 2+).
The contents of this ETS is subject to continuing work within SMG and may change following formal SMG
approval. Should SMG modify the contents of this ETS, it will be resubmitted for OAP by ETSI with an
identifying change of release date and an increase in version number as follows:
Version 5.x.y
where:
5 Indicates GSM Phase 2+ Release 1996
x the second digit is incremented for all other types of changes, i.e. technical enhancements,
corrections, updates, etc.
y the third digit is incremented when editorial only changes have been incorporated in the
specification;
NOTE: The present document includes only material relating to the 1996 release of GSM
11.11. All release 1997 material can be found in the release 6.x.y of GSM 11.11.
Transposition dates
Date of adoption of this ETS: 11 December 1998
Date of latest announcement of this ETS (doa): 31 March 1999
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this ETS (dop/e): 30 September 1999
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 30 September 1999

Page 10
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
Blank page
Page 11
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
1 Scope
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) defines the interface between the Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM) and the Mobile Equipment (ME) for use during the network operation phase of GSM as well
as those aspects of the internal organization of the SIM which are related to the network operation phase.
This is to ensure interoperability between a SIM and an ME independently of the respective manufacturers
and operators. The concept of a split of the Mobile Station (MS) into these elements as well as the
distinction between the GSM network operation phase, which is also called GSM operations, and the
administrative management phase are described in the GSM 02.17 [6].
This ETS defines:
- the requirements for the physical characteristics of the SIM, the electrical signals and the
transmission protocols;
- the model which shall be used as a basis for the design of the logical structure of the SIM;
- the security features;
- the interface functions;
- the commands;
- the contents of the files required for the GSM application;
- the application protocol.
Unless otherwise stated, references to GSM also apply to DCS 1800.
This ETS does not specify any aspects related to the administrative management phase. Any internal
technical reallocation of either the SIM or the ME are only specified where these reflect over the interface.
This ETS does not specify any of the security algorithms which may be used.
This ETS defines the SIM/ME interface for GSM Phase 2. While all attempts have been made to maintain
phase compatibility, any issues that specifically relate to Phase 1 should be referenced from within the
relevant Phase 1 specification.
2 Normative references
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) incorporates, by dated or undated reference,
provisions from other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the
text and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications apply to this ETS only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
[1] GSM 01.02: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); General
description of a GSM Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)".
[2] GSM 01.04 (ETR 350): "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Abbreviations and acronyms".
[3] GSM 02.07 (ETS 300 906): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Mobile Stations (MS) features".
[4] GSM 02.09 (ETS 300 920): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Security aspects".
[5] GSM 02.11 (ETS 300 921): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Service accessibility".

Page 12
ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
[6] GSM 02.17 (ETS 300 922): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) Functional characteristics".
[7] GSM 02.24 (ETS 300 923): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Description of Charge Advice Information (CAI)".
[8] GSM 02.30 (ETS 300 907): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Man-Machine Interface (MMI) of the Mobile Station (MS)".
[9] GSM 02.86: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Advice of
charge (AoC) Supplementary Services - Stage 1".
[10] GSM 03.03 (ETS 300 927): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Numbering, addressing and identification".
[11] GSM 03.20 (ETS 300 929): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Security related network functions".
[12] GSM 03.38 (ETS 300 900): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Alphabets and language-specific information".
[13] GSM 03.40 (ETS 300 901): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Technical realization of the Short Message Service (SMS)
Point-to-Point (PP)".
[14] GSM 03.41 (ETS 300 902): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Technical realization of Short Message Service Cell Broadcast
(SMSCB)".
[15] GSM 04.08 (ETS 300 940): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification".
[16] GSM 04.11 (ETS 300 942): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Point-to-Point (PP) Short Message Service (SMS) support on
mobile radio interface".
[17] GSM 09.91 (ETR 174): "Digital cellular telecommunications system; Interworking
aspects of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME)
interface between Phase 1 and Phase 2".
[18] CCITT Recommendation E.118: "The international telecommunication charge
card".
[19] CCITT Recommendation E.164: "Numbering plan for the ISDN era".
[20] CCITT Recommendation T.50: "International Alphabet No. 5". (ISO 646: 1983,
Information processing - ISO 7-bits coded characters set for information
interchange).
[21] ISO/IEC 7810 (1995): "Identification cards - Physical characteristics".
[22] ISO/IEC 7811-1 (1995): "Identification cards - Recording technique - Part 1:
Embossing".
[23] ISO/IEC 7811-3 (1995): "Identification cards - Recording technique - Part 3:
Location of embossed characters on ID-1 cards".
[24] ISO 7816-1 (1987): "Identification cards - Integrated circuit(s) cards with
contacts, Part 1: Physical characteristics".

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ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
[25] ISO 7816-2 (1988): "Identification cards - Integrated circuit(s) cards with
contacts, Part 2: Dimensions and locations of the contacts".
[26] ISO/IEC 7816-3 (1989): "Identification cards - Integrated circuit(s) cards with
contacts, Part 3: Electronic signals and transmission protocols".
[27] GSM 11.14: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Specification of the SIM Application Toolkit for the Subscriber Identity Module -
Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface".
[28] GSM 11.12 (ETS 300 641): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2); Specification of the 3 Volt Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile
Equipment (SIM - ME) interface".
[29] GSM 02.22: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Personalization of GSM Mobile Equipment (ME) Mobile functionality
specification".
3 Definitions, abbreviations and symbols
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this ETS, the following definitions apply. For further information and definitions refer to
GSM 01.02 [1].
access conditions: A set of security attributes associated with a file.
application: An application consists of a set of security mechanisms, files, data and protocols (excluding
transmission protocols).
application protocol: The set of procedures required by the application.
card session: A link between the card and the external world starting with the ATR and ending with a
subsequent reset or a deactivation of the card.
current directory: The latest MF or DF selected.
current EF: The latest EF selected.
data field: Obsolete term for Elementary File.
Dedicated File (DF): A file containing access conditions and, optionally, Elementary Files (EFs) or other
Dedicated Files (DFs).
directory: General term for MF and DF.
Elementary File (EF): A file containing access conditions and data and no other files.
file: A directory or an organized set of bytes or records in the SIM.
file identifier: The 2 bytes which address a file in the SIM.
GSM or DCS 1800 application: Set of security mechanisms, files, data and protocols required by GSM
or DCS 1800.
GSM session: That part of the card session dedicated to the GSM operation.
IC card SIM: Obsolete term for ID-1 SIM.

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ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
ID-1 SIM: The SIM having the format of an ID-1 card (see ISO 7816-1 [24]).
Master File (MF): The unique mandatory file containing access conditions and optionally DFs and/or EFs.
normal GSM operation: Relating to general, CHV related, GSM security related and subscription related
procedures.
padding: One or more bits appended to a message in order to cause the message to contain the required
number of bits or bytes.
plug-in SIM: A Second format of SIM (specified in clause 4).
proactive SIM: A SIM which is capable of issuing commands to the ME. Part of SIM Application Toolkit
(see clause 11).
record: A string of bytes within an EF handled as a single entity (see clause 6).
record number: The number which identifies a record within an EF.
record pointer: The pointer which addresses one record in an EF.
root directory: Obsolete term for Master File.
SIM application toolkit procedures: Defined in GSM 11.14 [27].
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purpose of this ETS, the following abbreviations apply, in addition to those listed in GSM 01.04 [2]:
A3 Algorithm 3, authentication algorithm; used for authenticating the subscriber
A5 Algorithm 5, cipher algorithm; used for enciphering/deciphering data
A8 Algorithm 8, cipher key generator; used to generate K
c
A38 A single algorithm performing the functions of A3 and A8
ACM Accumulated Call Meter
ADN Abbreviated Dialling Number
ADM Access condition to an EF which is under the control of the authority which
creates this file
ALW ALWays
AoC Advice of Charge
APDU Application Protocol Data Unit
ATR Answer To Reset
BCCH Broadcast Control CHannel
BCD Binary Coded Decimal
BDN Barred Dialling Number
BTS Base Transmitter Station
CB Cell Broadcast
CBMI Cell Broadcast Message Identifier
CCITT The International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (now also
known as the ITU Telecommunications Standardization sector)
CCP Capability/Configuration Parameter
CHV Card Holder Verification information; access condition used by the SIM for the
verification of the identity of the user
CLA CLAss
CNL Co-operative Network List
DCK De-personalization Control Keys
DCS Digital Cellular System
DF Dedicated File (abbreviation formerly used for Data Field)
DTMF Dual Tone Multiple Frequency
ECC Emergency Call Code
EF Elementary File
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ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
eMLPP enhanced Multi-Level Precedence and Pre-emption Service
etu elementary time unit
FDN Fixed Dialling Number
GSM Global System for Mobile communications
HPLMN Home PLMN
IC Integrated Circuit
ICC Integrated Circuit(s) Card
ID IDentifier
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
ISO International Organization for Standardization
Kc Cryptographic key; used by the cipher A5
Ki Subscriber authentication key; the cryptographic key used by the authentication
algorithm, A3, and cipher key generator, A8
LAI Location Area Information; information indicating a cell or a set of cells
lgth The (specific) length of a data unit
LND Last Number Dialled
LSB Least Significant Bit
MCC Mobile Country Code
ME Mobile Equipment
MF Master File
MMI Man Machine Interface
MNC Mobile Network Code
MS Mobile Station
MSISDN Mobile Station international ISDN number
MSB Most Significant Bit
NET NETwork
NEV NEVer
NPI Numbering Plan Identifier
PIN/PIN2 Personal Identification Number / Personal Identification Number 2 (obsolete
terms for CHV1 and CHV2, respectively)
PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
PTS Protocol Type Select (response to the ATR)
PUK/PUK2 PIN Unblocking Key / PIN2 Unblocking Key (obsolete terms for UNBLOCK CHV1
and UNBLOCK CHV2, respectively)
RAND A RANDom challenge issued by the network
RFU Reserved for Future Use
SDN Service Dialling Number
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
SMS Short Message Service
SRES Signed RESponse calculated by a SIM
SSC Supplementary Service Control string
SW1/SW2 Status Word 1 / Status Word 2
TMSI Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity
TON Type Of Number
TP Transfer layer Protocol
TPDU Transfer Protocol Data Unit
TS Technical Specification
UNBLOCK CHV1/2 value to unblock CHV1/CHV2
VBS Voice Broadcast Service
VGCS Voice Group Call Service
VPLMN Visited PLMN
3.3 Symbols
Vcc Supply voltage
Vpp Programming voltage
'0' to '9' and 'A' to 'F' The sixteen hexadecimal digits

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ETS 300 977 (GSM 11.11 version 5.10.1 Release 1996): December 1998
4 Physical characteristics
Two physical types of SIM are specified. These are the "ID-1 SIM" and the "Plug-in SIM".
The physical characteristics of both types of SIM shall be in accordance with ISO 7816-1,2 [24, 25] unless
otherwise specified. The following additional requirements shall be applied to ensure proper operation in
the GSM environment.
4.1 Format and layout
The information on the exterior of either SIM should include at least the individual account identifier and the
check digit of the IC Card Identification (see clause 10, EF ).
ICCID
4.1.1 ID-1 SIM
Format and layout of the ID-1 SIM shall be in accordance with ISO 7816-1,2 [24, 25].
The card shall have a polarization mark (see GSM 02.07 [3]) which indicates how the user should insert
the card into the ME.
The ME shall accept embossed ID-1 cards. The embossing shall be in accordance with ISO/IEC 7811 [22,
23]. The contacts of the ID-1 SIM shall be located on the front (embossed face, see ISO/IEC 7810 [21])
of the card.
NOTE: Card warpage and tolerances are now specified for embossed cards in
ISO/IEC 7810 [21].
4.1.2 Plug-in SIM
The Plug-in SIM has a width of 25 mm, a height of 15 mm, a thickness the same as an ID-1 SIM and a
feature for orientation. See figure A.1 in normative annex A for details of the dimensions of the card and
the dimensions and location of the contacts.
Annexes A.1 and A.2 of ISO 7816-1 [24] do not apply to the Plug-in SIM.
Annex A of ISO 7816-2 [25] applies with the location of the reference points adapted to the smaller size.
The three reference points P1, P2 and P3 measure 7,5 mm, 3,3 mm and 20,8 mm, respectively, from 0.
The values in table A.1 of ISO 7816-2 [25
...