EXISTING PRODUCT
Since the origin of Mobile phones, the only thing that has not developed much in mobile phones is the SIM card i.e. Subscriber Identity Module Card. It is a device which contains user identity, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists and text messages. Functionality of the SIM card:
• Identification of a User: The International Mobile Subscriber Identity programmed on the SIM card, is the identity of a user, which is linked to a mobile number.
• Authentication of a User: A unique response is provided by each user based on International Mobile Subscriber Identity. By matching this response with network a legal user is logged on to the network and he or she can now use the services of the mobile service provider.
• Applications: Provides basic information on demand for m-commerce, chatting, cell broadcast, phonebook backup, location based services etc.
• Storage: To store phone numbers and SMS.
The first SIM cards were the size of credit cards, then the telecom companies reduced the size several times over the years.
SIM Card History
However, they have not made any significant efforts to avoid it, which is resulting in increased size as well as weight of mobile phones. And it can be clearly seen that, the size of integrated circuit in SIM card is still the same even after 25 years of its discovery.
Environmental Impacts because of product use and end of life phases were evaluated as follows:
Previously, the SIM cards were made from Polyvinyl Chloride, but after awareness of the environmental impacts they were made using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polyethylene Terephthalate. Besides Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene Terephthalate and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a semiconductor is required in the SIM card which acts as integrated circuit and does all the functions.
SIM Card Life Cycle
There are 7 billion mobile phone subscriptions in the world, hence there are 7 billion SIM Cards in the world. Each SIM card come with a Credit card sized adapter packed in a plastic-coated paper for better aesthetics, so it means trash worth 7 billion cards and its packaging. That causes big impact on environment. Behind use of those 7 billion SIM cards, there are hidden processes such as manufacturing, packaging, transportation, distribution and then consumption which consumes energy and generates carbon footprints. And even end of life of product i.e. recycling consumes energy, that is why we need to rethink about 3 R’s. i.e. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Materials like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polyethylene Terephthalate lose their properties after recycling multiple times and virgin materials are expensive and limited in supply, so we need to think about reuse. But, we cannot reuse the same SIM card again since it contains personal data of previous user. Hence the only option remaining is reduce. But since the SIM card is most essential thing in mobile phone we need to find an alternative solution.
PROPOSED PRODUCT SERVICE SYSTEM
The alternative to the actual SIM card is Virtual SIM. It functions the way actual SIM does. One can purchase it online or directly from network service provider shop. Register yourself with your documents and fingerprints for getting the IT credentials. Then recharge your account, log in from any phone and you are ready to use it.
The reason why SIM card hasn’t been replaced yet might be because of security issues. Hence, I have tried to resolve those issues. The Virtual SIM uses technology of Internet login, where, login is protected by 128-bit encryption code. Hence, the safety of personal details is assured. The Virtual SIM stores personal security data on cloud space. And user can store not only his or her contacts but also messages on cloud space that is provided with each SIM card. Additional internet security, antivirus and spyware protection is also provided. With normal SIM card one receives One Time Password for login to banking or social networking sites. With virtual SIM, you can use fingerprint scanner in your phone for confirmation along with One Time Password for extra security. Hence, the security issue is troubleshooted.
The virtual SIM after login will generate unique response and mobile network provider will recognise the user, subsequently user will get connected to network and then user can make calls or send texts. The network receiver and transmitter will still be there in mobile phone. Just SIM card slot, reader and processor will be removed. Hence, there will be more availability of space which can be utilised for increasing battery size resulting enhanced battery back-up or for reducing the mobile size.
Advantages of Virtual SIM:
• Can be used in any mobile phone without the tedious process of SIM removal
• Multiple SIM logins can be done in a single phone at the same time
• No manufacturing, transportation, distribution, consumption and hence recycling is not required, hence more sustainable system
• Safe and secure to use
As there is no pre-determined product commitment involved but there is an agreement upon the outcome of the product service system, it falls under the Result Oriented category. The network provider and the customers have agreed upon the network service but how that should be delivered is up to the provider.
Functional Result: The provider agrees with the client the delivery of a result. The provider is, in principle, completely free as to how to deliver the result. E.g. companies who promise farmers a maximum harvest loss rather than selling pesticides.
...(download the rest of the essay above)