01 December, 2004: The ETSI Plugtests Service, in cooperation with the SIMalliance have just completed a successful event, focusing on SIM-Mobile interoperability and the introduction of the new SIMalliance quality label scheme, which will shortly allow manufacturers to follow a new certification process using specified test suites and tools, including the 3GPP SIM Toolkit (TS 11.10-4) R99 Test specification.

From the 22nd to the 25th November, 51 engineers from 21 companies shared experiences on SIM / Handset interoperability issues. Each manufacturer (card, handset and test tool) came with samples of their most enhanced equipment, allowing state-of-the-art configurations to be tested for a first level against some key SIM related features, such as 3G phone book support, high speed communication protocols (T=0/T=1) and key (U)SIM Toolkit commands amongst others.

The SIMalliance label scheme was introduced to participants during a workshop session. Their new 3-level (Silver, Gold and Platinum) quality Label for commercial Handsets based on a list of over 250 specified criteria, was unveiled by SIM-Handset Interoperability Work Group.

Eric laffont, Chairman of this Work Group said: "SIMalliance fills the gap between Standards and field implementation. Indeed, our Work Group strengthens SIM card role and delivers a common vision to Mobile Industry regarding SIM-handset Interface. First feedbacks from the Handset Industry were extremely positive. Soon, we will publish on our web site the list of labelled handsets."