On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the network launch (1996 – Paegas, Radiomobil), we took a look at how the SIM card has evolved in our network. Since 1996, Paegas/T-Mobile has released the incredible number of nearly 23 million SIM cards; cards bearing the Paegas logo are still in use by more than 200,000 customers.
The most commonly used type of SIM card is the Universal SIM card supporting LTE, which accounts for 85% of the base. Although these SIM cards have been available over the years in several versions and formats and with different chips, the common feature of these cards is that they either support LTE by default or this technology can be activated on the cards “over the air”, which makes them unique.
The infographic provided below and in the attachment shows how the different cards were introduced over time and what their unique features were at the time.
SIM card evolution in the Paegas/T-Mobile network
(Infographics see here: http://www.t-press.cz/cs/novinky/t-mobile-slavi-20-let-zavzpominate-s-nami-jak-se-vyvijela-sim.html):
2016- 2017 eSIM Gradual introduction of embedded SIM cards – eSIM cards.
2014 3-in-1 SIM cards All three sizes: mini (2FF), micro (3FF), nano (4FF) can be easily punched out
from one plastic holder.
2013 NFC SIM NFC SIM card for the pilot operation of the NFC payment service in cooperation
with ČSOB and Poštovní spořitelna.
2012 LTE-supporting SIMs The majority of old SIM cards were updated over the air.
nanoSIM On a thinner plastic holder.
2011 M2M Chip SIM Special modules with increased durability and service life fulfilling the function of
SIM cards are used as integrated electronic components (MFF format).
SIM cards supporting 1.8-volt operation Reduction of energy consumption (until 2011,SIM cards
supported 3- and 5-volt operation).
2010 T-Mobile TV Distribution of smart cards(Irdeto Pl-SYS type) for decoding satellite signal in satellite
receivers.
MicroSIM cards MicroSIM cards were cut from the standard-sized SIM card with special cutters.
2003 Universal SIM The new-generation SIM card – larger directory, SMS storage, universal use for
banking applications.
2002 Paegas/T-Mobile rebranding In addition to the visuals, the name of the network changed too.
2000 Profi SIM Possibility for customers to develop their own applications running on
the SIM card.
Paegas Locator Search for other SIM cards via the SIM toolkit menu, secured with PUK2 and LPIN.
1998 Paegas GSM Banking Mobile banking.
SIM Toolkit, Paegas info Introduction of SIM cards with the SIM toolkit menu – Paegas Info.
1997 The first “punch-out” mini SIM card
1996 The first year The first SIM card in the history of RadioMobil a.s. operating the Paegas network.