What is a SIM?

A SIM, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module, is a small flat tamperproof computer module. All GSM mobile phones have one, and it stores information.

A SIM comes in two sizes: mini-SIM (left) is the most popular size , no bigger than a postage stamp. Older phones take a full size SIM; the size of a credit card.

When inserted into a GSM mobile phone, the SIM is powered on. The phone can then communicate with the SIM to obtain various types of information stored.

A SIM has two main purposes inside the mobile phone; to provide identity for the subscriber, and to provide authentication for the mobile phone with the GSM network it is connecting to.

The SIM can be easily removed from the mobile phone allowing the subscriber to change phones and still keep his/her favourite telephone numbers and received text messages.

What kind of information is stored on the SIM?

In addition to a unique identity number for the subscriber and secret key data for accessing the GSM network, the SIM can store other types of information, including:

- personalised (favourite) telephone numbers
- text messages (also known as SMS messages)
- local GSM radio transmitter frequencies
- current location
- last few numbers dialled
- preferred networks to use abroad
- customer specific applications (e.g. news headlines, lottery, share prices)

A SIM has a typical memory size of between 16K and  64K, and can hold around 200 favourite telephone numbers and 20 text messages.

Is the reading process automatic?

Yes. Once the SIM has been removed from the phone and inserted into the supplied reader, SIMdetective will automatically read the information stored on the SIM. [note]

How long does it take?

It takes moments to remove the SIM from the phone and place it into the reader, then around 60 seconds for SIMdetective to read the information required for the report. [note]

Can I still access the data if the mobile is damaged/broken, or if the battery is dead?

Usually yes, because the SIM inside the mobile (where information is stored) is both shock and water-resistant. The SIM can use any power source to operate, not just that provided by the mobile. SIMdetective has its own power source for the SIM inside its reader.

What if the SIM is protected by a PIN code?

SIMdetective will ask you for the PIN code if required, although most mobile phone users never actually use a PIN. The SIM allows three attempts to guess the PIN before it will deny access to everyone. SIM Detective will warn you if you have only one attempt left.

If the PIN code is not known, the police and security services will usually be able to get a PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) for that SIM from the network provider. This special key bypasses the PIN protection completely allowing access to the information stored.

Some network operators now allow subscribers to obtain their PUK code via the web simply by entering the telephone number of their mobile.

How does SIMdetective work?

SIMdetective understands the communication protocol required to talk to the SIM inside the mobile phone, and knows where all the information is stored. It mimics the operation of the phone and systematically retrieves various types of information then compiles a detailed, but concise report for the user.

This report can be viewed on the screen or printed out as required.

Can I purchase multiple licences?

Yes. Please contact us detailing your order requirement.

Quantaq offers a special discount for any single purchase of  5 licences or more.

What do I need to use SIMdetective?

Your computer needs to be at least a Pentium 233 running Windows NT, 2000 or XP, with a CD drive to load the software and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port to attach the card reader.

A typical USB port looks like this:

Note the symbol which identifies a USB port. Most desktop computers have two ports located at the back of the machine. Increasingly, desktop computer now have two ports at the front as well. Notebook computers tend to have at least one USB port, located either at the side or the back.

If your computer does not have any USB ports, don't worry. You can specify a serial port reader instead when you order.

What do I get with SIMdetective?

In addition to the software application itself supplied on CD, SIM Detective comes complete with a smart card reader (USB connection) and a converter to convert mini-SIM size to credit card size.

The SIM once removed from the mobile phone is simply inserted into the converter and snaps into place. The converter is then inserted into the card reader, ready for use by SIMdetective.

Who will use SIMdetective?

Anyone who requires a hardcopy of the information stored in a mobile phone.

For example, the police, security services and private investigators.

Can SIMdetective be used with any mobile phone and in any country?

Yes, provided the phone is a GSM phone. GSM itself is now a world-wide standard, and all GSM phones contain a SIM.

The design of the SIM is always the same, regardless of country or even mobile phone manufacturer. SIMdetective will tell you which network provider issued the SIM and the country they operate in.

SIMdetective also knows all the international dialling codes (for example, Colombia is "+57") and can be configured with national area codes if required (UK national area codes are provided as standard).

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