Using 5G may require changing SIM cards, causing controversy: Industry chain insiders say it is mainly for vertical industries

You can activate 5G services without changing your SIM card or number.

This is the strategy that the three major operators have adopted since the 3G era, and it has become the default option for consumers.

But today, the topic of "5G may require a new SIM card" has become a hot search on Weibo. The source of this topic is the newly released "China Telecom 5G SA Security Enhanced SIM Card White Paper".

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After consulting the white paper, I found that there is indeed such a statement: At present, users access the 5G network by using the 4G cards issued by operators. The existing 4G cards lack the new functions and newly added card files and services defined in the 5G standard. User identity data is transmitted in plain text during communication, and the location information is not accurate enough, which can no longer meet the information and security requirements of the 5G network; the single authentication mode cannot adapt to the needs of operators to develop third-party business applications. In addition, with the in-depth expansion of 5G industry applications, the NATIVE card architecture cannot cope well with the requirements of various business developments, and users cannot enjoy the new experience and business services brought by the 5G network.

According to the 5G development strategy and the characteristics of the 5G network, a new 5G SA security enhanced SIM card (referred to as "5G card") is needed as an identity recognition module for accessing the 5G network and a supporting carrier for loading various 5G industry applications. The 5G card realizes new functions and features including user identity privacy protection and GBA third-party application authentication, provides security protection for user data and business applications, and will help operators develop third-party mobile application services.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this kind of statement that it has attracted widespread attention from consumers.

However, some industry insiders pointed out that the three major operators, including China Telecom, have developed more than 50 million users, and a considerable proportion of them have not changed their SIM cards. They only need to change to 5G mobile phones to use 5G services in areas covered by 5G signals. The 5G SA security-enhanced SIM card released this time is mainly aimed at industry application scenarios with higher security enhancement requirements, such as smart transportation, smart medical care and other fields.

As we all know, the key to the success or failure of operators' 5G lies in the 2B market, and the 5G SA standard is a prerequisite for meeting the characteristics of low latency and large connections in 2B scenarios. China Telecom has always adhered to the 5G SA direction. Li Zhengmao, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and general manager of China Telecom Group Co., Ltd., pointed out that China Telecom strives to build 300,000 5G base stations this year, covering all cities above the prefecture level in the country, and plans to realize the global first commercial use of 5G independent networking.