ICCID Number

The Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number or MSISDN is the telephone number to which calls and text messages are directed. It is an identifier assigned to each mobile subscriber in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. It plays a vital role in identifying the mobile subscriber and routing calls and messages to the correct device.

IMSI stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identity. It's a unique number associated with a cellular network's subscriber, stored on the SIM card, and used to identify them on the network. IMSI identifies the subscriber while ICCID identifies the SIM card.

The 32-digits long EID is inherited from the ICCID. The eUICC Identifier (EID) provides a unique global serial number for eUICC of the eSIM. To know more, refer to our wireless by design blog on eUICC.

The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) can be found on the physical SIM card itself, printed on the surface, typically as a 19-22 digit number. For devices using an eSIM, the ICCID number can be accessed via the device’s settings menu. On most smartphones, go to “Settings > About Phone > SIM Status” to retrieve the ICCID. This unique SIM card number lookup is crucial for identifying the specific SIM used in IoT deployments and cellular connectivity management.

While closely related, the ICCID is technically the full identifier of the SIM card, including details such as country code, issuer identifier, and the actual SIM card number. The SIM card number typically refers to the subscriber identification part (often the last few digits of the ICCID), but the ICCID encompasses the entire identification structure of the SIM card, making it essential for IoT applications requiring precise SIM card identification and SIM card tracking.

The ICCID number contains essential information about the SIM card's origin and specifications. It is a globally unique number that follows the ISO 7812 standard. The structure includes the Major Industry Identifier (MII), Issuer Identification Number (IIN), and the individual account identification. For instance, in India, the first few digits of the ICCID indicate the country and network operator, making it useful for identifying the SIM’s geographical origin, particularly important in IoT device localization.

Yes, the ICCID is unique to each SIM card and is permanently embedded during manufacturing. If a SIM card is replaced, the ICCID will change, even if it is for the same phone number. For IoT engineers, tracking the ICCID change is vital in maintaining accurate device and SIM card inventory, especially when managing large-scale IoT deployments, where each device's SIM card number must be tracked precisely.

The ICCID is a 19 to 22-digit numeric code formatted according to the ISO/IEC 7812 standard. It is structured as follows:
- MII (Major Industry Identifier): The first two digits, typically '89,' represent the telecom industry.
- IIN (Issuer Identification Number): The next 1-6 digits identify the country and mobile network operator.
- Individual Account Identification: The subsequent digits identify the SIM card holder, making the number unique.
- Check Digit: The final digit is a checksum used to validate the entire ICCID. This comprehensive format ensures each SIM card number is globally unique, making it critical for precise device identification in IoT applications.

While the ICCID itself doesn’t provide real-time tracking capabilities, it serves as a unique identifier for the SIM card within a network. In combination with other data, such as IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), network operators can track the SIM card’s activity and location. For IoT applications, maintaining accurate ICCID records ensures seamless device management, monitoring, and connectivity control, especially when dealing with thousands of devices in large-scale IoT deployments.