ICA bats for soft SIM to help user make call using any network

Mobile industry body ICA has written to IT and Telecom department to allow use of soft SIMs in wireless devices that will enable users to make calls using any network, especially in emergency situation and also do away the need of buying physical SIM.
"The concept is essentially to ensure that Panic or SOS calls and digital payments go through even if the incumbent mobile operator is not available i.E. Even if one out of ten networks is available, these panic or SOS calls and digital payments would go through...
There is a soft SIM in a mobile device with the capability to host multiple IMSI profiles and an Over the Air capability to update these IMSI profiles," Indian Cellular Association National President Pankaj Mohindroo said in a letter to Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Departmemt of Telecom.

He said that the usage of soft SIM can be expanded beyond just making emergency calls to general use that will democratise mobile telephony.
The IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) profile carries some technical information about the subscriber, network and device that basically allow or deny a SIM from connecting with a telecom network.
In the letter dated December 29, 2016, Mohindroo said the IMSI profile can be updated over the air based on user choice or optimal network set-up remotely.

The letter said that when the backend has access to the IMSI profile data bank from multiple telcos, and then based on a business logic, it can then be remotely updated to the IMSI profile on the device SIM card.

He said that based on soft SIM, a mobile application can be developed that will enable users to check the best network for data upload which can only be done if it has access to the network from all telcom operators in the region and latch on to a network with good data speed and signal strength.
The app can also check for the best network based on the tariff for voice, data and roaming.
"Simultaneously, we will ensure that panic or SOS calls and the digital payment architecture is strengthened manifold. The chances of panic or SOS calls and digital payment not going through reduce by more than 90 per cent," Mohindroo said.