This refers to a set of applications residing on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card within a mobile device. It enables the SIM to initiate actions that are not natively available on the phone itself. These actions can include displaying menus, sending SMS messages, or launching specific applications. A common example is the menu presented by a mobile operator allowing users to check their account balance or access other network services directly from the SIM.
The advantage lies in offering value-added services, independent of the device manufacturer or operating system. It provided an early platform for delivering interactive content and services directly to mobile users before the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile data. Furthermore, it can offer enhanced security features as the applications run within the secure environment of the SIM card, controlled by the mobile network operator.