Today, the telecommunication market is the largest in the microprocessor card market with approximately 70% of the worldwide sales volumes and revenues. Microprocessor cards, in the form of SIM Subscriber ID Module, are included in all mobile telephony using a GSM network and in a growing number of handsets for other networks (TDMA, PDA and CDMA). The SIM card is about the size of a postage stamp, with embedded circuitry on one side of its surface, which when inserted into a GSM cell phone provides cell phone service on a particular GSM network. Its main function is identifying the user on the operator’s network, so that the latter can authorize the customer to use their phone and bill them accordingly.

The personalization of GSM/SIM cards requires high capacity chip card personalization systems and quality printing technology. The NBS personalization module uses a range of couplers known in the industry for their performance and reliability. The NBS systems are the most compatible tools in the personalization industry, designed to fit in any service bureau or personalization facility or environment . The introduction of 3G and the switch to e-commerce and value-added services (VAS) via mobile Internet is expected to continue its strong growth.