SIM Card Reader Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a SIM?

A SIM, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module, is a small flat tamperproof computer module no bigger than a postage stamp. All GSM mobile phones have one, and it stores information.

When placed into a GSM mobile phone, the SIM is powered on. The phone can then communicate with the SIM to obtain various types of information stored. A SIM has two main purposes inside the mobile phone; to provide identity for the subscriber, and to provide authentication for the mobile phone with the GSM network it is connecting to.

The SIM can be easily removed from the mobile phone allowing the subscriber to change phones and still keep his/her favorite telephone numbers and received text messages.

 

What kind of information is stored on the SIM?

In addition to a unique identity number for the subscriber and secret key data for accessing the GSM network, the SIM can store other types of information including:

- personalized telephone numbers
- SMS text messages
- local GSM radio transmitter frequencies
- current location
- last few numbers dialed
- preferred networks to use abroad
- customer specific applications

A SIM has a typical memory size of between 16K and 64K, and can hold around 200 favorite telephone numbers and 20 text messages.

 

Is the reading process automatic?

Yes. Once the SIM has been inserted into the supplied reader, it will automatically read the information stored on the SIM.

 

How long does it take?

Once you have installed the software program provided it takes approx 1 minute to read the information required for the report.

 

Can it read inactive cards?

Yes, it can read the contents of any card regardless of the subscription status. As long as you have the card, you can read it, even if the subscription has been deactivated.

 

Can I still recover the data if the mobile has been damaged or if the battery is dead?

Yes. The SIM inside the mobile (the brain of the phone) is both shock and water-resistant.

 

 

 

What if the SIM is protected by a PIN code?

The reader will ask you for the PIN code if required, although most users never actually use a PIN.

Normally the SIM allows three attempts to guess the PIN before it will deny access to everyone.

Some network operators now allow subscribers to obtain their Pin Unblocking Code (PUK) via the web simply by entering the telephone number of their mobile thus bypassing the PIN protection completely allowing access to the information stored.

 

Why would anyone use the SIM Card reader?

The SIM Card Reader can be used by anyone who requires a hardcopy of the information stored in a mobile phone for example, Police, Security Services and Private Investigators.

1) Do you suspect your partner of cheating?. Confirm or quash your suspicions simply by using the SIM Card Reader to recover all recently deleted text messages.

2) Is your child being bullied at school? Mobile intimidation is on the increase.

3) Are your kids receiving adult content messages? It is a fact that pedophiles use the mobile phone network to communicate and 'groom' children into a meeting place.

4) Are your employees taking advantage of their Business phone? If you are paying the bill, you have the right to view its contents.

Whatever the reason may be the reader will forensically detect and retrieve deleted information quickly and effectively.

 

How many readings do I get?

The reader comes ready to go complete with three (3) SIM Readings per purchase. It will read ANY SIM on ANY network in ANY country provided the phone is GSM. GSM itself is now a world-wide standard.

 

Can I purchase additional licences?

Yes. You can purchase extra recharges/credits at any time by simply contacting us. Additional 'SIM reads' are available in purchases of three (3) at the discounted price.  The re-charge code will be emailed to you directly for immediate activation once your payment has been received.

 

How many deleted text messages will it recover?

Different SIM networks are capable of holding and storing more information than other SIM networks therefore expect to retrieve anywhere between 10-20 of the most recently deleted text messages per read. We can assure you our software will retrieve the maximum amount of messages for any SIM network.

 

What do I need to use the SIM Card Reader?

Your computer needs to be at least a Pentium 233 running Windows NT, 2000 or XP , with a CD drive to load the software and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port to attach the card reader.

A typical USB port looks like this.

Note the symbol which identifies a USB port. Nearly all desktops and notepads have USB ports.

 

 

What do I get with the Reader?

The SIM Card Reader consists of a standard USB Reader (USB connection) and the special software program CD, which also has the install drivers for the USB Reader.

 

 How easy is to use the SIM Card reader?

Absolutely. Simply install the software and plug in the USB Reader (with the SIM Card inserted). The program has been designed with simplicity of use and very easy to read reports. You can be retrieving deleted text messages within minutes. Clear instructions are included and we offer support via email/telephone.

 

How soon can I get the SIM Card Reader?

Immediately. We aim to dispatch under plain cover to any specified address within 24 hours. 

 

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