GSM SIM's Processes

Hello Everybody:

A happy, long and prosperous new year.

I need some help in understanding a number of things related to the workings of GSM.


1. What happens on a call recipients GSM phone when a call is placed to it? What are the various processes / events that take place on a phone and what is the related time line?

2. Why is it necessary to “prepare” a PICCARD2 (Silver card) before it can be used as a SIM card for a GSM terminal? What specifically is it that needs to be done to the PICCARD2 (software wise) to “prepare” it to be used as a GSM SIM?

3. What is the position of the GSM Association / GSM MoU with regards to the duplication / backup of SIM cards?

Thanks in advance for your responses.