|
 Gemplus
builds on existing 3G experience in Europe
mobilkom austria selects Gemplus as their preferred
partner to supply their 3G USIM1 card solution for the implementation
of their first UMTS² Network.
Luxembourg, 17 October
2002, Gemplus, the world's leading provider of smart card-enabled
solutions announces its selection by mobilkom austria, the leading mobile
operator in Austria, to deliver USIM card technology from which to build
the Austrian 3G network.
The USIM card, GemXplore 3G, is compatible with both
GSM and UMTS networks. mobilkom austria is therefore able to integrate
a UMTS-compatible platform in their existing 2G environment, thus ensuring
a smooth migration to 3G.
Besides supplying USIM cards, Gemplus was also selected
to deliver the software development tool, GemXplore CASE for 3G. This
tool belongs to the most advanced range of software products for the development
and deployment of mobile services for third generation mobile networks.
Both products have already proved their abilities in international markets.
mobilkom austria chose Gemplus for its USIM card supply
as the company has already gained significant 3G experience in commercial
networks. Also, Gemplus showed great flexibility in responding to the
needs and wishes of the Austrian leader in innovation. "We selected
Gemplus for the launch of our 3G network because they are the leading
supplier who have already proven their technology in the field. They can
provide us with the highest level of support in all our development stages",
said Dipl. Ing . Dr. Werner Wiedermann, area manager, Service Development,
mobilkom austria.
Gemplus was involved in the implementation of the world's
first UMTS network with NTT DoCoMo in Japan as the only European supplier.
In Europe, Gemplus has a strong reference with Telenor in Norway in the
build-up of UMTS networks.
mobilkom austria is one six holders of an Austrian
license for UMTS and is currently conducting extensive tests with the
USIM technology based on GemXplore 3G USIM cards.
"Providing 3G technology to mobilkom austria
is great news for Gemplus within the European market place. We are looking
forward to working with them and supporting them from the launch of the
pilot to the commercial deployment of Austrian 3G networks, said Philippe
Vallee, President, Telecom Business Unit, Gemplus.
About GemXplore 3G
GemXplore 3G is a USIM card based on a new and flexible architecture,
the UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card). This enables the easy download
and upload of new applications, such as for EMV, loyalty, CDMA and GSM.
This will allow for the convergence of telecom and banking standards,
which in turn paves the way for secure mobile commerce. For the end-user,
the key benefits of UMTS are services based on multimedia, high-speed
data transfer, Digital Rights Management (DRM) and other future-proof
applications. It provides enhanced security for personal data stored on
the card and global roaming between other telecommunication standards.
About mobilkom austria
mobilkom austria was founded in 1996, and since then has remained
Telekom Austria Group's most successful venture. In the first half of
the year 2002, mobilkom austria group counted 4 million customers and
3518 employees - bringing in revenue of 906,9 million EUR. First half
of 2002 also saw a considerable EBITDA increase to 351,4 million EUR.
mobilkom austria has passed another milestone - Europe`s first national
UMTS network was launched on September 25, 2002.
About Gemplus
GEMPLUS: the world's leading provider of smart card solutions.
Gemplus helps its clients offer an exceptional range of portable, personalized
solutions that bring security and convenience to people's lives. These
include mobile internet access, inter-operable banking facilities, e-commerce
and a wealth of other applications.
Gemplus is the only completely dedicated, truly global player in the Smart
Card industry, with the largest R&D team, unrivalled experience, and
an outstanding track record of technological innovation.
In 2001, Gemplus was the worldwide smart card leader in both revenue
and total smart card shipments (source: Gartner-Dataquest, Frost and Sullivan)
. Gemplus was also awarded Frost and Sullivan's 2002 Market Value Award
for its exceptional performance.
Gemplus trades its shares on Euronext Paris S.A. First Market and on
the Nasdaq Stock Market(tm) as GEMP in the form of ADSs. Its revenue in
2001 was 1 billion Euros.
Gemplus: Beyond Smart
www.gemplus.com
For further information please contact:
Gemplus
Jane Strachey
Tel: +33 (0)4 42 36 46 61
Email:jane.strachey@gemplus.com
Edelman PR Agency
Aruna Sharma
Edelman PR
Tel +44 (020) 7344 1282
aruna.sharma@edelman.com
Sanjani Shah
Edelman PR
Tel +44 (020) 7344 1504
sanjani.shah@edelman.com
©2002 Gemplus All rights reserved. Gemplus
and the Gemplus logo are trademarks and service marks of Gemplus S.A.
and are registered in certain countries. All other trademarks and service
marks, whether registered or not in specific countries, are the property
of their respective owners. Java and Java Card are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
|
