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 Gemplus
operates SIM activation and browsing services for West Virginia Wireless.
Gemplus provides SIM-based solution from project
management and OTA activation to value-added services
- Turn-key solution allows delivery of mobile data
services to subscribers through SIM card
- The GSM network offers news, stocks, and weather
browsing services to West Virginia Wireless customers
- Gemplus contracted directly with content
providers to offer browsing services
Dallas, Texas - October 22, 2002 - Gemplus (NASDAQ:
GEMP), the world's leading provider of smart card-enabled solutions, today
announced the delivery of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards, OTA
(Over the Air) activation and browsing services for PC Management's launch
of West Virginia Wireless.
Gemplus' SIM-based turn-key solution enables West Virginia Wireless to
deliver mobile data services to subscribers through the secure SIM card.
The solution also allows for the easy and cost-effective download of new
applications and services directly onto the SIM card for efficient customer
relationship management. By providing and operating the entire end-to-end
solution - from design and project management to activation and value-added
services, Gemplus' Operation Center has eliminated the integration challenges
for PC Management, a premier wireless communications investment and management
firm.
The GSM network offers news, stocks, and weather browsing services to
West Virginia Wireless customers. For the first time in North America,
Gemplus contracted directly with various content providers to offer the
browsing services. The solution benefits West Virginia Wireless subscribers
by providing mobile data services from Reuters, Custom Weather, and Realtime
that are empowered and secured by SIM technology. In development since
May 2002, the project was completed and ready for launch in only three
months.
The Gemplus Operation Center provides OTA initialization of SIM cards
for the operator. OTA initialization allows for new services and applications
to be sent to the SIM cards and activated in GSM phones. With Gemplus
operated services, West Virginia Wireless is able to offer value-added
services to its customers without incurring the costs of an in-house service
bureau. The SIM card is the platform for the download, upload and deletion
of applications, all the while enabling the operator to maintain the primary
relationship with the subscriber.
"Today, one of the key factors in the wireless communications market
is the ability to offer services that create added value for the subscriber,
and make a significant contribution to gaining market edge," said
Linda Jensen, principal and executive vice president, PC Management. "Gemplus
helped us realize an exceptional range of offerings, and most importantly
was able to deploy very quickly. PC Management appreciates the strong
support and invaluable knowledge that Gemplus provided for the implementation
of SIM-based services for our GSM network launch in West Virginia."
"We are proud that PC Management entrusted us with each stage of
the West Virginia Wireless launch," said Mac McKinnon, vice president,
Telecom Business Unit North America, Gemplus. "We are committed to
providing end-to-end integration and full operations of SIM solutions,
making it easy for operators to experience the true benefits of SIM cards."
About PC Management
PC Management, founded in 1990, builds, operates, and manages cellular,
PCS and broadband wireless businesses in second and third tier markets.
The company brings together wireless licensees and investors, provides
management and operations expertise and resources, and selectively invests
in wireless communications ventures. http://www.pcmgt.com.
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
Kerry Butler
Tel: +1 215 390 2840
Email: kerry.butler@gemplus.com
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide
Alicia Jones
Tel: +1 323 202 1047
Email: alicia.jones@edelman.com
PC Management
Kim Caronchi
Tel: +1 941 335 1328
Email: kcaronchi@pcmgt.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.
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