Luxembourg, 6 February 2003 -Gemplus
(Euronext: Sicovam 5768 and NASDAQ: GEMP), the world’s leading provider of smart
card-enabled solutions, announces the launch of GemCombiXplore, the world’s
first contactless Combi Card designed for mobile handsets. GemCombiXplore works
in handsets with an embedded RFID antenna and drives combined applications,
meaning that users can top-up their e-purse, purchase tickets over-the-air and
pay tolls using their cell phone and a contactless interface.
Gemplus designed GemCombiXplore in conjunction with Smart Card Laboratory, a
strategic Gemplus applications development partner. GemCombiXplore is available
globally and pilots are being tested with operators throughout Europe.
KT Freetel blazing the trail
Korean CDMA operator KTF is deploying GemCombiXplore cards to its customers,
offering e-purse, debit/credit and loyalty applications as part of a new service
package. KTF is working with a local bank and transit operators to offer GemCombiXplore
users mobile payment applications for transport, ticketing and e-purse. Telecommunications
operator and card issuer are currently awaiting approval from Korean Transport
Authorities to take advantage of e-ticketing.
Mobile tickets, please
In Korea, transport operators are already using contactless smart cards and
readers to replace conventional paper tickets. GemCombiXplore users use their
cell phones as tickets, passing through electronic turnstiles equipped with
contactless smart card readers.
Security for contactless mobile payment
“GemCombiXplore means secure contactless mobile payment. We are now working
with operators, banks and other organizations to deliver a new range of combined
applications that have not been possible until now. With our partners, we are
now delivering the smart mobile services that have been promised to consumers
for so long,” states Alex Mandl, CEO, Gemplus.
Gemplus will be showcasing GemCombiXplore at the 3GSM
Congress, Cannes, France, 18-21 February 2003.
Editor’s notes
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) incorporates the use of electromagnetic
or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum to uniquely identify an object. RFID is increasingly used in industry
as an alternative to bar code technology and also does not require direct contact
or line-of-sight scanning.
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 revenues and total
smart card shipments (source: Gartner-Dataquest and Frost & Sullivan). Gemplus
was also awarded Frost & 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 as GEMP in the form of ADSs. Its revenue in 2001 was 1 billion
Euros.
Gemplus: Beyond Smart
www.gemplus.com
For more information, please contact
Aruna Sharma / Vanessa Clarke
Edelman PR Worldwide
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7344 1282 / +44 (0) 20 7344 1349
Email: aruna.sharma@edelman.com
/ Vanessa.clarke@edelman.com
Marta Bordonada
Gemplus
Tel: +33 (0) 4 42 36 41 79
Email: marta.bordonada@gemplus.com
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