Gemplus and Orange Launch Multimedia SIMs
128MB SIM brings multimedia into the user domain
Gemplus International and Orange today announced the world’s first commercial launch of multimedia SIMs for Orange customers.
As part of an ongoing relationship looking at what is best for the customer, Orange has teamed up with Gemplus to launch an innovative SIM solution for their customer's personal data.
This new multimedia SIM enables Orange subscribers to enjoy wireless multimedia services through the world first implementation of the SIM, offering:
- Huge memory capacity of 128MB for the storage and management of large multimedia content and operator support for the deployment of such content and services.
- High speed download protocol (similar to current broadband Internet speeds) which allow fast access to data stored in the card enabling the Orange mobile user to connect their mobile equipment (SIM + Handset) and manage their personal data from their PC
- Exclusive access to dedicated Orange content stored within the multimedia SIM.
- Existing SIM functions
Yves Maitre, VP Devices, Products, Technology and Innovation Orange Group, explained, We have always been a huge believer in the capabilities of the SIM and share Gemplus's vision for the SIM's future. High capacity storage, security and portability of personal data, coupled with decent content are where we will generate greater customer loyalty and an increase of the use of data services. Gemplus has had this vision and has been able to deploy it successfully and robustly. This makes them a great partner for this launch.
Eric Mora, Head of Cards, Products, Technology and Innovation, Orange Group, added This is a new way for us to deliver secure yet portable services and multimedia content to our customers. By working with Gemplus, we have been able to transform promising technology into a reality. This is just the beginning, but we see great potential in the multimedia SIM.
The commercial launch is set for November 2005 and is based on a SAGEM handset. Other Asian handset manufacturers are planning to follow suit in the beginning of 2006.
Gemplus announced the launch of its range of high capacity SIM cards earlier this year at the 3GSM World Congress in February. Philippe Vallée, Executive Vice President, Telecom Business Unit, Gemplus, commented Gemplus is pleased to have gone from what was a proof of concept to a commercial launch in the space of nine months, which is in no small part thanks to the support of Orange. We are very pleased with this collaboration in moving forward into a new era for the SIM bringing new benefits both for wireless operators and mobile users in the new multimedia age
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