Axalto, the worldwide leader in microprocessor cards, today announced that it has been selected by Telefónica Móviles España to support its SIM-based service delivery strategy. Under the contract, Axalto supplies the operator with its Simsave and Simgo solutions as well as its high-end Java interoperable and dual-mode (GPRS/UMTS) 128 KB USIM cards, which Telefónica Móviles España is already providing to corporate customers.
Telefónica Móviles España is among the first operators in the world to deploy large memory (128 KB) SIM/ USIM cards, and an historical leader in the use and understanding of the SIM in value-added service deployment. The choice of Telefónica Móviles España to implement Simgo and Simsave solutions further underlines the crucial role of the SIM as the ideal platform for cost-effective rollout of enhanced interoperable applications, and the undisputed leadership of Axalto in the area.
The new USIM cards, that can be used in both GSM/UMTS handsets, provide Telefónica Móviles España customers with new advanced functions in their mobile phones
The Simgo application is a complete SIM-based value added service management solution that enables Telefónica to slash time-to-market and costs to meet its subscribers growing appetite for innovative and personalized services: with Simgo, Telefónica Móviles España can issue and update new services over-the-air using only one or two SMS (short message service), that is ten to twenty times less than the number previously needed for a typical applet download.
Simsave is the first SIM-based phonebook backup solution that enables subscribers to keep their SIM phonebook synchronized with their other electronic devices. The mobile phonebook is an essential source of personal contact information for many mobile users, but the loss or theft of a mobile means that the contact details and numbers stored on the phone disappear with it. However, with Simsave the user simply calls the customer care number or visits a retail outlet and the SIM phonebook can be fully restored on a new SIM card, independently of the previous and new handset brand.
“We have been extremely impressed with the performance of these applications during this initial pilot phase,” commented Carlos Melendo, Smart Cards & Handsets Director, Telefónica Móviles España. “The Simsave phonebook back-up solution and Simgo application from Axalto have proven to be extremely popular additions to our customer service portfolio, enabling us to provide additional support for our subscribers’’.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Telefonica Moviles España, which is a further demonstration of how Axalto is leading the field in developing and deploying efficient SIM solutions’’, said Philippe Vrignaud, Director Mobile Communications at Axalto. “These solutions enable Telefónica Móviles España to increase customer choice, enhance service across its network, and strengthen its market leadership. ”