Gemplus, the world's leading provider of smart card solutions for mobile telephony, announced the implementation of its USIM card in the introductory launch of FOMA. Gemplus will be one of the suppliers supporting NTT DoCoMo during the initial phase of the project and in the subsequent commercial launch, scheduled for October.
The introductory service is based in Tokyo with a selected customer base of 4000.
Gemplus has been working with NTT DoCoMo since 1997, and this recent innovation has been possible thanks to two years of close and intensive collaboration between the two companies. Gemplus has dedicated a unique level of resources to support NTT DoCoMo in the specification and design process of the first compatible 3GPP USIM card for mass distribution.
The FOMA Card, inserted in all FOMA handsets, will become the key element to connect and authenticate users with the network. On top of insuring a mutual authentication between the network and the end-user, the card supports extra security features, designed and specified by NTT DoCoMo, bringing added value to the existing advanced security of 3G systems. The USIM card will prove itself as the platform of choice for the security of future mobile services.
NTT DoCoMo is leading the way in Japan with the introduction of their 3G service and the presence of the USIM card in all NTT DoCoMo FOMA handsets represents the beginning of a major revolution for the wireless industry in Japan. In supplying these cards, Gemplus is establishing its position as a leader in emerging technologies. It is building on its unique sum of expertise and experience to offer support and advice to newcomers in W-CDMA*.
"Gemplus, the only European player involved in this project, has brought its considerable expertise to NTT DoCoMo and the FOMA project. This collaboration has been fruitful for both companies and it reinforces Gemplus' position as a leader in the migration to 3G," says Antonio Perez, CEO, Gemplus.
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