Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Gemplus (Nasdaq: GEMP), the world’s leading provider of smart card-enabled solutions, today announced the first successful test of Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) technology in a CDMA handset for the North American wireless market.  R-UIM technology offers benefits such as having one phone number for easy international roaming, a new range of operator services and the ability to own multiple handsets.  

A pioneer in bringing smart cards to CDMA networks around the world from China to Latin America, Gemplus is working closely with Nokia to test products that would allow North American CDMA operators to realize the benefits of R-UIM through Gemplus’ successful GemXplore World R-UIM technology.  R-UIM technology will allow North American wireless customers to roam between various CDMA coverage areas, as well as GSM coverage areas simply by transferring the R-UIM card from a CDMA phone to another CDMA phone or a GSM phone designed to operate in the desired region.  Additionally, the R-UIM allows carriers to offer a greater range of services while reducing operating costs and increasing revenue through international roaming.  

“R-UIM technology helps to bring a wide range of advantages to CDMA customers that are already enjoyed by the majority of the world’s wireless phone users,” said Adam Gould, chief technology officer of CDMA for Nokia. “R-UIM technology creates an environment where users can be free to choose the handset that they wish to use on any particular day or time of day, whether that means a trip to the beach, or a trip to the other side of the world.”  

“Nokia’s endorsement of R-UIM technology is a bold and strong step for the North American wireless market, allowing CDMA operators in the United States and Canada to realize the international roaming benefits and operational efficiencies of R-UIM technology, which have long been noticed by other areas of the world,” said Pura Font, North America director of business development for the telecommunications business unit at Gemplus.  “Gemplus is proud to be involved in the successful test of R-UIM and is eager to watch the positive impact of smart card technology as it proliferates through the North American CDMA community.”  

A live demonstration showing the use of GemXplore World R-UIM will be made at Gemplus’ booth 421 at 2002 CDMA Americas Congress from December 3-5 in San Diego, CA.  Additionally, Gemplus’ Pura Font will discuss this topic as part of a panel presentation “Capitalizing on Domestic and International Roaming Solution Safeguards” at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th.

About Nokia  

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications.  Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks.  By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people.  Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

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

Gemplus, the Gemplus logo and GemXplore 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. 

SOURCE Gemplus; Nokia
 
CONTACT: Keith Nowak of Nokia, +1-972-894-6182 or Email, [email protected]; Kerry Butler of Gemplus, +1-215-390-2840 or Email, [email protected]; or Alicia Jones of Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, +1-323-202-1047 or Email, [email protected], for Gemplus
 
URL: http://www.prnewswire.com

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