Korean CDMA operator KT Freetel is first to adopt GemCombiXplore for e-purse, debit/credit, loyalty and contactless mobile payment applications.
- GemCombiXplore is a Combi Card in the same format as a SIM card for GSM, CDMA or 3G networks
- GemCombiXplore card communicates with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) antenna built into the handset
- Enables opportunities for new e-purse, debit/credit and loyalty applications with contactless mobile payment, e.g. for transport and ticketing
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.
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.
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