AUSTIN, Texas - Axalto (formerly Schlumberger Smart Cards & Terminals) announced today it has been selected by U.S. wireless telecommunications operator Dobson Cellular Systems as its prime supplier of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) smart cards. Axalto will provide Simera Java SIM cards with a Wireless Internet Browser (WIB) application to support Dobson's GSM conversion.
Dobson Cellular is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dobson Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DCEL).
"Axalto has been essential in helping Dobson Cellular plan for the logistics of bringing subscribers onto the new GSM network," said Tim Duffy, senior vice president and chief technical officer of Dobson Cellular. Dobson is currently overlaying its wireless networks with GSM/GPRS technology and plans to launch retail GSM/GPRS services next month.
The Simera SIM card provides a means for operators to offer next-generation services such as games, Internet banking, Web browsing, location-based services and customized news feeds to GSM customers, regardless of the type of handset used. Previously, applications were stored on individual handsets, and customers were limited in the type of applications they could enjoy, based on the capabilities of their handset.
Applications can now be stored on the SIM card and relevant content provided over-the-air to entire subscriber bases or specific sub-segments. This flexibility enables operators to modify content services to meet the changing needs and demands of their customer base, while saving customers the additional cost of frequent upgrades to their handsets.
"We are pleased to have been selected to provide our products and services to Dobson Cellular," stated Paul Beverly, president of Axalto Americas. "Axalto will continue to work alongside Dobson to make for a successful launch allowing Dobson to take full advantage of new value added applications and increased economies of scale available from GSM."
With more than 20 years of experience, Axalto is the world's largest supplier of microprocessor smart cards, with global personalization and manufacturing facilities. The company provides a complete range of services to support telecommunication operators in the design, development and deployment of their smart card programs.
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About Dobson Cellular Systems
Dobson Communications is a leading provider of wireless services to rural markets in the United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company operates wireless networks that cover a population of 11.1 million in 16 states. For additional information on the company and its operations, please visit its Web site at dobson.net.
About Axalto
Axalto, formerly known as Schlumberger Smart Cards & Terminals, is the world's leading provider of microprocessor cards (Gartner, 2003, Frost & Sullivan 2003) -- the key to digital networks -- and a major supplier of point-of-sale terminals. Its 4,500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries, with worldwide sales exceeding 2.6 billion smart cards to date. The company has more than 20 years of experience in smart card innovation and leads its industry in security technology and open systems.
Axalto continuously creates new generations of products for use in a variety of applications in the telecommunications, finance, retail, transport, entertainment, healthcare, personal identification, information technology and public sector markets. Smart card solutions provide convenience, security and privacy to public and private services operators, their customers and end users. For more information, visit us at axalto.com.
For further information, contact:
Jack Jania
Axalto
Director of Field Marketing NAM
MobileCom
Tel: +512 257 3928
jania@austin.sema.slb.com
© Press Release 2006
