T-Mobile to Experiment on Gemalto's SCWS

T-Mobile International has announced a partnership with SIM card vendor Gemalto for the development of prototypes of rich media applications based on Smart Card Web Server Technology (SCWS) in the SIM card.

Gemalto has already provided the mobile phone operator with its Multimedia Ready SIM card that includes the SCWS technology, which allows applications to run directly from the SIM card. Through this deal, T-Mobile International would be able to develop applications on any SCWS-compatible handset. At the same time, the carrier could widen the access to high-end services, while also offering a multimedia look and feel.

“SIM technology has evolved over time, and the use of SCWS enables us to offer the rich media applications and interfaces that are integral to current mobile services,” added Philippe Vallée, executive vice president of the Telecommunications Business Unit at Gemalto. “This evolution meets T-Mobile’s need to make high-end mobile applications more and more widespread and Gemalto is proud to support their strategy.”

“Our goal is to enhance the user experience of our customers by providing a broad range of terminal applications and handset customization. Gemalto provided a very innovative solution: using Smart Card Web Server technology to implement mobile applications in the SIM card.” commented Arnd Gallmann, senior vice president, Terminal Technology at T-Mobile International.

Gemalto, a world leading provider of digital security solutions, which is committed to providing solutions that have been designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable, also announced that it planned to demonstrate its innovation at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.

Back in November, Gemalto and LG Electronics announced that the new Smart Card Web Server (SCWS) technology had been included in the first commercial mobile phone, the LG Renoir, which was able to offer new openings for SIM-based application development.