Verizon Wireless, a leading mobile phone carrier that already started to make a move into the fourth generation (4G) networks, has announced today that Gemalto, the worldwide leader in digital security, has been selected to offer an over-the-air (OTA) platform and LTE Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) for the Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile network the carrier will deploy.

In addition, the joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone also announced that the platform and circuit card were expected to allow it to provide a secure and reliable multimedia data connection, as well as global roaming, while also being able to remotely add new UICC card applications and services to the upcoming 4G LTE wireless broadband network.

Gemalto's OTA platform will also help the wireless carrier manage LTE devices on its 4G network, and the company's UICC, a new innovative microprocessor smart card, has also contributed to making the choice. The UICC will be included in mobile devices so as to manage subscriber information exchange (including the transfer of contacts and preferences from one device to another) and it is also meant to deliver secure access to Verizon Wireless’ LTE network.

“As we build the global LTE ecosystem, we are bringing in partners who are best in their class and who have demonstrated the ability to bring products to market quickly. Gemalto fits the bill for its OTA platform and its UICC,” stated Kyle Malady, vice president of product development for Verizon Wireless. The company is enhancing the 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment, so as to be able to roll out a high-quality wireless broadband network meant to offer great coverage.

Philippe Vallée, executive vice president of telecommunications for Gemalto, said, “We are very pleased Verizon Wireless chose us as a technology partner in the LTE OTA and UICC implementation, a significant industry milestone in the migration to all IP networks.”