Europe : Gemplus International announces its selection by Hutchison 3G Austria ("3"), the first purely mobile multimedia provider on the Austrian market, to deliver USIM card technology to support the operator's 3G launch.

Inset is Philippe Vallée, Executive Vice President Gemplus who is quoted below.

With two leading mobile operators committing to 3G in less than one year, Austria reinforces its technologically aggressive and innovative reputation in Europe, as the only European country with two 3G operational networks(3). Gemplus, a partner to both operators, strengthens its foothold and leadership in the Austrian market.

"Gemplus was the obvious choice for the supply of our 3G USIM cards because of its international outreach and significant experience in an emerging field, not least within other global markets of 3," said Berthold Thoma, CEO Hutchison 3G Austria.

Gemplus' USIM technology, GemXplore 3G, enables fast and easy download of advanced data applications with increased data speeds of up to 384 kbps. End-users benefit from a flexible platform for data services, such as for EMV, loyalty, CDMA, and GSM, all within an enhanced secure environment.

"The Austrian market is proving once again that it is ahead of the game when it comes to advances in technology. It is the only European country to have two 3G networks and Gemplus is delighted to be involved in both," said Philippe Vallée, Executive Vice President Telecom Business Unit, Gemplus.

Besides supplying USIM cards, Gemplus has also been to deliver the software development tool, GemXplore CASE for 3G. This tool belongs to the most advanced range of software products for the development and deployment of mobile services for third generation mobile networks.