Nokia Demos CDMA SIM Card

Nokia and Gemplus have made their first successful test of Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM or SIM card) technology in a CDMA handset for the North American wireless market.

R-UIM technology will allow North American wireless customers to roam between various CDMA coverage areas, as well as GSM coverage areas simply by transferring the R-UIM card from a CDMA phone to another CDMA phone or a GSM phone designed to operate in the desired region. Additionally, the R-UIM allows carriers to offer a greater range of services while reducing operating costs and increasing revenue through international roaming.

"R-UIM technology helps to bring a wide range of advantages to CDMA customers that are already enjoyed by the majority of the world's wireless phone users," said Adam Gould, chief technology officer of CDMA for Nokia. "R-UIM technology creates an environment where users can be free to choose the handset that they wish to use on any particular day or time of day, whether that means a trip to the beach, or a trip to the other side of the world."

"Nokia's endorsement of R-UIM technology is a bold and strong step for the North American wireless market, allowing CDMA operators in the United States and Canada to realize the international roaming benefits and operational efficiencies of R-UIM technology, which have long been noticed by other areas of the world," said Pura Font, North America director of business development for the telecommunications business unit at Gemplus. "Gemplus is proud to be involved in the successful test of R-UIM and is eager to watch the positive impact of smart card technology as it proliferates through the North American CDMA community."

Posted to the site on 6th December 2002