Amsterdam, March 7, 2013 – Gemalto, (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, today announced that Canadian telecommunications carrier TELUS will use Gemalto’s UpTeq NFC SIM cards to enable consumers to securely store a variety of credentials on their SIM for use with their mobile phones. This fully compliant Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) technology will enable customers to make secure payments, participate in loyalty programs, validate their transit pass, and redeem coupons using the secure credentials stored on their SIM cards accessed by with TELUS smartphones equipped with tap-and-go Near-Field Communications (NFC) and LTE capabilities.

NFC technology makes life easier and more convenient for consumers around the world by making it simpler to make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch of their phone.

The UpTeq NFC SIM secures credit and other payment card credentials, offering the same security protection as chip payment. The embedded software on the UpTeq NFC SIM has achieved compliance assessment and security testing certification in accordance with AmEx, MasterCard and Visa’s highest requirements. Besides the NFC-compatibility, the SIM also has built-in LTE capacities which are fully compatible with existing networks.

“Gemalto’s UpTeq NFC SIM technologies comply with the most stringent global security requirements and they have a vast track-record in the successful roll-out of NFC projects across the world,” said Drazen Lalovic, vice-president of Market Planning at TELUS. “TELUS will be bringing mobile payment technology to customers very soon and we have teamed up with Gemalto to offer a secure and seamless experience to enable the storage of payment and non-payment credentials on TELUS SIM cards.” 

“Having migrated to EMV chip years ago, the Canadian market is naturally well positioned to offer NFC enabled credential solutions within its well-developed contactless ecosystem which boasts one of the greatest contractless-ready retail point of sale penetration rates globally,” said Sébastien Cano, senior vice-president of Telecommunications at Gemalto North America. “TELUS’ 7.7 million wireless customers will be among the first to enjoy the convenience of NFC services such as collecting loyalty points, redeeming coupons and accessing promotional offers with a simple wave of their NFC-enabled phone.”