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Nokia Partners with Islacom and Gemplus to Introduce the First Integrated Wireless Payphones in the Philippines
August 21, 1997
Nokia partners with Islacom and Gemplus to introduce the first integrated wireless smart card payphones in the Philippines. Signed on 4 July 1997, this joint agreement marks the first use of cellular technology for payphones in the Philippines. The pilot will effectively take place in October.
"The Nokia wireless payphone was designed to make installation simple for mobile locations. Nokia wireless payphones' compact design, large graphical display, handsfree functionality and simple operations are key features which account for its successful launch and acceptance by more than 20 customers worldwide for commercial as well as test use. Nokia payphones not only allow for public installations in new applications, payphones services can also be customised to meet varying operator needs." said Martin Fernandez, General Manager, Nokia Mobile Phones, Philippines.
"In line with our mission to bring state-of-the-art and consumer-oriented telecommunications services to the country, Islacom is proud to introduce the Nokia Wireless Payphone in the Philippines. Utilizing our existing GSM network, this payphone technology allows us to extend service to the larger public in remote or transient applications. We support this innovative product, as we remain committed to uplifting the standards of telecommunications in the country", according to Renato B. Garcia, Vice President for Mobile of Islacom.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr Chou Fang Soong, General Manager for Gemplus Technologies Asia, said, "This is a very strategic partnership for Gemplus as it allows us to support the fast-growing payphone industry in the Philippines. Through this innovative initiative, we look forward to working closely with Islacom and Nokia in meeting this growth needs".
The Nokia wireless payphone provides a standard, easy-to-use payphone interface, large graphical display, handsfree functionality and modern design and is currently the smallest in the market. It makes use of prepaid smartchip cards which employs the latest technology and security for electronic card payments. In addition, it is easy and cost effective to implement because it operates using cellular network services.
The new Nokia wireless payphones will be deployed in strategic locations in the Visayas area including selected ferry boats and rural population centers, and selected air-conditioned buses in Metro Manila. Due to its portability and flexibility in installation, telephony services could also be made available for special events at remote sites. This pilot will measure the extent to which these wireless payphones will be further implemented as well as understand the market implications. When fully implemented, wireless payphones will complement and augment Islacom's fixed and mobile services.
The Nokia wireless payphone is currently being used in countries including South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Nokia recently announced the world's largest delivery of GSM 900 and GSM 1800 wireless payphones to Thailand and South Africa, reinforcing the growing importance of wireless technologies in meeting basic telecommunication needs. The Nokia wireless payphone is also available for NMT 450 networks.
Islacom is a strategic partnership between Asiacom Philippines and two of the world's leading telecom companies, Shinawatra of Thailand and German telecom giant, the world's largest GSM operator, Deutsche Telekom.
The Gemplus Group with sales over US$440 million, is the leading producer of magnetic strip and smart cards. Gemplus also manufactures and sells memory cards, microprocessor cards (both contact and contactless) as well as electronic tags. It designs and markets software, terminals and systems, and provides personalisation, consultancy and training services to offer its customers comprehensive solutions. Headquartered in France, Gemplus have offices located in countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Singapore, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Australia and Indonesia.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a leader in digital technologies including mobile phones, cellular and fixed telecommunications networks, wireless data solutions and multimedia terminals. With sales in approximately 130 countries, net sales totaled $8.5 billion in 1996. Nokia employs more than 34,000 people in 45 countries. Nokia’s shares are listed in Helsinki, New York, London, Stockholm, Frankfurt and Paris.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Tarvinder Dhillon, Regional Marketing Communications Manager
Gemplus Technologies Asia
Tel: +65-7719-140
Fax: +65-773-0648
http://www.gemplus.com
Ms. Suguna Madhavan, Regional Communications Manager
Ms. Wong Mei Ling, Regional Communications Executive
Nokia Mobile Phones (Asia Pacific)
Tel: +65-3805-088
Fax: +65-3805-266
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