Oberthur Technologies Teams up With Vivo to Provide SIMSense to Mobile Subscribers in Brazil

USA - English

• USA - English
• USA - English

BARCELONA, Spain, February 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oberthur Technologies, the world's second largest provider of smart card solutions and Vivo, the largest mobile phone service provider in Brazil and South America, have partnered to offer a movement-based SIM solution for mobile phones.

SIMSense, a motion detection-capable SIM card functions independently of the handset and allows for easy access to applications. By simply shaking, taping or tilting the phone, users can quickly navigate through or access the application they want. With SIMSense, the motion technology is available on the SIM card instead of the actual handset. This handset independent solution allows the operator to promote attractive interactive new services on existing end users' phones.

"Oberthur Technologies' partnership with Vivo with new solutions like SIMSense demonstrates our commitment in developing innovations that meet the needs of mobile operators while improving the end user experience," said Xavier Drilhon, Managing Director of the Card Systems Division of Oberthur Technologies. "We are proud to be partnering with Vivo to provide this unique solution to mobile subscribers in Rio de Janeiro."

Hilton Mendes, Handset Development and Innovation Director, Vivo said, "In a competitive mobile environment we are always looking for breakthrough solutions that benefit our subscribers. Vivo is excited to be the first mobile network operator in Brazil to introduce SIMSense to its customers."

SIMSense - the first motion detection and handset independent SIM card was during the 2009 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Within a year of its launch, SIMSense has been nominated for a SESAME award for mobile innovation.

About Vivo

Vivo Participacoes (NYSE: VIV) provides mobile telecommunication services, cellular phone data transmission and mobile internet services throughout Brazil. Brazilian market leader in cellular telephony, Vivo is the brand of a joint venture between Portugal Telecom and Telefonica, which started in 2002. Covering more than 3.5 thousand municipalities, the company has the country's largest network and it is also the largest mobile telephony group in the South Hemisphere.

Vivo's main goal is to provide more and better services for customers to be able to connect themselves - whenever they wish, however they wish, from wherever they wish, every time more. Thus, it manages to stimulate the network society, which brings along a huge source of opportunities for people to develop progress and live better. Accordingly, Vivo feeds a virtuous cycle which is reflected on the self-sustainable evolution of its own business.

Vivo's goal is to strengthen its leadership by following a sustainable growth and increased profitability strategy. The Company seeks to implement such strategy as from the selective growth of its customers base, the development of new services and taking advantage of growth opportunities. Vivo also benefits from the competitive advantage offered by its wide customers base, recognized brands and skilled executive team.

Press Contact, Vivo - http://www.vivo.com.br/imprensa

About Oberthur Technologies

With sales of 882 million Euros in 2008, Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies. Innovation and high quality services ensure Oberthur Technologies' strong positioning in its main target markets:

    - Card Systems: One of the world's leading providers of security and
      identification based on smart card technology and associated services
      for mobile, payment, transport, digital TV and convergence markets.
    - Identity: International player for the manufacture and personalization
      of secure identity documents such as passport, identity card, driving
      license or health care card - traditional and electronic - and
      associated services for both governmental and corporate markets.
    - Fiduciary printing: World's third largest private security printer
      specialized in high security for the production of banknotes, checks
      and other fiduciary documents in more than fifty countries.
    - Cash protection: World leader in the emerging market of intelligent
      systems to secure cash-in-transit and ATM.

Close to its customers, Oberthur Technologies benefits from an industrial and commercial presence across all five continents.

Oberthur Technologies S.A. is a limited liability company (societe anonyme) registered in France with its registered office at 50 quai Michelet 92 532 Levallois Perret, France. Oberthur Technologies S.A.'s corporate registration number is 340 709 534 R.C.S. Paris.

Website: http://www.oberthur.com

SOURCE Oberthur Technologies