Gemalto Delivering UpTeq LTE SIM and Embedded Software Applications to EE

Gemalto (News - Alert), a major player in digital security, is delivering its UpTeq LTE SIM and embedded software applications to EE. EE, the joint venture between France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom (News - Alert) in the UK, is the first mobile operator in the UK to launch 4G.

EE’s 4G service is already live in 18 cities and towns across the UK, with 17 more planned by the end of March 2013.

The UpTeq brand is Gemalto’s inclusive portfolio of devices compatible with sophisticated software solutions. UpTeq devices offer a high-level capacity to support advanced functionalities embedded into SIM card technology. Gemalto’s UpTeq portfolio provides a range of cutting edge mobile devices: mobile TV, LTE (News - Alert) technology, and NFC.

EE, with the help of UpTeq LTE will be able to meet the commercial and technical challenges of 4G.

“Gemalto was able to meet our very challenging requirements in terms of planning, capacity and overall program delivery,” said Simon Frumkin, VP of procurement and supply chain at EE, in a statement.

Frumkin said that Gemalto moreover demonstrated the technical expertise required to assist EE in defining its services precisely, and in implementing the card software functionalities as well as the back-end applications.

“Through the support of Gemalto, EE enjoys immediate access to all the knowledge and expertise acquired in our recent high profile deployments in Japan and the US,” said Philippe Vrignaud, senior vice-president of telecommunications at Gemalto.

Vrignaud said that EE is leading the introduction of LTE in the UK, and the Gemalto UpTeq LTE front-end and back-end software technologies allows them to rapidly leverage the full potential of LTE networks.

Earlier this month, Gemalto had announced its Cinterion (News - Alert) M2M business is providing wireless connectivity for Invisible Tracck, an innovative device used in a pilot program to thwart illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil.

Developed by Cargo Tracck, a technology player in Brazil, the device uses Gemalto’s Cinterion M2M technology together with local cellular networks to send location updates from sensors in trees to a central server allowing officials to remotely track trees removed from protected areas.