Gemalto , a world leader in digital security, has
announced it is providing Belgian mobile operator BASE with a comprehensive
solution which allows its subscribers to perform secure payment by just
sending an SMS. This revolutionary service is extremely convenient, as it
enables consumers to pay with their mobile phone anytime, anywhere, quickly
and easily. Always available, it also permits merchants to get paid
immediately. Gemalto supplied BASE with a mobile payment application
compatible with third generation SIM cards, incorporating the m-banxafe
technology designed by Banksys, the company behind the authorization,
security and guarantee of electronic payments in Belgium. Gemalto also
provided the specific personalization services required to guarantee the
highest levels of security for SMS-based transactions. The service went
live on March 20, 2007.
This mobile-payment capability targets all kinds of practical services
such as home deliveries, taxi rides or baby-sitting. Through an
easy-to-navigate menu, the payee enters a payment request into his mobile
phone. The payer receives this request, specifying the amount and the name
of the payee, on his handset screen and accepts the transaction by entering
the secret code he selected at service activation. Then both the customer
and the merchant receive an SMS confirming the transaction.
The m-banxafe technology enables a link between the SIM card and the
subscriber’s banking card and account. During the activation process, the
customer selects his mobile payment PIN code through the menu of his mobile
phone. Then he inserts his banking card into the point of sales terminal of
a BASE shop or into an ATM. He just has to select the activation option of
the menu to create the link between his banking details and the PIN code on
the SIM card. Banksys’ m-banxafe enables reloading of the calling credit
and live access to the account balance. This application has been designed
in cooperation with all Belgian banks, ensuring the same level of security
as that achieved with a banking card. From now on, all new Base subscribers
will be issued an m-banxafe-enabled SIM card.
“We are delighted to welcome BASE customers to our new highly secure
remote mobile payment service thanks to the new generation of BASE’ SIM
integrating our m-banxafe technology,” commented Vincent Roland, CEO of
Banksys. “The collaboration between Belgian Telecom operators and banks
will allow us to capture cash transactions in new markets in which up till
now the cards weren’t accepted. This will be a benefit for all actors of
the economy.”
“We are very pleased to support BASE in rolling out this compelling
service and bring our expertise in advanced card technology, which
definitely plays a crucial role in securing future mobile payment
applications,” added Jacques Seneca, president Europe at Gemalto. “This
innovative payment means is perfectly in line with people’s lifestyles
nowadays. Whether at home or on the move, they want flexibility,
convenience, quick and easy access to secure mobile services. Gemalto
offers solutions that make things safe and simple for users.”
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is a leader in digital security
with pro forma 2006 annual revenues of EUR1.7 billion, operations in about
100 countries and over 10,000 employees including 1,500 R&D engineers.
In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly transforming
our lives, Gemalto’s solutions are designed to make personal digital
interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable.
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the
development of software applications through design and production of
secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports, and tokens
to the management of deployment services for its customers.
More than a billion people worldwide use the company’s products and
services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government, identity
management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT security,
mass transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the
number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company
is poised to thrive over the coming years.
Gemalto was formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and
Gemplus.