T-Mobile launches internal testing of NFC technology

• Unique use of SIM cards as tools for NFC communication
• Selected employees will use the new technology to access the T-Mobile building and make payments

Prague, 22 April 2010 - T-Mobile is launching internal trial operation of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology in order to test the possibility of using SIM cards as an appropriate tool for NFC communication. During the pilot operation, a group of selected employees will use NFC handsets/SIM cards to access the T‑Mobile building and their offices, print documents on the network printer and make payments in the canteen. The first results of the trial operation should be available in the second half of this year.

From a mobile operator's view, a telephone is an ideal tool for NFC technology. Given the areas of use - primarily for identification, but in the future also for payments for example - the security of the entire technology is of utmost importance. Unlike in a number of other NFC tests, T-Mobile has selected SIM cards as secure storage media. Unlike mobile phones, they provide maximum security and enable users to simply transfer their NFC identity when changing phones, among other advantages.

In the future, NFC technology can help customers to significantly simplify their everyday lives by integrating different types of identification carriers - access cards, tickets, etc. in one place - a mobile phone.

The pilot operation is being conducted at the T-Mobile building in Prague's Roztyly district. Selected employees will use NFC to access the building, print documents and make payments. The trial operation will also focus on improving the user interface in handsets, testing the remote secured NFC data management on SIM cards and connecting this system to the operator's other IT systems. The evaluation of the pilot operation will serve as a basis for the deployment of NFC technology in other projects implemented with external partners.

T-Mobile cooperated on the development of NFC SIM cards exclusively with Gemalto, the worldwide leader in digital security. The telephones for the pilot operation were provided by Samsung; the model used is an NFC variant of the Samsung S5230 Star, a best-selling touch-screen smart phone. In the near future, T‑Mobile plans to test Gemalto solutions making NFC technology available also on phones that are not NFC-enabled (whereas an NFC SIM card is sufficient).

The other companies participating in the pilot operation at the T-Mobile building are Xerox, provider of printing systems and services; Alimex, provider of the access system; and Eurest, which operates the dining facility and cash-register systems in T-Mobile's canteen.

NFC is a technology for short-range wireless data transfers. It was developed by combining several older standards. Thanks to harmonization of protocols, it will make interaction between the user's device and other electronic NFC-compatible devices significantly easier. NFC enables fast connection; sending, receiving and sharing of predefined data used for identification; file distribution and, in the future, also making secure and fast payments. NFC uses the 13.56 MHz frequency, transfers data at the maximum speed of 424 kbps and operates within the distance of a few centimetres. The technology is defined by the international ISO, ECMA and ETSI standards. NFC can be used in many devices, including mobile phones, digital cameras, keys, various identification cards and billboards.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.