Verizon Wireless Selects G&D As Supplier Of Smart Cards For LTE Network Launch

05/13/2009

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and DULLES, VA - Verizon Wireless announced today it has selected Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), a technology leader in the field of smart cards, to provide special Java based SIM cards from the G&D SkySIM® product line for the industry's first Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband network. The LTE supporting SIM cards will help Verizon Wireless provide revolutionary data services to its subscriber base on its 4G LTE wireless broadband network.

Verizon Wireless selected G&D due to G&D's long standing history as a leading provider of security solutions to telecommunications operators across the world. G&D's proven reputation of providing high quality products and services and superior customer support were key factors in Verizon Wireless' decision.

Kyle Malady, vice president of product development for Verizon Wireless, said, "As we build the global LTE ecosystem, we selected G&D for its demonstrated ability to quickly bring these advanced SIM cards and services to market."

Dr. Klaus Vedder, head of telecommunications at G&D, said, "G&D developed the first SIM cards over 20 years ago and actively led the advancement of card technology for each generation since. We are excited to work with Verizon Wireless to bring this new fourth generation of network services to its subscribers."

By leveraging its 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment, Verizon Wireless is deploying a high quality wireless broadband network with excellent coverage and in-building penetration, all at a cost structure significantly below current levels.

For more information about Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com [1]. For more information about G&D, visit www.gdai.com [2].

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com [1]. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia [3].

About Giesecke & Devrient
Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is a leading international technology provider headquartered in Munich, Germany. With a headcount of around 10,000 employees, the Group generated sales of EUR 1.7 billion in fiscal 2008. Founded in 1852, G&D is a global market leader and pioneering innovator in security solutions around banknote paper, banknotes, banknote processing systems, and smart cards for telecommunications, electronic payment, transportation, healthcare, and identification. Over 50 subsidiaries and joint ventures around the globe ensure customer proximity worldwide.

Media Contact Info

Jeffrey Nelson
Jeffrey.Nelson@VerizonWireless.com [4]
908-559-7519

Heather Klein
Giesecke & Devrient
heather.klein@gdai.com [5]
703-480-2086