Cingular Wireless L.L.C. has tapped SmartTrust AB’s over-the-air technology to simplify Cingular’s third-generation network rollout, the companies said Tuesday.
The software developer will manage the activation process both on users’ 3G Subscriber Identity Module cards and through the integration of Cingular’s back-end billing and provision systems. The carrier will combine its point-of-sale activation system with SmartTrust’s offering to remotely download and install 3G service settings.
Cingular also will use the OTA technology to provision 3G services as they come to market after networks have been deployed. The operator has used SmartTrust’s OTA technology for three years to help manage the activation of new GSM subscriptions.
“A seamless transition from 2 generation and 2.5G to 3G is going to be very important,” said Johan Valentin, SmartTrust’s general manager for the Americas. “Obviously, this launch comes with a significant investment, and it requires a large return on that investment. Cingular is looking to launch a range of new services and features in that complex environment that 3G represents.”
