Smart Bits: 5,000 Florida Students Trying Gemplus Card

Gemplus Corp., the French smart card manufacturer, said it has released its first multi-application smart card for the university market. The card has both electronic purse and GSM, or global system for mobile communications, capability.

Philippe Martineau, director of Gemplus telecommunications business division, Americas Group, Dallas, said 5,000 students are testing the cards at the University of Florida in Gainesville. "For the U.S., this is something of utmost importance," Mr. Martineau said. "GSM must have something unique" and "a smart card interface makes it unique."

The first phase involves only a reloadable purse. In the second phase, students will be able to reload cards using a specially equipped telephone. Later, students will be able to use the card to make phone calls.

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