Smart Cards: Mondex Test in Canada Is Using Gemplus Cards

Caisses Desjardins for the trial of Mondex electronic cash in and around Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Gemplus' North American headquarters said it is the first to deliver personalized smart cards using the Multos multiple-application operating system, which was developed by Mondex International of London.

Cardholders can put cash value on the cards at automated teller machines or through special loading devices linked to a telephone line. Caisses Desjardins, a network of credit unions, is participating in the Sherbrooke test with Royal Bank of Canada, 600 merchants, and unattended locations such as parking meters, vending machines, and self-service laundries.

"By working with Gemplus, Mondex takes another major step in the development of electronic cash programs," said Chris Potts, deputy chief executive officer of Mondex. "We are progressing toward the widespread shift to smart cards with the capability of carrying many applications on one card."

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