US Carrier MetroPCS picks a new platform

AMSTERDAM: Gemalto, a player in digital security, has been selected by MetroPCS to provide a Long Term Evolution (LTE) over-the-air platform and Universal Integrated Circuit Cards for its 2010 fourth generation LTE broadband service launch. Gemalto’s technology will enable MetroPCS to provide its subscribers with high speed Internet access from their mobile devices. MetroPCS, the fifth largest facilities-based carrier in the United States, offers unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless services to its more than 6.6 million subscribers, adds a press release.

Gemalto’s over-the-air remote management platform will help MetroPCS manage wireless devices and subscriber service delivery in its combined LTE and CDMA network. The LTE authentication is provided by the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), a next generation SIM card that will be used by MetroPCS in LTE mobile devices to identify subscribers and their services and manage secure access to the wireless network.

"The more customers get ofmobile broadband, the more they feel the need for speed," said Andrew M. Seybold, CEO & Principal Consultant, Andrew Seybold, Inc. “LTE not only ratchets up the data rates, the fact that it is IP-based will lead to even smarter devices, smarter software and smarter networks. Subscribers are going to love LTE, and the operators who get there first will have a real competitive advantage. MetroPCS is leading the regional carriers and its LTE suppliers like Gemalto are opening the path."