Vivo Selects Oberthur Technologies to Enhance Network Efficiency

NANTERRE, France, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Over-The-Air Dynamic SIM Card Activation Platform

Oberthur Technologies, the world's second largest provider of security and identification solutions and services based on smart card technologies, has been selected by Vivo (BM&FBovespa: VIVO3, VIVO4; NYSE: VIV), the largest mobile operator in Brazil, to manage the dynamic activation of SIM cards in circulation through its remote activation platform, Smart HLR. Oberthur Technologies relies on ATS to deploy Vivo's Platform.

Smart HLR detects first-time user registration and then allocates a mobile number. This solution is of great support for mobile operators wishing to reduce drastically SIM card logistics costs and to optimise their network: no more need to stock pre-activated subscriber identification modules. In addition to this, operators can offer their clients the possibility to choose golden mobile numbers according to their preferences.

"This solution will help us ensure the availability of numbers, without investing in additional retail infrastructure" said the group of Vivo's Directors in charge of the project: Agenor Leao, Atila Branco, Fabio Sepulvida, Gerardo Weiland, Katia Pedroso, Leonardo Capdeville and Patricia Orn.

"In a more and more competitive environment, helping our customers optimise the process of SIM ordering, distributing and provisioning is a top priority and commitment for Oberthur Technologies'," said Martin Ferenczi, Managing Director Americas, Card Systems Division at Oberthur Technologies. Thus, Oberthur Technologies continually invests to innovate in the mobile solutions arena. It is always a great sense of satisfaction when a major client like Vivo renews its confidence in our expertise and competency."

About Oberthur Technologies

With sales of 904.6 million euros in 2009 and 6,160 employees worldwide, Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies. Innovation and excellence ensure Oberthur Technologies' strong positioning in its main target markets: security and identification solutions and services based on smart cards ; manufacture of traditional and electronic secure identity documents; security printer specialized in the production of banknotes, checks and numerous security documents; design and manufacture of intelligent cash protection solutions for Cash In Transit and ATMs.

For more information: http://www.oberthur.com

About Vivo

Vivo (NYSE: VIVO3, VIVO4; NYSE: VIV), a subsidiary of Telefonica Group in Brazil, is the leader of a national mobile telecommunications since its inception in April 2003. The company has consistently been highlighted in all performance indicators and quality assessed by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel).

Vivo believes that in a connected society, the individual can live better and do more. Therefore, its mission is to create conditions for the greatest number of people to be connected, anytime and anywhere, enabling a more humane, secure, intelligent and fun life.

The constant search for excellence in service delivery, focusing on quality at all points of contact with the customer, mobile data transmission services based on the biggest and best network of second and third generation (3G) and the service and products portfolio available to more than 60 million customers, join the sustainability of the attributes set in the most recognized brand Vivo.

In the environmental responsibility area, Vivo develops projects as the pioneer program to recycle cell phones, batteries and accessories, which has collected more than 2.5 million items. Through the Office Live, the company invests in network initiatives focused on education through new forms of learning and for inclusion of people with disabilities. In the cultural area, the company promotes collective artistic initiatives and is tuned with what is most innovative in the music field, mobile media, theater and artistic experimentation.