Axalto's New High-End SIM Creates Breakthrough in Mobile Lifestyle for Maxis Subscribers in Malaysia

Business Wire, Sept 29, 2004

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The World's First Commercial 256K SIM Card Offers Maxis' Subscribers Unprecedented Gaming Experience on SIM

Axalto (EURONEXT:AXL)(EURONEXT:NL0000400653) today announced the world's first commercial launch of a 256K SIM card with Maxis Communications Berhad ("Maxis"). Axalto's largest SIM card is set to create a substantial impact on the market: it enables leading operators to catch a glimpse of the future while allowing subscribers to benefit from the latest mobile services now. More personalized, sophisticated and innovative value-added services have been commercially available to Maxis subscribers since September 6.

Maxis leverages on the latest SIMERA(TM) card from Axalto to enhance its subscribers' mobile lifestyle by providing them with additional data storage applications such as Jumbo Phone Book, Jumbo SMS, MyOrganizer and Secure Pass services. The Jumbo applications will allow 1,000 phonebook entries and 100 text messages to be stored respectively; while Secure Pass offers an effective, convenient and secure application for managing multiple IDs and passwords.

In addition, Maxis is also the first operator worldwide to commercially deploy Casimo, a SIM-based word gaming application recently launched by Axalto. Built on the growing popularity of mobile entertainment, Casimo also enables operators to personalize their service portfolio based on subscriber type, as well as widen their offer. Maxis subscribers can now enjoy all-time favorite games like Hangman and Anagram on this new SIM card, regardless of their handset type.

"With the launch of this breakthrough high capacity SIM, we are pleased to introduce more innovative applications and offer greater flexibility to our customers" says Edward Ying, Chief Operating Officer, Maxis. "Coupled with Axalto's technology expertise and strong experience, we are confident that we will be able to set the pace to enhance subscriber acquisition and loyalty, through innovation".

"Axalto is pleased to have once again demonstrated its commitment to work closely with mobile network operators willing to deliver quality new services and bring more value to their subscribers," comments Tan Teck Lee, President, Axalto, Asia. "Mobile lifestyle is likely to change as cutting edge technology turns operators' and subscribers' expectations into reality."

Product information:

The Axalto SIMERA(TM) cards launched by Maxis is renowned for its open platform, which enables faster development time. This in turn offers mobile operators such as Maxis the ability to deploy value-added services to individual mobile handset more efficiently. The Java(TM) based cards also provide an ideal platform for constant evolution and customization of services to help operators better address the needs of their customers.

About Axalto

Axalto (Euronext: NL0000400653 - AXL) is the world's leading provider of microprocessor cards (Gartner Dataquest 2004)-- the key to digital networks -- and a major supplier of point-of-sale terminals. Its 4500 employees come from 70 nationalities and serve customers in more than 100 countries, with worldwide sales reaching 3 billion smart cards to date. The company has 25 years' experience in smart card innovation and leads its industry in security technology and open systems.

Axalto continuously creates new generations of products for use in a variety of applications in the telecommunications, finance, retail, transport, entertainment, healthcare, personal identification, information technology and public sector markets. Microprocessor cards provide convenience, security and privacy to public and private services operators, their customers and end users. For more information, visit us at www.axalto.com

About Maxis

Maxis is Malaysia's premier telecommunications company providing high quality voice and data services. Its mobile postpaid and prepaid services are offered under the Maxis and Hotlink brands respectively. The company has achieved its leading position through a clear strategy of developing premium brands, providing quality network and customer services and introducing innovative services and products. In support of its mobile business, Maxis also operates an international gateway as well as a domestic fixed line network which offers voice and data services to business customers. Its broadband infrastructure includes fibre optic, microwave and VSAT technologies. For more information on Maxis, please visit our corporate website at http://www.maxis.com.my/