Tigo in Colombia launches access to Facebook® for all its subscribers using Gemalto’s Facebook for SIM mobile application
Gemalto solution provides 24-7 interactive Facebook access from any mobile handset even without a data plan
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Mar 21, 2013–Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces that Tigo is the first mobile network operator in Colombia to offer mobile access to Facebook®, regardless of the type of mobile handset, using its innovative Facebook for SIM solution.
Gemalto’s embedded software application provides interactive, 24/7 access to Facebook from any type of handset, offering a cost-effective alternative for Tigo’s 6.3 million subscribers. Tigo’s users and potential customers will be able to enjoy the service, even without a data plan.
This innovative SIM with Gemalto’s software application provides Tigo customers with an effortless and intuitive use of core Facebook features such as wall posts and messages, friend requests, status updates and more. To get started, users simply power on their devices and receive a pop up message informing them about the service. With a simple click, they are prompted to sign on to an existing Facebook account directly from their SIM menu.
“Tigo continues to be at the forefront of innovation offering compelling products; in this case, a service that provides users with access to Facebook, regardless of their plan or type of handset. We know that this application is extremely popular among Tigo subscribers in Colombia, where almost 40% of the population uses this social media to stay connected to family and friends(1),”said José Galán, Tigo’s Entertainment Manager. “Our goal is to bring advanced services to all users, including prepaid customers who lack a data plan. Today, this is possible thanks to Gemalto’s Facebook for SIM.”
“With the introduction of mobile number portability in Colombia, it has become more important than ever to provide value-added services that keep subscribers committed to their cellular providers,” added Rodrigo Serna, Senior Vice President of Telecommunications for Gemalto Latin America. “The application improves customer satisfaction providing access to Facebook from even the most basic phones, while it increases customer loyalty to the operator by linking the service to their SIM card, a truly win-win solution.”