Telefónica Móviles España has selected Ericsson as the prime integrator to provide an end-to-end mobile signature service in Spain. The service is based on a solution from authentication provider Valimo Wireless.

Developed in conjunction with Valimo Wireless, the end-user service will provide mobile signature services to support secure authentication for web log-ins, remote access and the digital signing of transactions and documents.

Ericsson will deliver a complete solution, including first-line solution support, and has life-cycle management responsibility. The company will develop, install and integrate a mobile signature functionality and SIM software. Deployment is set to commence in the second quarter of 2007 and the service will initially be targeted at large corporations.

Mobile digital signing applications have become one of the most robust mechanisms for authentication and identification. This, together with the availability of cryptographic SIMs, prompted Telefónica Móviles España (TME) to develop its new mobile signature service.

Cayetano Lluch, Technological General Manager at Telefónica Móviles España, says: “This new service will help position Telefónica as the preferred communications partner among our corporate customers. It provides them with new security mechanisms based on the mobile device, a service that will help them improve employee efficiency and productivity.”

Ingemar Naeve, Head of Ericsson’s Market Unit Iberia, says: “This contract opens the door to an exciting new area where the mobile device can be used as an advanced electronic ID. It demonstrates Ericsson’s ability as a systems integrator to support operators in creating innovative services that boost end-user loyalty, increase revenue and allow operators to focus on their core business.”

“Valimo Wireless’ mobile identity concept sits on a mobile operator’s existing customer service and SIM-logistic processes, enabling existing handsets to support the new services. Generating a digital signature is therefore as easy as sending an SMS, ” said Jarkko Elonen, COO at Valimo Wireless.