VANTAA, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valimo, the world leader in mobile authentication, announces that Finnish wireless operators Sonera and Elisa have joined forces to launch a mobile authentication and signature service using the Valimo Mobile ID solution. The mobile authentication service will enable Sonera and Elisa subscribers to securely access internet banking, e-commerce and e-government applications, using their mobile phone to generate a legally binding electronic signature.

Mobiilivarmenne allows subscribers to simply enter their PIN code to generate the digital signature that secures their service access. Valimo’s complete wireless strong authentication solution is based on PKI¹ and ensures the highest levels of security and privacy for mobile transactions. The open and interoperable solution can be installed on any SIM card and comprises of the client software, back office servers and a number of security modules making it a one stop shop for operators and service providers.

Designed to work with any service or application that requires legally binding identity confirmation and approval, Valimo also developed the Finnish FiCom 2.0 specification that enables the inclusion of personal data in the digital signature, such as social security number, home address, gender and age, opening up a realm of new mobile services.

“This is the first time that all operators in any country have come together to launch a nation-wide service to the public,’ commented Mika Repo, Business Lead, Elisa. “Mobile ID makes our subscribers’ lives easier and more convenient, by using the handset as a highly secure device that is always with them to generate digital signatures.”

"By uniting industry strengths, we have been able to launch a national platform for all service providers to start using mobile authentication, whether in private business, public services or consumer-to-consumer transactions," said Antti Simolin, business manager, Sonera. "Now the road is open for an accelerated growth in electronic services, combining mobility, user-friendliness and the highest level of security."

“Finland’s early launch of a nationwide mobile digital signature service demonstrates their innovation leadership,” added Yousaf Ghous, Vice President, Valimo. “Mobile ID can also be used to enhance a range of secure applications such as mobile financial services, mobile contactless payment or eGovernment services.”

1 Public Key Infrastructure

About Valimo

Valimo turns mobile phones into digital identification cards. The new breed of Mobile ID replaces the need for a multitude of passwords and tokens. With Valimo technology, mobile phone users can securely authenticate themselves and legally sign documents, just by using their mobile phone and a simple PIN code. Based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology, Valimo Mobile ID works in every mobile phone with a SIM card inside.

Valimo's mobile signature solutions are global market leaders in terms of installation base and number of active users. Valimo solutions are used by mobile operators, banks, corporations, governments, public sector and other service providers. Founded in 2000, Valimo Wireless is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland. For further information, please visit www.valimo.com.

About Sonera

Sonera provides data, communications and television services to consumers, companies and public corporations in Finland.Sonera’s services connect people to communities and things that are important to them and add comfort and quality to everyday life. For companies, Sonera creates communications solutions that support sustainable development and free time and energy for productive work and growth. At the end of 2010, Sonera had 4.3 million fixed and mobile subscriptions. Sonera employs 4,600 people and operates approximately 50 towns and localities throughout Finland. www.sonera.fi

Sonera is part of the TeliaSonera Group, which operates in the Nordic and Baltic countries, in the emerging markets of Eurasia, including Russia and Turkey, and in Spain. www.teliasonera.com

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