Digital security provider Gemalto on Friday partnered with LG Electronics to develop Smart Card Web Server-compatible mobile phones, which would allow users to access a service provider's portal even if they are without coverage or traveling abroad.

The Smart Card Web Server is a Web server embedded in a Subscriber Identity Module, which is accessed through a phone's browser. It provides Web services just like any server on the network; but in this case, the services are locally available and provided by the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, said Jean-Louis Carrara, VP of telecommunications at Gemalto North America.

Gemalto will be supplying the Web server for SIMs, while LG will be implementing an interface to access the server. Once the Web server is embedded in mobile phones, mobile browsers will be able to display rich content and users will get access to applications like synchronization between the SIM and the phone, the companies said.

"Wireless service providers can rely on the SIM to provide consumers easy access to their services, with any phones and anywhere, even with open access devices directly sold without subsidies," said Carrara.

Mobile phones utilizing the technology will become available by the middle of this year.

Gemalto primarily specializes in digital security and offers wireless carriers technology that allows mobile phone users to perform secure payments using the Short Message Service.

The company hopes that its new partnership with LG will revolutionize how mobile devices are customized and personalized from the SIM. Carrara said. "This offering directly supports the open access mandate by providing service providers an innovative way to offer their services via their SIM. And consumers can keep and control their service set up over time."