LG Electronics has partnered with Gemalto, a digital security provider, to develop Smart Card Web Server-compatible cellphones, which will use the latter’s embedded web server technology to put a local version of a carrier’s portal onto a SIM card for access even when out of network coverage.  Since the server content can be updated when the phone has a signal, it will also permit carriers to load service-related information and settings onto handsets they have not provided, for instance those bought SIM-free or belonging to travellers roaming on the network.

“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” Jean-Louis Carrara, VP of telecommunications, Gemalto North America

The system basically comprises a flash memory store specially set up to offer information to the cellphone’s browser; LG will be responsible for implementing the appropriate interface on their handsets.  Handsets will also be able to synchronise between this web server and the device’s own memory.

Cellphones using the technology are expected by the middle of 2008.

[via Engadget Mobile]