Synopsis
Smartcard usage took off in 2000, with the major use being for SIM cards following the growth of mobile phones. Other uses such as banking cards and telephone cards also showed double digit growth following the trend away from magnetic stripe cards. Although experiencing good growth, the smartcard industry has been held back by the lack of a common standard. With the development of new applications for smartcards and the sequential replacement of magnetic stripe cards, the growth is expected to accelerate. This report covers statistics from 2001 to 2003, Subsequent statistics are given in the separate Smartcards Overview report.