About Mobile NFC
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology enables devices within a few centimetres of each other to exchange information and data. Handsets equipped with NFC enable people to interact quickly and efficiently with the world around them, simply by tapping their device against a reader, enabling everyday processes to become simpler.
Some plastic debit and credit cards now contain NFC chips, enabling people to pay for items by simply tapping the card against a contactless point of sale terminal. But mobile phones are also increasingly being equipped with NFC capabilities, opening up an opportunity to transform the consumer experience around retail, ticketing, access control and many other aspects of daily life.
Mobile NFC’s ease of use; a simple tap, its convenience; negating the need for notes, coins, keys etc., its speed; a fast method of payment, quick pairing of devices all help to generate confidence in its users. Therefore, widespread usage of mobile NFC services provide significant benefits for many including consumers, governments, transportation authorities, retailers, banks, mobile operators and numerous other stakeholders. A standardised global approach to mobile NFC services will help the industry to grow scalable services, thus providing interoperability, portability and bank-grade security for users worldwide.
The GSMA and Mobile NFC
To help the NFC ecosystem gain economies of scale and critical mass, the GSMA is supporting and promoting the adoption of mobile NFC services. In particular, the GSMA is focused on driving the standardised deployment of mobile NFC using the SIM as the secure element to provide authentication, security and portability across many different handsets. Adopting SIM-based NFC as a global standard will also ensure economies of scale and interoperability, which will be critical to widespread adoption, enabling people around the world to benefit from NFC services, regardless of their operator network or device type.
The GSMA is also working with policy makers to develop the optimum regulatory environment to enable both consumers and businesses to harness the benefits of mobile NFC-based services.
For more information please visit: www.gsma.com/mobilenfc or contact the GSMA Mobile NFC Services Programme Team via email at: [email protected].
