Softbank Mobile opts for Gemalto
- The mobile operator Softbank Mobile, with almost 21 million customers, has enlisted Gemalto's services to conduct a pilot test for secure NFC mobile payments. The tests should start in the first quarter of 2011. The initiative concerns convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and theatres.
- Two card issuers will take part in this project: MasterCard PayPass Orient Corporation and Credit Saison. Gemalto will provide a turn-key NFC solution including its operating services (Allynis TSM), UICC cards (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) and an Upteq N-Flex device (for NFC compatible mobile phones).
- Japan thus reasserts its interest in mobile contactless solutions. Softbank Mobile, the third largest mobile operator in Japan, behind NTT DoCoMo and KDDI, follows their lead. NTT DoCoMo partnered with the railroad company JR East, and opted for FeliCa’s contactless technology (Sony Felicity Card). Gemalto seems to be very popular in Japan, and in June 2010, announced it had been selected by KDDI to perform its NFC tests (from May to December 2010; Gemalto provided UIM cards, User Identity Module and its TSM solution).
- These evolutions can be compared to the mobile contactless payment situation in France. According to a recent Ifop/Wincor survey, users remain quite reluctant to adopt it. Only 41% of those questioned would be interested in a contactless card, 37% would like to be able to pay for purchases with their mobile phone. 82% of those in favour of mobile payments appreciate its simplicity. Among the most enthusiastic respondents are: people ages 25 to 35 and over 65, male, rather well-off, executives and living in the Parisian region. By contrast, 79% of those hostile to mobile payments are concerned about the level of security. Only 13% of the respondents are in favour of entering their mobile phone number instead of their card number to pay for their purchases.