Softbank Mobile Launches Mobile Payments Trial

Gemalto will provide Softbank Mobile with technology supporting a mobile contactless payment trial in Japan. The program is the first in Asia to enable secure mobile Near Field Communication transactions from a choice of different credit card accounts. The pilot is expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2011.

Softbank customers will be able to use their mobile phone for contactless payments in convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and theaters. The program also offers users the option to perform NFC transactions from two credit card issuers - Orient Corporation, the largest service provider of MasterCard PayPass in Japan, and Credit Saison, another Japanese leading financial institution. This is made possible by embedding multiple MasterCard PayPass applications in the secure UICC.

For this program, Gemalto will provide a turnkey NFC solution comprised of its Allynis Trusted Services Management operated services, UICC cards and N-Flex devices. Gemalto''''s trusted services allow for the secure deployment and management of contactless mobile payment. The N-Flex enables users to turn a conventional handset into an NFC-enabled mobile phone, without any change to the device.

SOFTBANK MOBILE in Japan Selects Gemalto for Mobile Contactless Payment Trial