DoCoMo and KT to drive cross-border NFC services

NTT DoCoMo, the leading cellular carrier in Japan, has partnered with Korea’s KT Corporation to develop cross-border near field communication (NFC) solutions that will work in both countries. The services, which will include mobile payment, mass-transit ticketing and promotional coupons, are due for launch in both markets from the end of 20121.

The two firms are developing NFH specs for devices, networks and charging platforms, with current plans calling for contactless IC chips to be embedded in certain Android handsets1. The project emerged from the carriers’ joint Business & Technology Cooperation Committee.

DoCoMo has also said that it plans to submit an outline of the common specifications to various industry associations and standardisation bodies, including the GSMA1. The Japanese carrier has formed strategic tie-ups with payment technology company Visa, NFC chip and mobile handset manufacturer Samsung and SIM card vendor Gemalto, with the ultimate goal of building an international environment for compatible NFC services.