NTT Docomo to switch to NFC in 2013?

NTT Docomo is set to make the switch to NFC standard technology in 2013, according to a report in Japanese business newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

The mobile network operator currently runs the Osaifu-Keitai mobile wallet service, a mobile payments, ticketing and rewards service based on non-NFC standard Sony FeliCa mobile contactless technology.

In July, rival operators KDDI and Softbank Mobile signed a deal with Korean mobile network operator SK Telecom that will see the three companies working together to switch from existing non-NFC standard mobile contactless services to an NFC standard approach. KDDI is conducting extensive NFC tests with partners including Toyota, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), Toho Cinemas and card issuers Orient Corporation, Credit Saison, and Aiwai Card Services.

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