Japan, China and Korea to get international NFC roaming

Mobile network operators in the three countries have agreed technical specifications that will enable consumers to make use of NFC payments and other services in both their home country and abroad.

China Mobile, KT and NTT Docomo
NFC ROAMING: Specs mean consumers will be able to pay with NFC abroad

Japanese carrier NTT Docomo, China Mobile and Korean mobile network operator KT have announced they have agreed on a set of handset and service requirements that will make it possible for customers to use their NFC phone across borders to make payments, purchase tickets and both collect and redeem coupons.

The three carriers’ specifications are based on international standards set by the GSMA and the NFC Forum and cover handset requirements for device makers and guidance for mobile network operators, service providers and merchants interested in participating in the deployment of NFC service roaming in Asia.

The companies have been exploring opportunities for NFC service roaming since January 2011 and NTT Docomo and KT announced plans to introduce an international payments service in October 2012. The three carriers now plan to share the results of their work with trade associations and standards bodies around the world “to promote the realization of a commercial environment for globally compatible NFC services”.

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