NFC in Mobile Phones – Ready or Not

When NFC was announced a year or so ago it was hailed with excitement for what it was, a low cost, bi-directional communication de facto standard to enable devices of all types to talk to one another. While Bluetooth has shown the way, NFC has extended the range of possibilities. Given that mobile phones open up the world of m-commerce, the inclusion of NFC in mobile phones will act as the essential bridge between the real and virtual worlds. So why isn’t it everywhere?

One of the key points about NFC is its capability to operate in a mode compatible with ISO/IEC 14443, the contactless card standard. This means that a mobile phone fitted with NFC capability can:

  • Act as a contactless card for example using the phone instead of an Oyster card at a Transport for London gate
  • Be used as a contactless reader to read/ update/ load value to a contactless smartcard, for example an Oyster card

It will be seen that the virtual-real world links greatly expand the value of m-commerce. For example, a mobile phone can be used to load value to a transport purse or account from a bank or credit card account to save carrying cash, make bookings, enquire on train times and use the phone as the ticket or load the ticket onto a contactless smartcard for later use.

The above transport example is but one of the many possibilities for use of mobile phones with NFC capability including:

  • Loyalty
  • Gift cards
  • Retail purchasing
  • Logical and physical access control
  • Identity and authentication

So why are the network providers and handset suppliers not rushing to get the technology delivered to all of us when trials prove that it works well and that the design is sound ?. In truth, the problems are either not technical or pseudo-technical:

  • Different manufacturers are looking at linking the NFC, SIM and security chip requirements in different ways.
  • The network providers are concerned that NFC communication does not use their network and hence does not earn them any money

Neither of the above affects operation, so we are not in a VHS versus Betamax situation. This means that potential users can clamour for systems without fear of obsolescence.

Back to the original question – ready or not? In my view, ready – so all you potential users start clamouring! To discuss how this technology can help you and why you should be involved, contact us on info@alco.eu.com
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