NFC from Gemalto in Taiwan

Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, today announces that it has been chosen by Taiwan Mobile, Taiwan’s leading telecommunication service provider, to provide the world’s first commercial NFC (Near Field Communication) SIM-based mobile contactless system. It is designed to remotely manage the life-cycle of any type of contactless service within a mobile phone environment, especially payment applications that mandate high security levels.

After multiple mobile contactless trials in Asia and in the rest of the world and through its experience in the telecommunications, transport and financial sectors, Gemalto successfully developed a secure solution fulfilling the specific needs of its partners and end-users. It will allow Taiwan Mobile to register, issue, manage and terminate mobile NFC services over-the-air (OTA).

Taiwan Mobile’s subscribers will be free to securely purchase goods, top-up their transport pass and proceed to coupons management just by using their mobile phone in a contactless mode. As most people always keep this personal device with them, the mobile contactless technology clearly brings them more freedom and convenience.

This comprehensive solution will be commercially rolled out nation-wide during 2008. It will enable banks, transport companies and other service providers to incorporate their services onto a mobile environment. This will complete Taiwan’s contactless experience along with previous commercial launches for payment and transport.

As a trusted service manager, Gemalto protects the privacy and security of these services. Gemalto guarantees that only banks, transport companies and service providers deal with their subscriber’s relationship. Thus no other parties will be allowed to interfere with their business or to meddle with end-user privacy. Taiwan Mobile can now provide the highest levels of security and service ensuring the best customer service quality.

Gemalto’s solution encompasses all aspects of the service including a card and application management system, a key management system (to securely handle the life-cycle of the application), a module to deploy the user interface application both on the NFC SIM and the handset. Gemalto also takes care of maintenance and support.