MasterCard and Gemalto desire to turn phones into contactless payments devices

MasterCard has unveiled its plans to test Gemalto miniature card that is supposed to be inserted into mobile phone SIMs that will let handsets be turned into contactless payments devices. This system represents the first of its kind conforming to the Single Wire Protocol as endorsed by the GSMA.

MasterCard and Gemalto have set collaboration with DBS Bank, local pre-paid card specialist Ez-Link and telco StarHub on the piloting. DBS Bank relies on Gemalto's Upteq N-Flex, a wafer-thin device that can be inserted into an array of mobile handsets, attached to SIMs.

The pilot is to involve holders of EZ-Link Fevo MasterCard cards, allowing them to reduce payments value by tapping their handsets at PayPass-enabled terminals. Besides, partners may also widen the trial to cover contactless transport payments.

As MasterCard representatives consider, the technology functions on multiple handsets will help to "provide a path to ubiquity" for mobile NFC.