Hong Kong telecom network operator PCCW-HKT has tapped Gemalto to ensure security to mobile NFC ticketing to its mobile subscribers.

PCCW-HKT used Gemalto UpTeq multi tenant NFC SIM1 that will enable the telecom operator’s subscribers to load the Octopus payment functions onto their mobile NFC device for payment in Hong Kong’s public transportation and retail services, as well as other purposes such as Octopus access control and loyalty applications.

“Our cooperation with OCL to provide Octopus mobile payment service integrating NFC technology, which is the first such service in Hong Kong, is another example of HKT’s efforts to enrich the lifestyle of our customers, who can now enjoy convenient, effective, and secure mobile payment under Octopus’ extensive transport and retail coverage all over Hong Kong,” said Alex Arena, group managing director of PCCW-HKT.

With more than 23 million Octopus cards in circulation, Octopus delivers micro payment services to 95 percent of Hong Kong’s population. The Octopus Mobile Payment Service is the world’s first commercial SIM-based implementation and deployment of the FeliCa application on NFC SIMs.

FeliCa, a multi-purpose technology originally developed for payment and transportation applications in Japan, in an effort led by Sony and NTT DoCoMo, is broadly used in Japan, and in other countries particularly Hong Kong.

Using their Sony NFC-enabled smartphones as an e-purse, commuters will be able to top up their Octopus Mobile SIM via any of the Octopus readers in Hong Kong. Device users can pay over-the-counter at retail shops, food and beverages outlets, as well as purchase entrance tickets at selected entertainment venues. Drivers will also able to pay for their parking using their mobile NFC phones.

“The mobile wallet offers daily commuters yet another convenient option for mass transit usage and payment, complementing the well-known and so popular Octopus contactless card success,” said Michael Au, senior vice president of Telecommunications at Gemalto Asia.

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