Mobile network operator EMT has begun pilot testing an NFC mobile wallet in Estonia, in partnership with Danske Bank, Nordea Pank, SEB Pank and Swedbank as well as retail group Tallinna Kaubamaja.

The 'Bank Payment Card in Mobile' pilot will involve 150 people who will use their NFC phones to pay for goods in department store Kaubamaja's Ilumaailm ('Beauty World') and Toidumaailm ('Food World') sections, at Selver stores at Järve and Pirita, and at several cafes.

Users' bank cards will be stored on an NFC SIM card's secure element — a choice made by the banks in August 2012.

"The main goal of the NFC pilot project is to test the know-how and process models gathered during the applied research phase," says EMT, "as well as to test the prototype of a secure mobile wallet and its convenience of usage in real life, and the possibilities to use the NFC technology in retail checkout payment solutions."

A video created by EMT shows how the service will work:

The pilot will run for three months, says EMT. The results will be analyzed and a decision will then be made on the future of the service.

"The ultimate goal is to create a secure mobile wallet platform by using the 'Bank Payment Card in Mobile' service," EMT explains.