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NTT Docomo sets launch date for global NFC payments

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • nfcworld.com • 29 October 2013, 11:27 • Last updated 29 October 2013, 11:28

Felica and NFC architecture

DOCOMO: Japanese phones with built-in Felica and NFC will be able to pay worldwide

Mobile network operator NTT Docomo, founder of Japan's Osaifu-Keitai mobile payments service, is to take its mobile payments service global from 5 February 2014, in conjunction with MasterCard.

The rollout of the new iD/PayPass service will enable NTT Docomo iD mobile credit card account holders in Japan to use their mobile phones to make payments at MasterCard PayPass merchants around the world, as well as at any of 500,000 domestic points of sale that support iD payments today. The announcement follows the signing of a deal between NTT Docomo and MasterCard in October 2012.

To use the service, customers will need a smartphone that supports both Osaifu-Keitai, which uses proprietary Sony Felica embedded chips for mobile payments, and NFC. These have been under development since February 2012.

A pre-launch campaign will take place in Hawaii in December, during the JAL Honolulu Marathon 2013.