Future Telus smartphones will use Gemalto's UpTeq NFC SIM cards to securely store customer credentials, it was announced today.

"Gemalto's UpTeq NFC SIM technologies comply with the most stringent global security requirements and they have a vast track-record in the successful rollout of NFC projects across the world," says the Canadian carrier. "Telus will be bringing mobile payment technology to customers very soon."

The partnership follows the launch of an NFC payments service by rival Rogers last year.

As well as payment services, the NFC SIMs will enable Telus customers to participate in loyalty programs, validate their transit passes and redeem coupons, says Gemalto.

"Having migrated to EMV chip years ago, the Canadian market is naturally well positioned to offer NFC enabled credential solutions," says Sébastien Cano, senior vice-president of telecommunications at Gemalto North America. "Telus's 7.7 million wireless customers will be among the first to enjoy the convenience of NFC services."