Gemalto, NXP target SIM card-based NFC products

Gemalto unveiled a collaboration with NXP Semiconductors to develop SIM products for existing payment and public transportation systems.
The companies hope to define standards for SIM-based Near Field Communications products and ensure interoperability with MIFARE, a contactless smartcard technology for mass transit authorities. Gemalto and NXP recently worked together on a trial of the MIFARE system on the Paris Metro, enabling users to pay fares with a contactless reader and SIM-based application.
“The availability of SIM-based NFC phones is expected to positively impact operators and service providers, as well as end users,” said Gemalto VP Philippe Vallee. “Each and every one of them will gain from this new architecture. It enables operators to provide valuable new services to their installed customer base, while service providers-transit operators, banks and others-will find new ways to reach more customers.”