The GSM Association, the global trade association for mobile network operators, is co-ordinating an initiative to encourage a common approach to the implementation of NFC technology in mobile phones.
Near Field Communications (NFC) is a short range Radio Frequency (RF) communications system, typically operating over distances of less than 10cm. The NFC standard is currently under development in standardisation bodies such as the NFC Forum and ETSI. Developed by Sony and Phillips, NFC operates within the globally unregulated RF band of 13.56 MHz.
Although many see NFC as a rival to Bluetooth, typical applications are much lighter than Bluetooth connectivity, as NFC has a much slower data rate and reduced ranged. Its advanatage, however, is that chips would cost cents rather than dollars, making it an affordable connectivity option for certain, data-light applications.
One of the goals of the GSMA project is to build on the secure billing and identity relationship operators have with their customers through the SIM card, to open up a range of “contactlesss” applications such as ticketing and payment.
With some contactless services already in commercial use, the GSMA hopes that creation of clearly defined mobile NFC standards will establish a stable ecosystem ensuring international interoperability. This in turn might provide the catalyst for mass market adoption.
Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer of the GSM Association, said, “NFC opens up a wide range of possibilities and we are committed to ensuring the mobile industry works together to realise its potential.”
14 mobile network operators are working together to develop business cases and user requirements for NFC. These will be incorporated in a White Paper for consideration by the appropriate standardisation bodies including the NFC Forum and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) in their work to develop the appropriate standard. The leading operators in the NFC programme include: Bouygues Telecom, China Mobile, Cingular Wireless, KPN, Mobilkom Austria, Orange, SFR, SK Telecom, Telefonica Móviles España, Telenor, TeliaSonera, TIM, Vodafone and 3.
Other technologies parially relevant to NFC include Zigbee, RFID and contactless smartcards. NFC devices are unique in that they can change their mode of operation to be in reader/writer mode, peer-to-peer mode, or card emulation mode.