As part of the iN2015 Next Generation e-Payment Programme, IDA will collaborate with industry partners to deploy a nationwide interoperable NFC infrastructure for mobile payment services. A Call-For-Collaboration (CFC) has been awarded to a consortium comprising seven companies - Gemalto Pte Ltd, Citibank Singapore Ltd, DBS Bank Ltd, EZ-Link Pte Ltd, M1 Limited, SingTel Mobile Singapore Pte Ltd and StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd. Click here to find out more.

In this collaboration, Gemalto will be developing and operating the Trusted Third Party (TTP) infrastructure. DBS, EZ-Link and Citibank will enable a wide range of their credit/ debit scheme cards and stored value payment products, to be issued over-the-air through Gemalto, and stored on the secure chips in their customers' NFC-enabled mobile phones. These customers will be able to pay for their purchases using any of those payment products at NFC-ready retail points. The services will be launched progressively across all three mobile operators (M1, SingTel and StarHub) from the middle of 2012.

Besides the awarded Consortium, other payment and value-added service providers are also encouraged to leverage the interoperable TTP infrastructure to deploy their secure NFC mobile services. The open access model installed through this CFC will facilitate the entry of new players, and help nurture the growth of the NFC eco-system in Singapore. IDA will continue to work with industry partners to further enrich the suite of NFC services over time.

Benefits for Consumers

• Consumers can perform multiple transactions with a single tap using their NFC-enabled mobile phones. For example, at the supermarket, a single NFC application can combine multiple transactions into one, saving the customer the hassle of presenting separate loyalty and payment cards.
• Using NFC-enabled mobile phones to identify the consumer's physical location, it will also be possible for consumers to enjoy a highly targeted and personalized retail experience while on the move. For example, when making a payment using NFC, they can receive real-time personalized offers and discounts from their favourite shops and restaurants in the vicinity.
• Consumers can instantly load coupons, discount vouchers and tickets into their NFC mobile phone by tapping the NFC mobile phone against a smart poster.

Benefits for Banks, Service Providers and Other Businesses

• Banks, payment service providers and businesses will be able to leverage on the TTP to deliver their NFC services to the widest possible mobile subscriber base. They will also enjoy a shorter time-to-market due to the ease of integration with a single TTP via open standards, as compared with having to connect to each mobile operator individually.
• Businesses in the retail and F&B segments can look forward to leveraging the convergence of NFC, mobile and social network technologies to enhance customer loyalty, exploiting a combination of content and technology to drive customers and their friends to the physical store.
• Businesses in the retail and F&B segments can look forward to leveraging the convergence of NFC, mobile and social network technologies to enhance customer loyalty, exploiting a combination of content and technology to drive customers and their friends to the physical store.
• Businesses can also turn their contactless payment terminals into a channel for advertising media, and deliver personalized coupons and special offers to their customers to encourage repeat visits.

Programme Status

The CFC has been awarded in Oct 2011 and NFC mobile services are expected to be launched from mid 2012.

For more enquiries, please contact:

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Ms. Koh Suat Hong
DID: +65 6211 1618
Fax: +65 6211 2205
Email: Koh_Suat_Hong@ida.gov.sg

Mr. Huang Liang
DID: +65 6211 1320
Fax: +65 6211 2205
Email: Huang_Liang@ida.gov.sg

This initiative is the result of the Deployment of Interoperable Mobile Near Field Communication (NFC) Infrastructure and Payment Services CFC.