NFC Technology Deployed in Commercial Environment

Strategic Insights -

Nokia, in partnership with Royal Philips Electronics, Vodafone, and Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), has successfully concluded a 10-month field trial of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The trial paves the way for the commercial deployment of NFC-enabled mobile phones as electronic bus tickets and loyalty cards. The technology was tested by 160 residents in the city of Hanau, with a 90 percent positive response from trial participants. The NFC-enabled Nokia 3220 mobile phones will now be available for sale at local Vodafone shops, allowing users to enter and exit city buses by holding their phones close to the reading device.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial of NFC technology in the city of Hanau was conducted by Nokia, Royal Philips Electronics, Vodafone, and RMV, and involved 160 residents.
  • The trial resulted in a 90 percent positive response from participants, who considered the NFC-enabled mobile phone system convenient and worth continuing.
  • The NFC-enabled Nokia 3220 mobile phones can now be used as electronic bus tickets and act as loyalty cards for discounts at local retail outlets and attractions.
  • The system calculates costs using the best available fares at the time of travel.
  • Users will receive an invoice from the local public transport operator at the end of each month detailing their trips and costs.
  • The NFC-enabled mobile phones will also feature a loyalty card called the "RMV-ErlebnisCard Hanau" that provides discounts at 14 selected retail partners in the area.
  • The trial is seen as a step towards the commercial deployment of NFC technology in a public environment.

Statistics:

  • 160 residents participated in the 10-month field trial of NFC technology in Hanau.
  • 90 percent of trial participants considered the NFC-enabled mobile phone system positive and convenient.
  • 14 retail partners are participating in the "RMV-ErlebnisCard Hanau" program.
  • The trial was conducted in the city of Hanau in the Region Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Germany.

Sources:

  • Wireless News-(C)1999-2006 10Meters - http://www.10meters.com
  • M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com