Toshiba Moves into NFC Capable SIM Market

Toshiba has announced the development of a SIM card for use within mobile phones supporting NFC (Near Field Communication) services - which it expects to start sampling from Q3 this year. Toshiba's newly developed USIM card meets the latest specifications of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute-Smart Card Platform (ETSI SCP) and the GSM Association (GSMA). It is also compatible with the GSMA's Pay-Buy-Mobile programme, and offers full support for mobile contactless services, and meets all the security levels required for international payment applications.

Toshiharu Watanabe, Toshiba Corporate Senior Vice President and President and CEO of the Social Infrastructure Systems Company, said: "The introduction of a USIM card is a significant development for Toshiba, and with our company's advanced mobile technology and USIM, we would like to provide new solutions to the customer. We are also excited to support the advance of the Pay-Buy-Mobile programme promoted by GSMA, based on our technological achievements in the financial Smart Card sector."

Moving forward, Toshiba plans to complete final development of the new card by 3Q 2009, when it expects to begin provision of samples to Mobile Network Operators worldwide.

Posted to the site on 9th February 2009