Vodafone K.K. and FeliCa Networks today announced the agreement for introduction of Mobile FeliCa to Vodafone Handsets in Japan. Both companies aim to promote new mobile lifestyles with Mobile FeliCa compatible handsets Vodafone K.K. and FeliCa Networks, Inc. have agreed to collaborate in Japan on the introduction and promotion of Mobile FeliCa, a system which enables contactless IC card technology (“FeliCa”) in mobile handsets. 

1) Vodafone K.K. will aim to introduce handsets in Japan with embedded Mobile FeliCa IC chips developed and licensed by FeliCa Networks in October 2005 as the initial approximate target date.

2) Mobile FeliCa compatible Vodafone K.K. handsets will adopt common areas to be administered by FeliCa Networks.

3) Vodafone K.K. will aim to ship more than 1 million Mobile FeliCa compatible handsets at an early stage and make embedded Mobile FeliCa IC chips a common specification of Vodafone handsets in Japan in fiscal 2006 onwards.

4) Vodafone K.K. and FeliCa Networks will both actively promote the rapid spread of Mobile FeliCa. Vodafone K.K. will add Mobile FeliCa IC chips to new Vodafone K.K. handsets, enabling access to various existing Mobile FeliCa compatible services such as transportation services, electronic money and point services through mobile handsets in cooperation with service providers. In addition, features not available on individual IC cards but possible via the communication capabilities of mobile phones, such as “value downloads” of electronic money, account balance displays, and usage histories, are also planned.

FeliCa Networks will provide card issuing services required to all businesses when using Mobile FeliCa IC chips as a network service via the Vodafone live! mobile internet service. At the same time, the capability to change the data contained in the chips anywhere or anytime will be provided in order to promote the further development of Mobile FeliCa.

Press Release [.pdf] Here

Related posts:

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3. KDDI Announces Mobile FeliCa
4. KDDI Joins FeliCa Bandwagon
5. Sony, VeriSign Japan Enter into Alliance for Security FeliCa Card

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!