Kyocera Enables WirelessWallet Trials

Kyocera announced the successful field-testing of handsets used in a WirelessWallet consumer trial by Cellular South. Equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, the handsets were used by consumers to make wireless payments and purchases in the nation’s first multi-city trial by a wireless service provider. According to Cellular South, WirelessWallet will become available to consumers in early 2008.

According to Cellular South, a post-trial survey found that 87 percent of WirelessWallet testers are interested in using the mobile payment technology when it becomes commercially available. The survey, conducted by Insights Research Group, also revealed that more than 75 percent of testers were satisfied with their WirelessWallet transactions. The survey further stated that the vast majority of participants indicated the groundbreaking application was both easy and convenient to use. The trial results provided strong testament to the added value of NFC-enabled technology for consumers seeking innovative, simplified methods for making everyday payments and purchases.

Already popular in certain Asian and European markets, wireless mCommerce is expected to flourish in North America. According to industry analyst firm Strategy Analytics, sales of NFC-enabled handsets in North America will grow from virtually none in 2007 to 97.4 million units in 2011. Spurring today’s development efforts, says Strategy Analytics, are aggressive “contactless payment” initiatives from MasterCard, American Express and VISA.

This news bring back memories of the ‘good ol’ days’ circa December 2003..