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Lack of handsets delays launch of commercial NFC services in Dubai

Sarah Clark — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:19:43 +0000

Mobile network operators Du and Etisalat have had to put back their planned NFC commercial launches due to a lack of NFC phones, the operators have told Emirates Business 24|7.

ROADBLOCK: Etisalat and Du cite low handset availability as the reason for delaying their commercial launch of NFC

Dubai-based mobile network operators Du and Etisalat have had to put their planned commercial NFC service launches on hold due to a lack of handsets, of terminals and of NFC SIM cards, the operators have told a local business publication.

Etisalat first announced plans to launch NFC services in October 2009 in partnership with Emirates NBD and Du has been running an NFC trial at The Walk, a 1.7km beachfront shopping promenade in Dubai, since December.

"Telecom operators are at a standstill as pilot projects are not able to kick off into commercial deployments," Etisalat's Rashed Majed Al Abbar has told Emirates Business 24|7:

"Telecom operators globally and regionally are waiting for mobile phone manufacturers to launch commercial handsets. There are only test models in the market. These companies were supposed to launch by the end of third quarter last year. However, they have cancelled their plans in the roadmap for this year. There are no specific plans on the NFC or any replacement."
Mitchel Roda, senior manager, marketing (payments) commercial, Du, said: "Handset manufacturers are aware of the problem but they don't seem to be anxious to launch NFC phones. There are all mixed message from them as few of them have delayed the launch."

This article was first published at www.NearFieldCommunicationsWorld.com.

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NFC set for take off in the Gulf

Sarah Clark — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:58:43 +0000

OPINION: The past fortnight has seen announcements of new NFC services from banks and operators in both Dubai and Kuwait.

In Dubai, Etisalat has partnered with Emirates NBD for a new service expected to launch commercially during the first half of 2010. And, in Kuwait, Zain has partnered with National Bank for a six month pilot due to start later this month.

In May, Dubai First and telecoms operator Du announced plans for a commercial launch of NFC services by the end of this year. The Gulf region is going to be an area to keep a close eye on in the months to come...

Sarah Clark, Editor

This article was first published at www.NearFieldCommunicationsWorld.com.

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Etisalat partners with Emirates NBD to launch NFC in the UAE

Sarah Clark — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:06:26 +0000

The largest mobile operator in the Middle East has partnered with the region's largest bank for the launch of NFC-based mobile payments.

OPTIONS: Customers can choose either a Nokia or a soon-to-launch Samsung NFC handset

Etisalat has confirmed that it has chosen NFC technology for the mobile wallet service it plans to launch in the United Arab Emirates, and for which it received regulatory approval last month.

The mobile operator has also revealed that its banking partner for the launch is Emirates NBD, the largest bank in the middle east. It has also partnered with Visa for the launch and has picked Gemalto to act as Trusted Service Manager (TSM).

Purchases made via NFC handsets will be charged directly to customers' Emirates NBD Visa credit card account just as they would be with a traditional card payment, says Etisalat. Customers wishing to use near field communication services will also be able to choose either a Nokia or a soon-to-launch Samsung NFC phone, the operator revealed.

Etisalat is currently exhibiting its NFC solution at Gitex Technology Week 2009, in conjunction with Gemalto, and is demonstrating the use of smart posters to download coupons as well as NFC payments.

"The mobile phone has become a key personal device and it is our strategy to employ the latest technology and innovation to drive even greater value for our customers," says Essa Al Haddad, Etisalat's chief marketing officer. "We hope that this initiative will provide a new dimension to areas like ticketing, retail marketing and electronic payments thus paving the way for advanced NFC services on mobile phones."

"Emirates NBD believes contactless mobile payment services will be a key lifestyle driver for our highly mobile customer base, and we are delighted to be the leading bank to deliver this innovative service to them," adds Jamal Bin Ghalaita, deputy CEO of Emirates NBD. "Emirates NBD aspires to become the UAE's leader and pioneer in banking technology. Our partnership with Etisalat is the perfect union to test this contactless technology and will inevitably transform banking as we know it today, as both organisations are leaders in their game and hence, are fully equipped for such a bold innovation."

Although, for now, Etisalat has only partnered with Emirates NBD, further partnerships are expected in the future. "This doesn't stop us partnering with other banking partners as our platform is suitable for such an upgrade," Etisalat's Rashed Majed Al Abbar explained last month.

Speaking with Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National this week, Mr Al Abbar added that Etisalat will not be looking to charge its customers to use the service, although Emirates NBD may make a charge to its customers.

"No retail outlets have been selected to take part in a pilot project, but Mr al Abbar expected the service to be tested at a number of food courts in Dubai malls, where customer traffic was high," The National reports. "Dubai Metro stations may also be involved."

"The pilot study is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter and the system should then be ready to be deployed commercially," the National adds. "Several phones should then be on the market with the necessary chip."

This article was first published at www.NearFieldCommunicationsWorld.com.

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