The GSM Association, the global trade association for mobile network operators, is co-ordinating the NFC initiative to encourage a common approach to the implementation of NFC technology in mobile phones. One of the goals of the project is to build on the secure billing and identity relationship operators have with their customers through the SIM card, which is situated inside the handset and contains users’ unique profiles and information. NFC technology, integrated with the secure and well-trusted environment provided by the SIM card, has the potential to marry the ubiquity of the mobile device with a range of consumer services that have global appeal. The active support of the GSMA’s NFC programme members is key to the development of the mobile NFC market. With some contactless services already in commercial use, creation of clearly defined mobile NFC standards will establish a stable ecosystem ensuring international interoperability. This in turn will provide the catalyst for mass market adoption and the benefits of scale this brings. The GSMA is a member of the NFC Forum, a body of handset manufacturers, technology companies and banking organisations formed to develop an NFC industry standard. A total of 14 mobile network operators are working together to develop business cases and user requirements for NFC. These will be incorporated in a White Paper for consideration by the appropriate standardisation bodies including the NFC Forum and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) in their work to develop the appropriate standard. The leading operators in the NFC programme include: Bouygues Telecom, China Mobile, Cingular Wireless, KPN, Mobilkom Austria, Orange, SFR, SK Telecom, Telefonica Móviles España, Telenor, TeliaSonera, TIM, Vodafone and 3. press@gsm.org www.gsmworld.com