The ongoing GSMA event saw the industry players seeking incorporation of ETSI* endorsed ‘Single Wire Protocol’ standard to provide the interface between the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC, or SIM card) and the embedded NFC chipset within the handset.

The industry players feel that this move will ensure that consumers reap the benefit of mobile payment services at the earliest.

GSMA claims that its ‘Pay-Buy-Mobile’ initiative trials with operators proved that consumers can use UICC-based NFC handsets to quickly, easily and securely pay for goods and services in shops, restaurants and train stations. GSMA says that trials are being conducted in 8 countries presently involving 9 operators and soon 14 countries will be included in the trials which will involve 15 operators.