I did not realize that I missed out this news in my inbox. Anyway, better late than never. DBS, EZ-Link and Starhub will be rolling out NFC (Near Field Communication) mobile services in 2012. They are part of the consortium that received IDA’s NFC Call for Collaboration (CFC) award to develop infrastructure and services in Singapore.
DBS, EZ-Link and StarHub to roll out
Near Field Communication Mobile Services by 2012
Singapore, 25 October 2011 – Come 2012, the sight of consumers tapping their mobile devices to pay for shopping purchases, transport trips, and other contactless services, could soon be a norm here when StarHub, EZ-Link and DBS launch Near Field Communication (NFC) services.
The three companies are part of the consortium which received IDA’s NFC Call for Collaboration (CFC) award to develop an interoperable mobile NFC infrastructure and mobile payment services in Singapore. As pioneers that trial tested the latest NFC mobile payment services in Singapore, DBS, EZ-Link and StarHub are well-positioned to provide a secure and seamless NFC mobile payment services to customers by mid 2012.
More than 1,000 participants tried the NFC services during a recent trial, jointly organised by DBS, EZ-Link, Gemalto, MasterCard and StarHub. The trial was well-received by participants who expressed excitement over the prospects of the services. Gaining insights from the trial, NFC services will be fine-tuned to bring greater benefits as well as convenience to consumers and merchants when officially launched.
Apart from continuing close partnership to offer more NFC-enabled applications, DBS, EZ-Link and StarHub will also work closely with other members of the consortium to develop a vibrant NFC ecosystem in Singapore.
Using NFC devices like a ubiquitous mobile wallet, customers can not only make payment but also access lifestyle services on a single interface. They can purchase tickets, receive the latest news, discounts and promotions from retailers with just a simple tap. In addition, consumers can “social network” on the move when they share their discoveries with their friends by tapping on each other’s NFC mobile devices.
To ease the adoption of the NFC technology, StarHub will offer NFC mobile devices to customers. StarHub will also look for more payment and service partners to collaborate on unique services that simplify and enhance StarHub Mobile customers’ lives at work, at home, and for leisure.
“StarHub is proud to provide innovative mobile payment services for our customers as we strongly believe in offering the best solutions and unique experiences for our customers. With the launch of the NFC, our mobile customers will enjoy a highly engaging and convenient experience as they use their NFC enabled mobile handsets for contactless services such as transit, shopping, ticketing, social sharing, and much more. With such attractive features, we expect more customers to embrace the NFC services that simplify and enhance their lifestyle,” says Ms Yeong Mun Ling, StarHub’s Vice President of Business Strategy.
NFC will form an integral part of DBS’ suite of mobile offerings and enhance the comprehensive card experience enjoyed by its customers. A leading player in the mobile banking space, DBS is the first acquirer to enable contactless payment through a single reader accepting PayPass, payWave, and CEPAS. With already over 6,000 contactless acceptance points for transport, shopping and dining, DBS will work closely with consortium members and its merchants partners to realise NFC’s full potential and to promote cashless payment in Singapore.
“Advancements in mobile technology and the adoption of smart devices over the recent years have had a major influence on the consumer’s lifestyle. With over 330,000 customers using mBanking as well as more than 300,000 downloads for DBS Indulge and DBS Shopper, we have the largest mobile banking customer base in Singapore. As part of our continuous innovation, we are proud to add NFC to our comprehensive suite of mobile banking solutions that includes online banking, protection, rewards and payment. The NFC-enabled mobile will further enhance our customers’ purchase experience and bring cashless payment in Singapore to a new level,” says Mr Sim S. Lim, Country Manager of DBS Singapore
EZ-Link will be offering the TTP with a contactless stored value e-purse infrastructure that will facilitate and allow the functions of an ez-link card to be embedded into an NFC-enabled handset and utilized across all existing and new ez-link acceptance points.
“EZ-Link is happy to be working with DBS and StarHub towards introducing a NFC-enabled solution to our consumers as we believe that, by combining the mobile phone, NFC mobile payment and the ez-link purse, we are creating a powerful proposition for Singaporeans, adding a combination of innovation and convenience to their lifestyles,” says Mr Nicholas Lee, CEO of EZ-Link Pte Ltd.
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About DBS
DBS – Living, Breathing Asia
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 200 branches across 15 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is a market leader in Singapore with over four million customers and also has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth, namely, Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s strong capital position, as well as “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings that are among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region, earned it Global Finance’s “Safest Bank in Asia” accolade for three consecutive years, in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
DBS provides the full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia and the Middle East. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS also understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. This market insight and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. The bank believes that building lasting relationships with its customers is an integral part of banking the Asian way.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 17,000 staff, representing over 30 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About EZ-Link Pte Ltd
EZ-Link Pte Ltd was formed on 8 January 2002. Its core business is the clearing and settlement of all ez-link card transactions generated in transit and non-transit (retail/merchant) environments, as well as the sale, distribution and overall management of ez-link cards. To date, more than 10 million new CEPAS-compliant ez-link cards have been issued. This is in tandem with the government’s plan to promote cashless payments in Singapore. In line with this vision, the new ez-link card is now also accepted as a mode of payment for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and at carparks fitted with the Electronic Payment System (EPS) when used in the dual-mode in-vehicle unit.
About StarHub
StarHub is Singapore’s fully-integrated info-communication company, offering a full range of information, communications and entertainment services for both consumer and corporate markets. StarHub operates Singapore’s fastest two-way HSPA+ mobile network that delivers up to 21Mbps for downlink to complement its nation-wide GSM network, and an island-wide HFC network that delivers multi-channel cable TV services (including High Definition Television and on-demand services) as well as ultra-high speed residential broadband services. StarHub also operates an extensive fixed business network that provides a wide range of data, voice and wholesale services. Over Singapore‘s fibre-based Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network, StarHub offers a broad range of home and business broadband plans along with a host of advanced media-rich value-added services.
Launched in 2000, StarHub has become one of Singapore’s most innovative info-communications providers, and the pioneer in ‘hubbing’ – the ability to deliver unique integrated and converged services to all its customers. StarHub, listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange since October 2004, is a component stock of the Straits Times Index and the MCSI Singapore Free Index.