Remember all the rumors about NFC appearing in the iPhone last summer, and other smartphones throughout 2011? Those rumors never materialized, but it looks like RIM is hot on the trail of NFC.
RIM has been outfitting its devices with NFC support, even though we haven't heard of anyone being able to use a BlackBerry to make payments. Today it was announced that Turkish network Turkcell has partnered with RIM to launch the Cep-T Cüzdan mobile payment system on the BlackBerry Bold 9900. The system works with MasterCard PayPass and accepts mobile payments domestically and internationally. Payments under $35 work instantly while larger transactions require a pin or signature.
While the speculation on NFC appearing on multiple smartphones in 2011 never materialized, RIM wasn't sitting on their hands. It looks like RIM is ahead of the game on NFC. Let's hope they introduce the service across all of their phones, and bring the service to the US!
RIM has been outfitting its devices with NFC support, even though we haven't heard of anyone being able to use a BlackBerry to make payments. Today it was announced that Turkish network Turkcell has partnered with RIM to launch the Cep-T Cüzdan mobile payment system on the BlackBerry Bold 9900. The system works with MasterCard PayPass and accepts mobile payments domestically and internationally. Payments under $35 work instantly while larger transactions require a pin or signature.
While the speculation on NFC appearing on multiple smartphones in 2011 never materialized, RIM wasn't sitting on their hands. It looks like RIM is ahead of the game on NFC. Let's hope they introduce the service across all of their phones, and bring the service to the US!
