T-Mobile Makes NFC a Reality in 2013

Expanding on the 2012 launch of ISIS, the mobile provider is working to bring near field communication technology to a number of smartphones.

January 25, 2013

SEATTLE - Last year, near field communication (NFC) technology expanded to a number of smartphones, enabling customers to tap or bring their phone within close proximity of another NFC-capable device or phone to exchange and share content. That included paying for merchandise or services with a tap of their phone, wirelessly charging a phone or instantly sharing pictures, videos and links.

"T-Mobile is a leader in bringing NFC technology to its customers and currently offers a wide variety of NFC capable phones," wrote Brad Duea, senior vice president of product management, in a blog post.

In 2013, T-Mobile has even more NFC capabilities on tap. One of the most talked-about NFC advances in 2012 was the launch of Isis, the new mobile commerce platform created by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless. Isis allows T-Mobile customers a convenient way to shop, pay and save, all with the tap of a phone. The service launched citywide test programs in Austin and Salt Lake City last year, with eyes on expansion in 2013.

Beyond its current NFC offerings, T-Mobile is working with a number of partners to bring a variety of NFC technologies to market, including Chase, one of the first banks to sign onto the Isis program, which allows select Chase credit cards, such as Chase Freedom, to function within the Isis Mobile Wallet.

Last August, Isis announced its partnership with Wayne, a GE Energy Business, and Gilbarco Veeder-Root, which will provide integrated support for the Isis SmartTap mobile commerce application. The venture allows consumers to quickly and efficiently pay, present loyalty cards and redeem offers with a single tap of their Isis Ready phones at the gas pump.

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