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Mobile phones to be used as Oyster and credit cards
Mark Prigg, Technology Correspondent02.09.08
Londoners could soon be able to use their mobile phones as both Oyster and credit cards, it has been revealed.
The handsets will allow consumers to use their phone, exactly like current Oyster cards, and could be used as electronic tickets for certain events.
It is also hoped the system, which could be in place by next year, will be used to pay for entry to certain 2012 Olympic events.
Mobile firm O2 is to announce today that a first six-month trial of the system, with 500 Nokia handsets, was a major success.
O2 used it with Ticketmaster at its Dome venue, at a West End theatre and at its Wireless music festival in Hyde Park, raising hopes that it could soon become widespread at venues across the capital.
The phone firm is to set up a consortium of mobile phone makers and payment companies such as Visa and Transport for London to run the project, and it is hoped all major phone networks and makers will sign up.
"Our aim is that you simply take out your phone and nothing else," said Claire Maslen of O2.
"You will be able to pay for small and large items, and have the phone act as an electronic ticket for both concerts and major events. This technology is already available and the relevant standards agreed, so we hope that all of the major manufacturers will launch phones using it early next year," said Miss Maslen.
A total of 89 per cent of those involved in the trials said they would like to have Oyster cards on their phone, and two-thirds said they would also be interested in having credit card capabilities.
Oyster phones will require a new Sim card which will contain the radio transmitter currently found in Oyster cards and some credit cards.
As well as working as tickets and travel cards, users will be able to make credit card payments, although they will have to enter a Pin to spend more than £10.
A TfL spokesman said it was hopeful the system would be in place soon. "With more than six million cards in regular use, Oyster has blazed the trail for contactless technology in the UK," a TfL spokesman said.
"TfL remains at the forefront of contactless technology and considers NFC [near field communication] an exciting prospect for the future, providing significant benefits for our passengers."
A 2012 spokesman confirmed it was looking at the system for the Games.
Visa, a main Olympic sponsor, has pledged to make 2012 the first cashless Games and plans to install thousands of electronic readers at venues across the city.
Mary Carol Harris, of Visa Europe, said: "2012 will be an incredible showcase for this technology but I think O2's trial shows that this technology is already here."
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Reader views (6)
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The privacy concern is being taken too far by those who wish to protect it. What do you do now when you lose your credit or debit card? You call that company and cancel. The sooner the better to prevent fraud.
Amex calls me when something strange ends up on my charge card. Yes, you do want to make sure the credit card company, bank or in this case phone company are keeping your records secure from anyone else, beyond that what are you worried about? If someone wants to get you they will find a way.
- Bob, Philadelphia, Phila USA
I have put oyster chips in my mobile phones for 12 months now. The system announced yesterday in the Evening Standard lacks foresight. My chip can be removed within seconds and given to another person to place in their phone or their wallet. If my phone battery is dead the chip still works. If I am somewhere that it is not practical to take a phone to, or the phone needs repairing, no problem.
What percentage of the London population prefer O2 as opposed to all the other carriers with better tariffs. The oyster card is currently not linked to a network why complicate something that is already simple. Most people nowadays have two phones. I thought the idea was to have as many people with Oyster on their phones as possible.
I also have a chip in a ring so I can do the magic hand thing, fellow passengers offer me seats and want to chat about Quantum Physics (whatever that is) or try to touch my jacket, my sister has one in an earring and puts her head next to the reader, every day is fun filled for her. Why not make Oyster use fun for all.
Assume the O2 will offer the Sim card on a contract only basis which in itself is intrusive, You would need to be a special species of fool to have your travel details, your private small regular purchase details, your phone call, contact, text, email details and possibly your credit/debit card details all on the one easily hackable Sim card.
To the person/s at TFL responsible for giving such contracts I want a job, possibly yours.
- Matt, London
This is the most sinister technology ever devised and will erode every last piece of privacy you have. Britain is fast becoming a spy-state and people are asleep. You need to wake up and understand the implications.
- Dean, London, UK
