BNP Paribas has selected Oberthur Technologies, a supplier of smart card solutions, to supply the NFC (Near Field Communications) services management solution for an NFC project in Nice, France. Oberthur Technologies will manage the mobile payment service on behalf of BNP Paribas via an OTA (Over the Air) platform.
Oberthur Technologies’ ‘NFC Now’ offering for banks and financial institutions provides an integrated solution for secured remote personalization, PIN management and EMV parameter updates. The NFC solution is compliant with the latest standards for mobile payment and is hosted by Oberthur Technologies’ secured service centers which are certified by MasterCard, Visa and GIE CB.
Starting in the spring of 2010, over 3,000 residents in the French city of Nice will be able to pay for public transport tickets and obtain information on routes and timetables using NFC handsets. Additional NFC-based services are also due to be available at local museums, cultural events and on campus at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
Eric Duforest, managing director of card systems division in Europe at Oberthur Technologies, said: “This successful project with BNP Paribas strengthens our position in the expanding market of NFC services where we already provide solutions to mobile operators. We are committed to deliver the best technology and services to our customers.”
Willy Dubost, senior vice president of cards & merchant services at BNP Paribas, said: “Following the ‘Payez Mobile’ initiative, it is important for BNP Paribas to be recognized as a leading innovator in the NFC payment market and the bank is looking forward to showcasing its service in Nice in early 2010. Together with Oberthur Technologies we have strengthened our existing partnership in order to create and implement a comprehensive solution which facilitates secure NFC payment.”
