GSM Association Will Set NFC Standards

Monday, June 30th 2008 -- The GSM Association, a consortium of 44 network operators announced today that they will be releasing an early set of requirements for handsets that use near-field communications technologies. According to the press release handset manufacturers (OEM's) and network operators will work together to support and refine the technology standards

While the standard could end up affecting all GSM providers worldwide the consortium has stated that only the 44 network operators currently enrolled with GSMA's Pay-Buy-Mobile initiative will have any say in what is developed within the new standards guidelines.

What is known is that the standard will include at least a set of minimum security standards, which includes a universtal single wire protocoal that integrates the interface with the universal integrated circuit card security chip.

The GSM Association believes that by working directly with handset OEM's and Wireless Carriers that their technologies will be adopted and brought to market more quickly than a sole effort on the organizations part.