Q&A: NFC
What is NFC?
At what wavelength does NFC operate, and how fast can it transfer data?
Is NFC secure?
What is 3G Americas’ view on mobile commerce and NFC?
What will be the impact of NFC on existing networks?
What is NFC?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless connectivity technology that allows for interactions between consumer electronics, mobile devices and PCs. NFC is a variety of ‘contactless technology’ that exists today and is designed to operate over very short distances, typically less than 4 cm. NFC-enabled products streamline and simplify interactions between consumer devices. NFC can be used for such purposes as speedy information sharing and secure payment transactions by mobile.
NFC can be used with many different types of devices and is compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi.
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At what wavelength does NFC operate, and how fast can it transfer data?
According to the NFC Forum, NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and transfers data at up to 424 Kbits/second and is activated when devices are within four centimeters of each other.
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Is NFC secure?
Yes, the short transmission range (4 cm) makes NFC interactions particularly secure.
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What is 3G Americas’ view on mobile commerce and NFC?
3G Americas is aligned with the initiative started by the GSM Association (pay by mobile) and many of its members have publicly stated their support. With this initiative, the GSM Association looks to define the availability of the architecture presented in a white paper based on the UICC and the Trusted Service Manager, and looks to define business models supported by this architecture to enable mobile contactless payment.
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What will be the impact of NFC on existing networks?
Mobile commerce and payment necessitate a new level of cooperation between wireless operators and financial institutions. The complete ecosystem will require the availability of devices, UICC, trusted service managers and the integration with the financial institutions issuance systems, also new business agreements.
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