Gemalto has unveiled the world’s first UICC-embedded (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) software application compliant with Mobile MasterCard PayPass M/Chip 4, the new MasterCard payment specification designed for mobile Near Field Communications (NFC). The software application and the UICC have both successfully achieved the compliance assessment and security testing certification in accordance with MasterCard’s highest chip security requirements.

Gemalto says the breakthrough paves the way for mass commercial rollouts of NFC payment across the world. In the UK, Gemalto is already partnering with a global, Tier-1 financial institution and a leading mobile operator, to implement the new MasterCard certified mobile payment application, and carry out the solution’s first mass commercial roll out.

Gemaltos software application embeds the Trusted Service Management interface for PayPass. This feature enables mobile account issuance and over-the-air management. A user-friendly handset interface makes mobile NFC payment convenient, enabling consumers to manage the new payment method and check transaction history. It also allows consumers to define their mobile Personal Identification Number (PIN), a code of their choice, through their phone. The mobile PIN is a new cardholder verification method used to secure operations such as account top-up from the mobile phone.

The Gemalto mobile NFC payment application can be configured so as to cover all card portfolios, including debit, credit and prepaid. In the latter case, the software application enables consumers to top-up their prepaid accounts directly from their mobile phone.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Gemalto to broadly expand the use of mobile payment services,” says James Anderson, vice president, Mobile, MasterCard Worldwide. “Leveraging the interoperability of MasterCard PayPass, Gemalto’s effort will enable cross-border mobile NFC payment, adding ease to the fast-paced lifestyles of more and more consumers across the world.”

“This new certification from MasterCard makes Gemalto the first on the market for this mobile product and will enable banks and wireless operators to offer a secure, innovative and convenient payment means to their entire customer base,” adds Jean-Claude Deturche, senior vice-president of mobile financial solutions at Gemalto. “Gemalto is committed to supporting its customers in their large scale deployments of mobile NFC payment, with a complete mobile contactless offer.”