Three files complaint against NFC payment consortium
The network operator Three filed a complaint with the European Union against the NFC (Near Field Communication) payment consortium, which include Everything Everywhere, O2, and Vodafone.
The consortium is looking to launch a mobile payment service that will allow their customers to wave their NFC-enabled phones to pay for goods and services. The project has not yet been given the go signal by regulators. However, Three has taken legal action with the EU antitrust authority, seeking to put a stop to the project.
The odd man out’s legal counsel, Stephen Lerner, says the consortium is a “cosy collaboration”, which is why the European Union “should not allow this type of collaboration to go forward under any circumstances.”
Lerner adds,”Excluding the maverick raises serious competition concerns. It has serious implications for both consumers and wider business as the internet continues to move mobile.”
It looks like Near Field Communication is soon to take off. Google has started mobile payments with its NFC chip-bearing Nexus S in the US, and Apple is said to include NFC chips on its 5th generation iPhone. It looks like UK network operators are looking to cash in on this chip, and Three refuses to be left behind.
Do you think NFC is the next big thing in mobile, or do you still think it needs to be further developed? Let us know what you think.
