Near field communication (NFC) technology is gathering pace with what is claimed to be the world’s largest commercial rollout in Austria, and a trial of the technology being conducted on the London Underground.
Mobilkom Austria, using technology from NXP Semiconductors and phones from Nokia, will offer its customers the ability to purchase public transport tickets, vending machine snacks and parking tickets using their mobile phone.
The London Underground three-month trial around Blackfriars station will have NFC technology embedded in 19 ‘smart posters’.
When an NFC-enabled phone is placed against the poster it will pinpoint the location of the passenger. It will then be able to transmit detailed information, such as maps, directions and real-time travel advice, to the phone.