AFSCM declares Nice’s NFC pilot a success
The Association Française du Sans Contact Mobile (AFSCM), a non-profit organization aimed at advancing interoperable NFC applications, has determined that Nice’s city-wide NFC trial “cityzi” is a success, and will pave the way for future NFC roll outs across France.
According to AFSCM, there has been a “quick and enthusiastic” adoption of cityzi-branded contactless services and mobile phones since the system’s launch in May 2010. Furthermore, a qualitative survey issued by AFSCM demonstrates positive user feedback, namely for the system’s “convenience and ease of use.”
The interoperable cityzi services in Nice include: access to local and cultural information (cityzi tag reading), purchase and validation of urban transport tickets, real time traffic information and timetables (BPASS Lignes d’Azur service), smart shopping with major retailers (couponing, digital loyalty programs), contactless mobile payment with major banks, and more.
Nice residents and tourists can access these services through Samsung Player One cityzi phones, which use SIM cards as their secure element.