Gemalto announced that it is working with PCCW-HKT, one of Hong Kong’s major mobile network operators and contactless smart card payment service provider Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) to bring mobile NFC ticketing to Hong Kong.

Gemalto’s UpTeq multi tenant NFC SIM will enable PCCW-HKT subscribers to load Octopus payment functions onto their mobile NFC device for payment in Hong Kong’s public transportation and retail services, as well as other purposes such as Octopus access control and loyalty applications.

With more than 23 million Octopus cards in circulation, Octopus delivers a broad range of micro payment services to 95 percent of Hong Kong’s population.

The mobile NFC ticketing service allows commuters to pay for journeys on all of Hong Kong’s public transport systems, including the metro, rail, bus, ferry, coach and tram, as well as paying for fares on minibuses and taxis that accept Octopus.

Using their selected and tested Sony NFC-enabled smart phones as an e-purse, commuters will be able to top up their Octopus Mobile SIM via any of the Octopus readers in Hong Kong.

In addition, users can pay over-the-counter at retail shops, food and beverages outlets, as well as purchase entrance tickets at selected entertainment venues. Drivers will also able to pay for their parking using their mobile NFC phones.

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