E-wallet for all call bills soon

Subscribers of all four leading local telecom operators will be able to enjoy mobile payment services next year, by using ``near-field communication'' via specialized SIM cards.self storage CSL's 1010 and one2free, and SmarTone (0315) said their ``e-wallet'' plan, to launch early next year, will cover customers who own Hang Seng Bank (0011) MasterCards. The special SIM, with encrypted credit card information, will let clients make payments after they download the relevant app. HKT (6823) customers with Hang Seng Bank MasterCards already enjoy the service, while 3 Hong Kong subscribers can link their SIM card to their Citibank Visa credit card, on either Android or iOS models. With contactless payment catching on, the Hong迷利倉Kong Association of Banks released a set of best practices, including standards of technology, security and operations. Hong Kong Monetary Authority deputy chief executive Peter Pang Sing-tong welcomed the move, noting that many new entrants are joining the NFC platform. The lenders' association hopes users can pay via different credit cards or bank accounts via just one smartphone, which may not be too far from becoming a reality. A plug-in e-wallet device will be adopted by ATM network Joint Electronic Teller Services, or Jetco, for its 28-member banks in Hong Kong and become available in the first quarter next year. The device will support as many as 24 credit cards and offer shopping benefits. IMOGENE WONG 迷你倉