MALAYSIANS can now use their mobile phones to pay for purchases and transportation charges with the launch of the Maxis FastTap.

This integrated mobile payment service, by mobile operator Maxis Communications Bhd together with partners Nokia, Visa, Maybank and Touch ‘n’ Go, marks a few ‘first-in-the-world’ milestones for contactless mobile payments using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

Maxis FastTap is the first global commercial service that integrates multiple NFC applications for contactless credit card payment (in collaboration with Maybank and Visa) and Touch ‘n Go electronic payment for transit, toll and parking payment on the same device – using Visa payWave over NFC-enabled mobile phones; and for integrated credit card and transit payment applications on a Nokia 6212 classic device.

Maxis is the only mobile operator in Malaysia to have developed and tested the NFC technology.

Maxis FastTap is also the first commercial NFC service in the world that features over-the-air personalisation of credit card information via a mobile service operator’s network using a Trusted Service Manager interface.

NFC is a short-range wireless open-platform technology that allows communication between devices at close range. It offers high levels of inter-operability between devices and readers and is now the global standard for contactless mobile payments.

It offers a wide range of features that allows for credit card, debit card, ticketing and transportation payments to be integrated into a mobile phone.

Contactless mobile payments for consumers is especially useful in high-speed transaction environments like car parks, toll gates, bus and train terminals, cafes and fast-food outlets, newsagents, supermarkets and petrol stations.

With this launch, customers who sign up for Maxis FastTap are now able to use their Nokia 6212 classic phones to purchase goods and services at more than 1,800 Visa payWave merchant locations as well as pay for toll, transit, parking and theme park charges at over 3,000 Touch ‘n Go points nationwide.

"The launch of Maxis FastTap is a landmark achievement in our efforts to constantly bring innovation that can positively impact the lives of Malaysian mobile users," said Sandip Das, Maxis’ chief executive officer.

"The success of any new technology depends on having a solid ecosystem in place at launch.

"In this regard, Maxis was fortunate to work with Nokia, Visa, Maybank and Touch ‘n Go – all leaders in their fields – in developing this, from concept, trials and now to commercial rollout of the world’s first integrated service that incorporates credit card and transport payment features.

"This service is one of those miracles of mobile phones that we have often fantasised about in the past."

The Nokia 6212 classic, which is also a 3G device, is currently the only commercially-available NFC-enabled phone in the world. It is embedded with an NFC chip that enables secure, contactless payments and transactions, as well as has the ability to read and download information from smart posters.

The Maxis FastTap-enabled Nokia 6212 classic phone is priced at RM899 (without contract) and as low as RM499 (if the customer signs up for a Value Plus 150 plan, with a 24-month contract).

Maxis is waiving all activation and monthly service fees for customers who purchase the Nokia 6212 classic and sign up for the Maxis FastTap service for the first three months from its launch on April 9.

The Nokia 6212 classic phone from Maxis is Touch ‘n Go-enabled, and comes preloaded with RM10 worth of credit.

Additionally, the first 1,000 Maxis FastTap customers who reload RM50 onto their Touch ‘n Go application in their Nokia 6212 classic phones will receive a complimentary RM10 Touch ‘n Go reload voucher.

Customers who sign up for a Maybankard Visa payWave on their mobiles will also enjoy exclusive benefits, such as five times the Maybankard Treats Points, Visa payWave Retailer of the Month promotions, as well as stand a chance to win great prizes with automatic entry into the Maybankard Wave and Win Contest.

Maybank is offering its EzyPay scheme of 0% interest payment for those who apply for the Maybankard Visa payWave mobile phone facility.

For more, Maxis customers can call 1800 821 123, visit participating Maxis Centres or logon to www.maxis.com.my