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Man City trials mobile phone ticketing |
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Monday, 22 October 2007 |
Orange has launched a major trial of mobile contactless services with Manchester City Football Club (MCFC). In the first phase of the trial, the technology will allow fans to use their mobile phones to enter through the turnstiles for home games. In future, the trial may allow the purchase of club merchandise or refreshments during half time, as well as loyalty discounts for fans who regularly attend the matches. Mobile contactless, otherwise known as Near Field Communications (NFC), eradicates the need to carry cash, bank cards, security or travel passes, and tickets. NFC-enabled SIM cards mean handsets can be used for a combination of daily-life needs, whether it is buying a drink, going to a football game or taking a bus. Users swipe their mobile phone at dedicated terminals or readers, making shopping, commuting or entering buildings simpler, safer and more convenient. Scheduled to commence in early 2008, NFC-equipped mobile handsets will be supplied to selected MCFC season ticket holders, replacing their existing contactless cards. The football stadium trial will be the first NFC trial undertaken with Orange
UK
customers, closely followed by a new transport ticketing and information trial with Reading Buses.
Orange
is one of the first mobile operators to undertake multi-application NFC trials in
Europe
. The
UK
initiatives follow successful French trials already carried out across a number of industries in Nice,
Paris
, and
Caen
. These mobile contactless trials are the prelude to a major commercial mobile contactless roll-out in
Bordeaux
in 2008 which involves ticketing for trains and buses, mobile payments, retail loyalty programmes and information services through interactive advertising.
www.orange-ftgroup.com
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