Japanese mobile phone operator KDDI Corporation is adding Sony's contactless chip card card technology, FeliCa, to its range of mobile handsets.
KDDI will introduce the technology to its au range of handsets in autumn 2005 and to its advanced 3G CDMA 1X WIN series in 2006. The number of subscribers to the mobile phone services under KDDI's au and TuKa brands is over 21 million.
The Felica service will enable KDDI subscribers to use their phones as electronic wallets and ID cards. Users will also be able to access account balances and usage history. KDDI says it will also develop functions to allow users to change the data contained in the chip.
FeliCa will provide card issuing services through KDDI's online service, EZweb.