KDDI Corporation, Japan's second largest wireless operator, is to pre-install JCB's payments software on its mobile phones in a bid to compete with m-payment services offered by it's larger rival NTT DoCoMo.
According to Japanese press reports, KDDI customers will be able to use their mobile hand sets to pay for purchases at any stores equipped with JCB's QuicPay contactless payments system. The amount of the purchase will be charged onto customers' regular credit card bills.
KDDI plans to launch the new handsets in the autumn.
NTT DoCoMo, which is Japan's largest wireless operator, currently provides a mobile payment service in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company. The operator acquired a 34% stake in the Japanese card firm last year as part of its plans to develop a new range of mobile payment services.