HK launches first mobile payment service for public transport commuters

Allows payment by smartphones using NFC trechnology.

Hong Kong's recently introduced mobile payment service allows commuters to pay for their fares with their smartphones using the “Octopus Card.”

The card is a proximity-sensitive debit card that gets Hong Kong residents on and off trains, trams and buses; gives access to schools and can be used to pay for items at convenience stores.

The new mobile service integrates the Octopus Card's payment function with a user's smartphone using near-field communication or NFC technology.

Octopus Cards Ltd CEO Sunny Cheung said the service will be completely secure and personal data on the phone will be protected.

Octopus phone users will need to install a special SIM card in their device to allow the phone to function as an Octopus Card. The service currently is only compatible with certain Sony smartphone models.

Octopus, however, said it is working with other network operators and phone manufacturers to include more networks and devices.

The new payment service has been deployed on a trial basis with only 5,000 SIM cards currently available.