European-based mobile wallet provider Cellum announced it will soon include NFC-based contactless payments using Host Card Emulation technology, according to a company press release.

"Until recently, Cellum focused on remote payments, though the company is no stranger to NFC, as it has had a number of successful implementations based on the technology in the past. However, back then the market wasn’t ready for it,” said Cellum Director of Research and Development Zoltán Ács. "Now the tide has turned and we are committed to meeting the growing demand for fast, secure and, most importantly, easily-deployable NFC solutions."

Cellum supported MasterCard in launching MasterPass in Hungary and has recently become an official MasterCard Digital Vendor Partner. The company provides MasterPass-enabled wallet services to banks and telcos, as well as integration services to merchants, based on its PCI DSS compliant platform. As MasterCard is preparing to roll out new HCE-based contactless payments into MasterPass, Cellum will be offering the same functionality to its partners.

"Cellum has been providing its mobile wallet technology in a white-label model for years. We have successful partnerships from Europe to Asia and are very proud to be able to serve the diverse needs of our various clients and markets," said Cellum COO Ábel Garamhegyi. "As an official Digital Vendor Partner of MasterCard, we are able to provide the online experience of MasterPass and the one-touch convenience of PayPass in a single application, under our partner's brand."