In yet more news on near field communication (NFC) technologies and payments, Visa Europe and Wireless Dynamics Inc. have announced the deployment of a mobile payment application for iPhones to customers in Turkey.

The application requires an accessory from Wireless Dynamics called the iCarte and an application downloaded from Apple Inc.'s App Store. Once installed, the software and accessory securely store the cardholder's data allowing the customer to pay for purchases by waving the iPhone over contactless point-of-sale terminals. 

The program is being rolled out in Turkey through Turkcell, that country's leading wireless carrier. Additionally, the payment solution is being tested by employees of Visa Europe in London. Visa Europe plans to offer the solution to member banks and partner wireless carriers in Italy, France, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

Sandra Alzetta, SVP, Head of Innovation at Visa Europe said, "It's clear from trials across Europe that mobile contactless payment is a strong and compelling customer proposition. Visa recognises that consumers who use smart phones like iPhone are more likely to be early adopters of advanced payment technology. Given that the availability of a wide range of mobile devices supporting contactless services remains a key hurdle for take-up, we are overcoming this by bringing the capability to the iPhones already in their pockets."

(photo credit: Wireless Dynamics)

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