KDDI to introduce FeliCa technology in 3G handsets

September 30, 2004

KDDI and FeliCa Networks, a subsidiary of Sony, have agreed to collaborate on the introduction of mobile FeliCa, a system which enables contactless IC card technology in wireless devices, to the KDDI range of cellular phones. KDDI will develop and introduce the technology to its au range of handsets in autumn 2005, and to its advanced 3G CDMA 1X WIN series in 2006.

KDDI will add FeliCa IC chips to new au mobile phones, allowing access to various existing services such as electronic money, point services and transportation services through the mobile phones in cooperation with service providers. Further, combined with the communications capabilities of the mobile phones, "Value downloads" of electronic money, etc., and the capability to display account balances, usage history, etc. they are able to provide features only possible on a mobile phone, and not available on an IC card.

FeliCa Networks will provide card issuing services required when using FeliCa Chip to all businesses as a network service through KDDI's EZweb. At the same time, the capability to change the data contained in the chip anywhere or any time will be provided, contributing to the development of FeliCa services.