Mobile RFID Zone will be launched this year. This project is initiated by several main players such as the Korean government(Ministry of Knowledge and Economy), credit card companies(Samsung Card, Shinhan Card and MasterCard) and carriers(SK Telecom and KT).
If the RFID zone is established at multiplex theaters, users will be provided with mobile services from getting information about movies to paying offline at a restaurant nearby. The project is a kind of testbed restricted within 10 areas around theaters of CINUS, a multiplex chain in Korea.
[ Virtual Service Feature based on Mobile RFID ]
Source: Ministry of Knowledge and Economy
After the commercial launching of the mobile card by Hana SK Card, JV between Hana Financial Group and SK Telecom, the NFC services have been highlighted. And its adopted industry is expanding from distribution to entertainment. This trend will be maintained and be more activated.
Compared to times when carriers independently moved the wheel of the mobile payment in early 2000, there are stringent needs and preconditions for the mobile RFID business. Korea government often reported that the mobile RFID is one of main drivers for the future technology and business opportunities. And the actual trial is on the go under the alliance which several government ministries are participating.
At the end of this year, we will get directions from this movement and know whether the NFC business and mobile RFID services are widely spread or not.