NFC Mobile Payments with BlackBerry Bold 9900 Now Possible in Turkey

Touted world’s first SIM-based smartphones to receive MasterCrad PayPass handset certifications for NFC mobile payments, BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 were also the first to run RIM’s BlackBerry 7 operating system. 

To capitalize on NFC (Near Field Communications) technology, major carrier Turkcell and Research In Motion (RIM) have just introduced the NFC mobile wallet application for BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone users in Turkey.

Turkcell’s application combined with the powerful features of the BlackBerry Bold 9900 will allow the carrier’s customers to make secure mobile payments by simply tapping their smartphones against a MasterCard PayPass reader.

These readers can be found in shops, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants across Turkey. Furthermore, Turkcell subscribers who own the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and travel outside the country will be able to make mobile payments as well, following the same procedure.   

"We are pleased to partner with Turkcell to launch the first commercially available NFC mobile wallet for BlackBerry smartphone customers in Turkey. RIM is committed to supporting the advancement of NFC technology and today’s launch marks an exciting milestone for the future of mobile commerce", said Alexandra Zagury, managing director, Turkey, RIM.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 owners who want to take advantage of this new feature can apply for the Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan service starting today.

As soon as they have received the new NFC-enabled SIM and install de NFC Mobile Wallet application, they will be able to start making mobile payments.

According to Turkcell, payments of up to 35 TL per transaction are allowed without having to insert the pin or signature, but for payments over 35 TL, pin or signature support is required.

"The Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan application for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 opens up  a new era of shopping, enabling simple, secure and convenient mobile payments at approximately 60000 contactless points of sale across Turkey", concluded Cenk Bayrakdar,  Turkcell deputy general manager, Turkcell.

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