U.S. Bank, MasterCard, Nokia start M-payments pilot in Washington State

U.S. Bank, MasterCard Worldwide and Nokia launch a mobile payments pilot program in Spokane, Washington. Customers who choose to participate in the program are provided with a Nokia 6131 NFC-enabled mobile phone equipped with MasterCard PayPass payment functionality. When used at a PayPass-enabled terminal or reader, the technology integrated into the phone sends payment details wirelessly, so that there is no need to hand over a card for a merchant to swipe through a reader. The MasterCard PayPass can be used for payments at gas stations, movie theatres, concession stands, vending machines, quick-serve restaurants, taxi cabs, sports arenas etc. Customers can protect their account information on their phone via a password. Furthermore, platform developer Venyon provides the secure OTA service that allows for remote personalization and management of the payment feature. Sure, nothing virtual here but still very cool...