Nokia supplying Octopus contactless card accessory

Nokia and Octopus have unveiled a new Xpress-On cover which transforms the Nokia 3310 and 3330 mobile phones into an m-commerce device.

Available only in Hong Kong, the specially-designed mobile phone cover integrates a mini-Octopus card, the contactless smart card issued for mass transit in the territory.

“Combining the two technologies into a single device is a natural move for both Octopus and Nokia to add extra convenience and value to the mass public in Hong Kong,” says Eric Tai, CEO of Octopus Cards.
Hong Kong is “one of the world’s most mature markets for the use of smart cards and mobile phones,” adds Tai.

With this deal, Nokia claims to have become the first company in Asia to integrate a smart card into a mobile phone. “Octopus have already ordered 10,000 covers and just recently placed an order for more,” says Sanna Raitannen, technology marketing manager at Nokia.

Launched in September 1997, Octopus now has more than 8.3 million cards in circulation, with daily transactions of almost 7 million.
Its network embraces over 120 service providers on top of the original mass transit applications, including car parks, retailing services (convenience stores, fast food, cake shops), self-help services (vending, photo booths, photocopiers), leisure facilities and schools as well as access control for housing estates and commercial complexes.

The new Xpress-On cover for Nokia 3310 and 3330 comprises a full-function adult Octopus card with zero initial stored value and deposit. Customers can use the payment function after adding value to the Octopus card at ticket offices or customer service centres of the mass transit system and at 7 Eleven and Circle K convenience stores. Like the normal Octopus card, users can access maximum ‘negative value’ of HK$35.

“The mobile phone is evolving into the centrepiece of personal life management, enabling complete personal connectivity not only between people, but also for content, services and applications that users require in their everyday life,” says Timo Toikannen, GM of Nokia Hong Kong: “By integrating an Octopus card into the mobile phone, Nokia is making m-commerce an intuitive element in mobile communications.”

The new cover is available from the Nokia Professional Centres, Nokia’s authorized distributors and dealers, as well as mobile network operators in Hong Kong, with 12-month warranty.

Further information:
www.nokia-asia.com
emily.hung@nokia.com
www.octopuscards.com

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