ASIA : KDDI Corporation and Hitachi, Ltd are pleased to announce that they have co-developed a 3G CDMA 1X mobile handset equipped with a removable contact / contactless IC card with dual interface.

Utilizing the contactless IC card interface that has been used in transport systems in Japan, the handset will enable users to pass through the ticket gates of transport facilities such as JR East, and use the electronic tickets system of PIA, among others. In addition, as the handset is equipped with an IC card, users will be able to check the outstanding electronic value of the IC card as it displays on the screen, and download electronic value into the phone via EZweb. IC cards by themselves had not been able to perform such functions until today.

Technical issues for commercialization of the new handset are already under review. IC equipped handsets make it technologically possible to process data fast and solve communication distance issues, in order to allow users carrying the phone to pass the ticket gates of railways and other transportation facilities that have adopted the contactless interface. The companies are studying the process with JR East today. When implemented, users will be able to integrate rail / transport applications and other applications including electronic money, tickets and memberships on a single contactless IC card.

The IC card also has a contact interface, so the handsets can establish linkages with the Kei-Credit Service, a mobile account settlement service using au 3G phones and a UIM card (an IC card with PIN subscriber data issued by mobile carriers). A field trial of this credit system was held from march to august, 2003, in collaboration with JCB, Toyota Finance, Mitsui Sumitomo Card, and UC Card. In future, this service will allow users to download electronic values resulting from internet-based account settlement, and in various other usage situations where real and virtual scenarios converge.

In addition, the IC card is removable, so users will be able to upgrade their handset and continue to use the same card with the stored electronic values in their new handset.

KDDI and Hitachi are in discussion with various parties regarding uses of the new technology, and plan to adapt and develop new devices, services and environments around the devices.

KDDI and Hitachi expect to complete development of the Type B Interface which supports services that utilize PKI technology, such as Basic Resident Register, by early 2004.