Operators and banks pledge to keep trying but with a less formal approach.
Sixpack brought together operators KPN and Vodafone Netherlands with banks ING, Rabobank and ABN Amro. It was created in 2009.
But now they have "come to the conclusion that this original plan to build a joint venture (JV) is too complex and requires too much time."
However, the parties have pledged to work together but within "an appropriate governance structure for their cooperation.”
And so they will each will pursue their own agendas, forming independent alliances and adding to the confusion that characterise contactless mobile payments ecosystems in most markets.
One hears whispers that the banks are suspicious of these deals and drag their heels, but it's really unclear whether that was to blame or whether the problem was one of regulation or just ROI.
Elsewhere, similar JV endure. The US's Isis still in development and the UK's Project Oscar is rumoured to be getting approval from the EC soon.
The Swedish project WyWallet, launched by Telia, Tele2, Telenor and 3 Sweden in June, focuses on wallet services and will roll in NFC next year.
Advertisement
