NFC payments app to be pre-loaded on the Samsung Galaxy SIII.
Quick Tap was launched by Orange in May 2011, but struggled to get any real momentum because it was pre-loaded only on the relatively unfashionable Samsung Tocco and Samsung Wave 578 handsets.
Although support for various BlackBerry and Nokia devices followed, the scheme remained low profile.
Then, in April, Orange confirmed it would support Android. Now, it's confirmed the Samsung Galaxy SIII as the first device.
New and upgrading customers taking the Orange Samsung Galaxy SIII from September 5th will be able to load up to £150 onto their handset using any UK MasterCard, Visa, Debit or Credit Card.
Customers who activate the service between September 5th and October 5th will receive £50 to spend free.
Quick Taps supports transactions of up to £20 each. It works with any NFC reader in the 70,000 UK outlets that accept the technology.
Simeon Bird, director of propositions at Orange UK, said: “We are really excited to be launching Quick Tap payments on one of the most popular smartphones of the year. Contactless mobile payments are a secure and convenient alternative to cash and cards and we are pleased to be the first network brand in the UK to offer its customers such an innovative service.”
The news comes just days after Mastercard entered into a partnership with Orange's parent Everything Everywhere to explore mobile payment services including NFC-based contactless wallets.
Bit confusing really. Especially as Everything Everywhere is also committed, in theory, to taking part in the cross-operator NFC JV known as Project Oscar. This is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the EC.
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