Trial of NFC badges for Telstra customers attending the 2014 Mobile World Congress

GSMA, the organisers of the 2014 Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, has announced a trial of near-field communications (NFC) badge ticketing technology for Telstra customers attending this year’s show.

The NFC badge will use information stored by a mobile carrier, including name and telephone number, to help verify an attendee’s identity.

The validation process also includes a photo ID check.

The system uses an underlying API platform from Apigee to enable the technology, which also requires an attendee to download the GSMA’s app and log in to the NFC Badge.

While Apple is yet to include NFC technology in its devices, which has long ago been included in many Android, BlackBerry 10 and Windows Phone smartphones, users will need to use an NFC-enabled case from Incipio.

In a statement, GSMA chief marketing officer Michael O’Hara claims the new technology will streamline entry to the event.

“At Mobile World Congress we are focused on not only showcasing the latest in mobile technology, but also using it to enhance the attendee experience.”

“By using this new mobile operator identity solution, eligible attendees can pre-validate their NFC Badge, and pass through venue access points without having to repeatedly show photo ID.

“We’re excited about the possibilities that this solution opens up and are pleased to be working with leading mobile operators to enable this feature for their customers.”

This year’s show will also include an NFC Experience demonstrating NFC-based mobile commerce systems for payment, retail, transport, mobile identity and ticketing/access.

In addition, the show promises 61 NFC-enabled Tap-n-Go Points providing event news, schedules, documents, presentations, videos and other information.

Aside from Telstra, a number of international telcos, including Bouygues Telecom, Bharti Airtel, Dialog, Du, Etisalat, KT Corp., Orange and Tata are also participating in the mobile badge trial.