TOKYO, JAPAN, July 28, 2005 ---
Suica is JR East's IC card for railway travel and shopping, while Osaifu-Keitai refers to DoCoMo mobile phones equipped with contactless IC cards that can serve as credit cards and perform other useful functions.
Under the agreement, the two companies will consider the development of a reader/writer compatible with both companies' services and the creation and management of a common center that connects the reader/writers with various settlement systems.
A common reader/writer and settlement center will encourage retail shops to offer the services because they will only need a single reader/writer, saving space and reducing costs. The companies hope this will increase the number of service users by allowing shoppers the option of using either Suica e-money or the Osaifu-Keitai credit card service.
The companies feel that working together will promote their services more effectively than if they were to act separately.
JR East and DoCoMo aim to reach the final agreement within 2005.
The company introduced its "Suica" IC card in Tokyo metropolitan area stations in November 2001 and the number of holders now exceeds 10 million. The area where Suica can be used is being steadily expanded.
About NTT DoCoMo
visit www.docomo.ne.jp/english.
i-mode and FOMA are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Osaifu-Keitai is a registered trademark of
Osaifu-Keitai refers to mobile phones equipped with contactless IC card, as well as its useful functions/services enabled by the IC card. With this function, mobile phones can be utilized as electronic money, credit card, electronic ticket, membership card, airline ticket, and more.
Suica is a registered trademark of East Japan Railway Company.
FeliCa is a contactless IC Card technology developed by Sony Corporation.
FeliCa is a trademark of Sony Corporation.