Even though we've seen efforts to make NFC transactions an easy way for smartphone users to make transactions, one big obstacle holding back mainstream adoption of NFC transaction systems was that currently only a handful of smartphones have built-in NFC support. Gemalto is set to tackle that hurdle shortly, as they are working on integrating NFC technology into SIM cards that would work with nearly GSM phone.

Gemalto, a self described "world leader in digital security," announced in a press release that they are developing a SIM card with embedded NFC technology designed to work with Mobile MasterCard PayPass, which would give almost any GSM phone the possibility to make NFC transactions and check their transaction history, as well as giving users a PIN which could be used for things such as adding money to a pre-paid phone.

There are doubts that NFC will take off as a popular replacement to the wallet and credit card, but the more companies we see that put money into creating NFC systems and researching new uses for NFC, the more it seems that NFC is coming, and will be here to stay for a long time.

Image from Engadget