The trials are for Japan's first credit settlement service using 3G handsets equipped with next-generation UIM cards (see note 1.), newly- developed multi-purpose IC cards that feature PKI (see note 2) technology and contain credit application software from the credit card companies.

The incorporation of all these features makes the system tamperproof and offers sophisticated calculating functionality as well as secure credit settlement with PKI technology.

The upcoming trials will take advantage of the unique characteristics and Internet connectivity of mobile phone handsets. Two different types of credit settlement will be available: online settlement and in-store settlements using infrared units built into mobile phones^*.

Online settlement requires users to input their credit card details into a UIM card. Once authorization is complete, the necessary data is encrypted and transmitted without the user having to enter credit card details by hand as in previous systems. This functionality boosts both ease of use and security.

In-store settlements are conducted with a short-distance infrared system, which allows users to conduct a range of different credit settlements without the inconvenience of having to carry around wallets or purses to hold credit cards.

The company plans to combine these credit settlement services with the au GPS mobile accurate location information function and advertisement transmissions to provide high quality services that improve the convenience of users of the 3G CDMA20001x service.

KDDI and the four credit card companies intend to build on the forthcoming trials to develop the mobile commerce market and take proactive steps towards developing commercial offerings for it.

Further details relating to the trials will be made available when finalized.

*	Service availability will differ between credit card companies.

Notes:

1) PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)

Refers to the hardware, software, protocols and policies required by digital authorization and certification functions. PKI allows secure transactions to be conducted over networks, and has therefore been widely adopted as part of e-commerce systems and those services in which copyright protection is necessary.

2) UIM (Use Identity Module) Card

Refers to a type of IC card used with 3G handsets and was based on the SIM card used in European GSM system handsets. The UIM card however can store a greater variety of applications, as it does not have the applet storage restrictions of the SIM card.

The new next-generation UIM card stores the keys used in digital certification and SSL/TLS client authorization in high-security areas. The card allows client authorization and secure communication whenever au customers carry out transactions.

Development Partners
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (UIM Card)
SchlumbergerSema (UIM Card)
IBM Japan, Ltd. (PKI-Related Matters)
VeriSign Japan K.K. (PKI-Related Matters)
Hitachi, Ltd. (Mobile Phone Units)

Outline of Credit Settlement Trials