Isis taps Gemalto to bolster mobile payment security

Isis, the forthcoming nationwide m-commerce network spearheaded by Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ), AT&T (NYSE:T) and T-Mobile USA, will team with digital security firm Gemalto to boost safety around mobile payments and related consumer services.

Isis will leverage Gemalto's Trusted Service Manager solution to secure its network, offering consumers Near Field Communications-enabled mobile wallet services including tap-and-pay retail transactions as well as coupons and loyalty programs. Alongside end-to-end security safeguards, Trusted Service Manager touts application lifecycle management tools, service activation and deactivation, customer database management and value-added services like ticket reloading and branding.

Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile USA first announced Isis in late 2010, with consumer trials targeting the Salt Lake City and Austin, Tex. markets slated to begin sometime in early-to-mid-2012. In May, Isis said it would open its system to all interested credit issuers and banks, and in July welcomed financial services providers Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express to its ranks. Six device manufacturers--HTC, LG, Motorola Mobility (NYSE:MMI), Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM), Samsung Mobile and Sony Ericsson--have committed to introducing devices that support the Isis platform.

Isis faces competition from a host of rival m-payment services, including the Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Wallet tap-and-pay application. Last week, Verizon Wireless confirmed it will ship the forthcoming Android-powered Galaxy Nexus smartphone without preloading Google Wallet, although the operator said it remains in discussions with Google on the subject.

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