Nokia launches NFC-enabled 6216 classic

SIM-based contactless transactions are go

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23 April 2009 9:41 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Nokia has announced a new Near Field Communication (NFC) device, and its third to date, the Nokia 6216 classic.

It's Nokia's first SIM-based NFC device which means operators can build NFC services on to the SIM card, so the launch of this phone may help consumer adoption of the tech as handset choice previously has been somewhat thin on the ground.

With compatible services from retailers NFC consumers will benefit from secure "contactless" payment and ticketing transactions as well as the ability to share content such as images, weblinks, audio files or contact data.

"The launch of the Nokia 6216 classic SIM-based NFC handset is a great step forward for payment and ticketing services", says Alex Sinclair, the chief technology officer of the GSM Association.

"We believe this will drive more rapid deployment of the technology and expect this to signal launch of NFC services in the market by operators".

Full specs are not in, but in addition to the NFC tech, the Nokia 6216 classic gets a camera, "bright" display, stereo FM radio and music player, 3G connectivity and a microSD slot which is expandable up to 8GB.

The Nokia 6216 classic is due to be available in the third quarter of 2009 in select markets with an estimated retail price of 150 euros before tax.