The pilot program will begin in early- to mid-2012 in Salt Lake City. Additionally, Isis has partnered with Utah Transit Authority to make its entire transit system Isis-enabled via a pilot mobile commerce program.

Isis is a joint venture between AT&T Mobility LLC, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless. 

Salt Lake City program
Isis claims to be investing in the necessary infrastructure to enable mobile commerce on a nationwide basis. It is looking to make the service available to all merchants, banks, payment networks and mobile carriers.

The mobile commerce pilot program in Salt Lake City will let consumers use mobile devices to make purchases through the use of near field communication technology.

According to the company, the system will give consumers a secure and convenient way to pay, redeem coupons and store loyalty cards by just tapping their handset.

Via the program, consumers can use their mobile device to pay for goods and services at retailers across Salt Lake City and on the Utah Transit Authority.

Utah Transit Authority
Isis claims that its partnership with Utah Transit Authority is the first commercially available mobile transportation fare payment program in the United States.

Utah Transit Authority used contactless payments in 2009 via a tap on, tap off system.

Currently, the existing system lets consumers pay with their contactless credit and debit cards by tapping an electronic fare reader on a bus or train platform.

Final Take