Korean mobile network operator SK Telecom has announced an NFC-enabled USIM card that enables existing mobile phones to be turned into NFC devices by simply replacing the existing SIM with one of the new NFC USIMs. The NFC sim cards are expected to cost in the region of £20 to £30 each.

The ‘NFC on USIM’ cards provide standard SIM functions plus a near field communication antenna and an NFC controller — all on one, small chip. The new NFC USIM will be available in October 2011.

As well as payments, the NFC USIM can be used to support peer-to-peer communications. A phone equipped with the new SIM can be used to receive product information in stores, mobile advertisements and coupons, conduct real-time account transfers between handsets, exchange electronic business cards, check-in to hotels, unlock doors and verify the user on PCs.