New Super SIM Cards in China to Serve as Digital Yuan Wallets, Smartcards, and ID Cards
Chinese mobile operators have been developing “Super SIM” cards since 2016, and the latest versions will serve multiple functions. The upgraded Super SIM cards will not only act as digital yuan wallets but also offer new authentication and security features. According to IT-Times, leading Chinese mobile providers have added novel capabilities to these cards.
Offline Digital Yuan Payments for Students
The new Super SIM cards will enable students, including middle and high school children, to make offline digital yuan payments. In many Chinese schools, students are required to use smart ID cards to sign in and out of the school gates. With the Super SIMs, students will also be able to pay for meals in school canteens using their ID cards or mobile phones.
Multi-Purpose Super SIM Cards
The new Super SIM cards can be manually attached to existing ID cards or used in mobile phones. They serve as digital ID cards, CBDC wallets, and perform regular mobile phone functions. Some university students in China already use their ID cards for on-campus payments using the e-CNY. These same cards also grant them access to buildings like libraries and lecture theaters.
Improved Identification Capabilities
In the future, Super SIM cards will feature enhanced identification capabilities. This means citizens may no longer need separate ID cards and bank cards when checking in at hotels. Instead, they can quickly check-in using their mobile phones.
Commemorative Cards with Rechargeable Digital Yuan Wallets
Commemorative Super SIM cards are equipped with “financial-grade” chips that function as rechargeable digital yuan wallets. Some of these commemorative cards were showcased at the recent World University Games in Chengdu.
Super SIM Cards and NFC Technology
Super SIM cards utilize near-field communication (NFC) technology, similar to offline smartcards and wearable digital wallets offered by Chinese banks. As China prepares to showcase its CBDC at the Asia Games, thousands of commemorative digital yuan hard wallets have been distributed. The opening ceremony of the Games will take place on September 21 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
Increasing Involvement of Telecom Operators
In July, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) announced a solution that allows Android phone users to use SIM cards as hard CBDC wallets. Following this, telecom operators such as China Telecom and China Unicom expressed their commitment to the CBDC pilot by linking their Super SIM projects to the PBoC’s digital yuan app.
Hot Take: Super SIM Cards Transforming Digital Payments in China
The introduction of upgraded Super SIM cards in China marks a significant step forward in the nation’s CBDC pilot program. With their multifunctional capabilities, these cards enable offline digital yuan payments for students and offer improved identification features for citizens. Additionally, commemorative Super SIM cards with rechargeable digital yuan wallets demonstrate the integration of financial-grade technology into everyday transactions. As China prepares to showcase its CBDC at international events like the Asia Games, these innovations highlight the country’s commitment to transforming digital payments and increasing accessibility for all.
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