The new Nokia 6216 classic is the next step in NFC connectivity

The 3rd annual WIMA conference is the place Nokia chose to unveil their third NFC-enabled handset - the Nokia 6216 classic. The new phone is their first attempt at making a SIM-based NFC device, which allows operators to integrate NFC services into the SIM card itself.

The Nokia 6216 classic combines both the ease of NFC contact-less payments and the security of SIM transaction authorization. As a result, the Nokia 6216 classic will truly be among the first wireless devices that can freely be used as a replacement for the credit cards one usually brings along.

Taken straight form our own glossary, NFC technology or Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 cm distance.

NFC is an upgrade of the existing proximity card standard (RFID) that combines the interface of a smartcard and a reader into a single device. It allows users to seamlessly share content between digital devices, pay bills wirelessly or use their cellphone as an electronic traveling ticket on existing contactless infrastructure already in use for public transportation and payment.

The connection between two NFC devices is established at once (under a tenth of a second). Due to its shorter range, NFC provides a higher degree of security than Bluetooth.

With the introduction of the Nokia 6216 classic the smart card role will in fact be taken by the SIM card that every GSM phone already uses. Owner's credit card information can be stored securely on the SIM card and waving the device in front of a contactless terminal enables quick payment and simple ticketing services.

Of course, a compatible NFC SIM card is required in order to be used with contactless ticketing and payment services, and require a service subscription and installation of an appropriate secure application.

In addition to the NFC technology, the Nokia 6216 classic, which seems as quite blatant remake of NFC-enabled Nokia 6212 classic, and is equipped with 3G support, a 2-inch QVGA display, a 2 megapixel camera, stereo FM radio and and a microSD slot.

The Nokia 6216 classic is expected to hit the shelves in Q3 2009 in select markets only. Its projected retail price is 150 euro before taxes and subsidies.