Google Wallet Blocked

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Verizon Wireless has blocked the use of Google Wallet on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. A year ago, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile teamed up with Discover and Barclays Bank to form Isis, a mobile payments company. Using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, the planned Isis mobile wallet will store digital copies of multiple credit cards and make contactless payments. Google Wallet is a similar NFC service. Unveiled in May, the service requires an NFC chip and the Google Wallet mobile app.
 
Google has confirmed that Verizon has requested that Google Wallet is not included in the new Nexus phone. Phone companies have generally had veto rights on the features of the phones they sell. Apple has been in a powerful position to dictate terms, but Google is yet to achieve the same level of influence.
 
The earlier Samsung Nexus S was the first phone to feature native Google Wallet support. In September, Google Wallet went live and the Nexus S became Google's mobile payments pilot project.
 
Sprint, MasterCard and Citigroup have supported Google Wallet by partnering with Google. Meanwhile, Verizon and the other major carriers are backing Isis.
 
Verizon Wireless commented that it was delaying its own wallet application until it can offer "the best security and user experience."
 
"We're working to provide expanded services that will provide the best security and user experience in the market around mobile commerce," commented Verizon spokesman Jeffrey Nelson. "We expect to provide access to an open wallet when those goals are achieved."