The phone that acts as an eftpos card has been predicted for years. Just recently, Paymark CEO Simon Tong has been discussing how New Zealand???s mobile phone companies and Paymark are working together to speed up the introduction of the ???mobile wallet???.

That future is now one step closer, with the launch of the LG Optimus Net, New Zealand???s very first secure payment Smartphone using the latest technology NFC (near-field communication technology).

This game-changing mobile phone can be used to pay for everyday essentials such as bus fares, train tickets, taxi rides and coffees.

It???s fully Snapper-compatible, although unlike the traditional Snapper card you can view your itemised balance, top it up anytime and pay all via your mobile phone.

The LG Optimus Net is also secure. If lost, the service can be immediately disabled with one phone call to Snapper. Once found it will be up and running again in minutes.

???LG is building a name for itself at the forefront of technological developments, from OLED TVs to truly innovative mobile phones,??? says LG Marketing Manager Richard Bryant. ???As New Zealand???s first NFC phone, the LG Optimus Net will help revolutionise the way people use both their phone and their money.???

The LG Optimus Net is sharply priced at $299 and is available from May exclusively through 2 Degrees stores.

Awesome, never sadder to miss an event. TNC should be abuzz.