Source:
https://scmp.com/article/388168/mobile-providers-look-certificate-system

Mobile providers look into certificate system

Hutchison's Orange unit and Sunday Communications are testing an automated system allowing users to apply for mobile electronic commerce certificates and installing them on mobile phones.

Mobile eCerts, which allow users to sign their mobile transactions for added security, was launched earlier this year in co-operation with Hutchison. Take-up was likely slow as the only application in the market so far was the mBroker stock-trading service launched by Hong Kong-based Heracle Technologies.

The system now being tested would cut the processing time to between 10 and 15 minutes, and at least one new application should be forthcoming, Hongkong Post's e-Cert senior manager Michael Chung Man-kit said.

'The second application we expect will be the Jockey Club, for mobile betting. A number of applications are being planned or being developed but I think announcements will be made when the projects materialise,' Mr Chung said.

Sunday and Orange were each testing the system at two of their offices and might soon introduce them at other branches, he said.

The computerised systems can dial up HKPost's computers and install certificates while customers are still in the shops. The certificates, costing HK$50 each, are valid for one year.

Mr Chung's office is involved in the planned installation of similar certificates on the digital identification cards planned for Hong Kong from next year.

The certificates are expected to be to valid for three years with the first year's fee waived to encourage users.

HKPost has not yet set the price for the second year onwards but the cards will be designed so the certificates can be revoked for a user who does not renew.

Card holders will have the option of adding library cards and driving licences. Adding an electronic wallet is an option but the government has announced no plans in this area.

Mr Chung, at the CA Expo conference yesterday, confirmed smart card readers would be necessary to read the certificates on the cards.

Most consumers did not have the equipment in their homes but computer manufacturers were starting to introduce models with smart card readers and Mr Chung expected a number of readers would be available at kiosks and in other public places when the cards were introduced.

HKPost has released two tenders for public bid, the first for upgrading its back-end to support an expected rise in the number of e-Cert users once the digital ID cards were launched and the other for development of services to take advantage of the embedded certificates.