Sprint Stands By Google Wallet in NFC Smartphone Launch

Google (GOOG) faced some resistance in putting Google Wallet on the Galaxy Nexus phone when the Android smartphone model launched with other carriers, but Sprint (NYSE:S) says it will support the nascent mobile payment system from day one.

Sprint's rivals Verizon Wireless (VZ) and AT&T (NYSE:T) are stakeholders in Isis, a carrier-backed mobile payment system that competes with Google's mobile wallet. Among banks, Isis' supporters include JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Capital One (COF), whereas Google launched its mobile payment system last year with the support of Citigroup (NYSE:C).

When the Galaxy Nexus phone launched last year, Verizon resisted allowing Google's payment system on its version of the smartphone, initially citing security concerns. AT&T began allowing Google Wallet in February, though it did not promote the payment service and would not even officially confirm the wallet app's availability when Bank Technology News contacted it.

Sprint, by contrast, is offering $50 in Google Wallet credits for Galaxy Nexus customers who activate the mobile wallet within seven days of activating their smartphone, the carrier said Monday. Sprint was the only carrier to support Google Wallet when it launched on the Nexus S, an earlier Android smartphone.

The Galaxy Nexus is one of the few smartphones to use a Near Field Communication chip, which allows contactless payments at the point of sale.