AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II, NFC will be turned on [Exclusive]

AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II, NFC will be turned on [Exclusive]

AT&T has had a struggle on its hands over the last few weeks with regards to the NFC Samsung Galaxy S II. On one hand, AT&T could block the feature for the time being and not allow anyone to get any NFC goodness. This would allow them to maintain control over the NFC experience until Isis is ready to be deployed and it can produce greenbacks.

On the other hand, they know that it is a feature customers want. The risk AT&T faces with leaving NFC off is that if Big Red leaves NFC turned on in the Samsung Droid Prime, AT&T could lose customers. Decisions, decisions, what to do? Maniacal control, or giving consumers what they want without a monetization plan deployed? You can understand their dilemma. Well, lucky for us we have sources close to the matter that have let us know which way the wind is blowing inside Ma’Bell. From what we are hearing it is looking like the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S II is very likely to have its NFC turned on at launch. Our sources for this rumor are solid, but we always caveat by saying this is a rumor at this point and seeing will be believing.

AT&T NFC “enabled” Samsung Galaxy S II specifications

In case you haven’t been keeping up with the NFC Samsung Galaxy S II specifications, or just need a refresher here they are.

AT&T flip flopping on whether to leave NFC turned on in the Samsung Galaxy S II

Apparently this decision has gone back and forward over the last few weeks and they have been flip flopping more than a fish on the beach. We think that in the end they just broke out the magic 8 ball for the answer, and went with it after flipping coins just became too political. What we are hearing is that AT&T  is nearly, probably, potentially certain that they will leave NFC intact and functional, and that they are 90% sure they won’t change their minds… again. The launch is getting close, and as we reported last week AT&T already has a coming soon page for the Samsung Galaxy S II.

Over the next few months, Isis issues are going to get bigger. Like the British NFC joint venture, we expect Isis to take some heat over the way they are conducting a closed loop business model that impedes competition and gives three of the biggest mobile network operators questionable control over subscribers’ payment methods. The long awaited Samsung Galaxy S II fitted with NFC is a very capable phone. Many will fall for its charms and graceful power, but before you sign up, do consider whether you want your mobile network operator controlling your ability to make payments or purchase goods and services. Oh, and consider what happens if you have a billing dispute.

Don’t expect to see Google Wallet on AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S II – we are being told its a complete no go. Google Wallet is an open NFC mobile wallet competitor and AT&T has no intentions of letting customers use the service while on their network, so you should expect no indecisiveness there.