US joint venture Isis has confirmed that its delayed NFC mobile payments trial will go ahead on 22 October, following speculation to that effect over the last few days. The high profile trial will launch in the two US cities of Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

The venture’s head of marketing Jaymee Johnson, who made the announcement, also said that “as many as 20 Isis-ready handsets are expected to be in the market” by the end of 2012,  an important factor in determining the service’s success.

The joint venture between AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile said a month ago it would not go ahead with its launch in the two US cities during September. It said at the time it would announce a new date for the launch during October.

In order to use the Isis service, subscribers must downloaded a free Android app from the Google Play store. Reports have named three Android handsets which will work with Isis at launch: Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II and Galaxy S Relay. In addition, Android Central reports that the Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE by HTC has received an update that includes making Isis mobile payments.

Subscribers with these handsets also need an Isis SIM card which they will be able to pick up from selected retailers in the two trial locations.

Subscribers will be able to hold credit cards from participating banks in the Isis mobile wallet, alongside the venture's own pre-paid card. As an incentive, when the wallet is activated, subscribers receive US$10 credited on the pre-paid card. If the subscriber then upgrades the card to reloadable, they can add funds via Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, as well as Greendot Moneypak, a reloadable prepaid debit card. Customers who add more funds to their Isis cards through any of these methods will receive US$15, another inducement.