The widespread adoption of m-commerce may be a little closer now that four of Europe's biggest wireless carriers have teamed up to develop an industry standard for mobile phone payments.

France's Orange, Spain's Telefonica Moviles, Germany's T-Mobile and Britain's Vodafone Group last week announced plans to form a Mobile Payment Services Association in an effort to boost m-commerce.

Five other operators -- 3, debitel, KPN Mobile group, O2 and TMN -- have also indicated that they are interested in joining.

Tim Jones, the CEO of the association, said that the group plans to offer two services beginning in 2004. The first will be a mobile payment scheme that allows customers to make small purchases (under 10 euros, or $10.80) through mobile operator-managed accounts.