I follow mobile wallets very closely, and the Carriers closing ranks is a real issue. Google's hands are not clean either. Case in point: Google has not enabled the API to access the secure element on the Google Nexus One (the only phone that has already been rolled out and been around). And secondly, it has not enabled SWP (Single Wire Protocol) that allows for a Secure Element in the SIM on the Nexus One (which would allow Carriers to put a SE SIM on the phone). Google has not yet opted to provide a third party api for others to integrate with the wallet.

Despite Google's stumble, Carriers is a whole another breed. Isis sounds more and more looks to copy Microsoft in its heydays.(back in the days of Netscape - NO alternate browser on my Operating System!). The carriers are also closing rank, in that they are pushing through the SIM based approach, across the board to the respective handset makers so that Google Wallet will be crippled on rollout.

All this crap, when there is a zero compelling value proposition exists, to both merchants and consumers, the two groups who must embrace NFC wallets for these two initiatives to make any money.

I cover these topics on my blog, but its easy to get the side of one's mouth foaming once you start talking about the missteps from all involved, so early in this game.