We’ve covered several stories of operators working on mobile payment systems, and clearly it appears buying items via a mobile phone bill is going to be big at some point in the future.
So far, at least here in the UK, the problem has been that each operator is going their own way, leading to confusion amongst consumers and problems for retailers deciding which system to support (or more likely, having to support multiple systems).
o2, Vodafone and Everything Everything are taking steps to simplify mobile payments by launching a joint venture, subject to approval by the relevant authorities, later this year. In the press release Ronan Dunne, CEO Telefónica UK, said:
We believe the new business can deliver the services and technology needed to see faster adoption of the mobile wallet and related payment services. The wallet itself will enable customers to transfer their entire physical wallet onto their mobile device. And they’ll be able to purchase products or services online, or in-store through Near Field Communications (NFC).
Anything that makes it easier for retailers to adopt in-store mobile payments is a good thing and will lead to increased retail exposure to the new payment method, which should then increase user adoption.
More information is available from the source link:
o2 Blog — A UK first – Accelerating mobile payment and marketing services for UK consumers