Irish mobile phone company Eircell Vodafone is to develop a micropayments system targetted at consumers who do not have conventional credit or banking facilities.
The mobile operator says it will work with Irish software company Altamedius to develop a range of micro payment services for launch to its 1.6 million customers by mid 2002.
The payment suite will enable consumers to purchase small value goods through the Internet, via WEB, WAP, IVR and vending machines without the need for a credit or debit card.
Customers will be able to view their transaction histories on-line and track the status of their various purchases. The service will also feature a customer care support option and will incorporate online self-care and account management.
Jonathan Byrne, head of e-commerce, Eircell Vodafone says: "The mobile phone is the ideal tool for delivering secure and personalised payment services in the form of credit and debit cards and micro payment services. We expect this service to be of particular appeal for customers aged between 16 and 24 and those who do not have access to credit or debit cards."