WAKEFIELD, Mass.—The worldwide field of mobile payments continues to grow—albeit more slowly than previously forecast—with increasing interest in standards bodies and payment services popping up.
The Mobile Payment Forum, which was formed late last year by several major credit card companies, announced it added board members from Hutchison 3G, NTT DoCoMo, Oracle, Telecom Italia Mobile and Vodafone.
“This new board of directors will ably reflect the interests and concerns of both industries and ensure broad cross-industry cooperation,” said Simon Pugh, the forum’s co-president.
Separately, Bell Mobility announced it will set up a new payment system for its prepaid customers, which will allow them to purchase new airtime services using their mobile phones. The service uses Soft Tracks Enterprises Ltd.’s software architecture, and works through Scotiabank’s bank accounts.
“The introduction of this payment system will play an important part in delivering future mobile commerce services to Bell Mobility customers,” said Michael Neuman, Bell Mobility’s president and chief operating officer.
A variety of wireless players have recently made mobile commerce moves. Malaysian wireless users will be able to update their wireless accounts by sending short text messaging under a new deal among 724 Solutions, Malaysian banker Bumiputra Commerce Bank Bhd and Malaysian carrier Celcom Bhd. Sprint PCS, Vodafone and others have also moved toward mobile commerce services.
