Verizon Wireless banks on Firethorn: Deal signals carrier’s preference for mobile banking partner

Verizon Wireless is betting on Firethorn Holdings L.L.C. for its mobile banking service, and the two companies said they will work with financial institutions to educate consumers about using their phones for financial transactions.
Verizon Wireless said it plans to pre-load Firethorn’s mobile banking application on devices in the future.
The carrier said last spring that it was working with both Firethorn and mFoundry Inc. on mobile banking products.
Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said that today’s announcement reflects Verizon Wireless’ view that “we do think Firethorn has the best prospects here for commercial success.”
He added that “we’re not moving anyone off the deck right now,” but the company would make an effort to ensure that the Firethorn application would be seen and used by Verizon Wireless customers.
Firethorn already works with AT&T Mobility, and its network of banks includes Wachovia, SunTrust Bank, Regions Financial, BancorpSouth and Synovus.