The deal allows users of Ericsson’s mobile wallet platform to access HomeSend’s network of MTOs
Swedish telecommunications vendor Ericsson and HomeSend have inked a partnership to accelerate the adoption of international remittances via mobile across emerging markets.
The new agreement will allow users of Ericsson-powered mobile wallet to have access to HomeSend’s network of money transfer operators (MTOs), cash agents and banks in over 200 countries.
HomeSend, a joint venture between MasterCard, eServGlobal and BICS, has already certified the Ericsson Wallet Platform.
Ericsson’s Mobile Financial Services solutions now also include Ericsson Interconnect, the vendor’s cloud-based financial transactions switching and mediation service, which aims to extend reach to Financial Services providers using any wallet or mobile banking platform.
“By enabling fast, secure integrations to HomeSend’s remittance hub, we are providing growth opportunities for our customers. Integration with the HomeSend Hub connects Ericsson mobile wallet powered financial service providers, and potentially other financial service providers, to a global network of financial institutions and MTOs,” Ericsson’s Head Of Mobile Financial Services, Peter Heuman, said.
Stephen Doyle, CEO, HomeSend says: “The partnership represents HomeSend’s continuing commitment to displace cash and facilitate electronic payments, advancing financial inclusion in the new global economy. Millions of new unbanked consumers will gain improved access to digital inflows from friends and relatives, as we continue to advance toward a fully open ecosystem for global mobile money remittances,” HomeSend’s CEO Stephen Doyle said.
For full 2016, the World Bank expects remittances to reach over $600 billion, with more than $440 billion being sent to developing countries.
MegaFon launches VoLTE service in Moscow
In other EMEA news, Russian mobile operator MegaFon has launched commercial voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) services in Moscow.
The service will be initially available to users with a Sony Xperia X smartphone. The mobile operator had launched a VoLTE trial in Moscow in August 2015.
MegaFon said that its VoLTE service, dubbed ‘HD-voice 4G’ can be activated at the customer’s request at no additional cost. The telco said that the service will be offered nationwide soon.
