Date: Friday, March 19 1999
Ericsson and Telenor Mobil have created a solution for offering wireless phone users simple and user-friendly services for mobile e-commerce. The first service to be launched makes it possible to buy cinema tickets, using a mobile phone as the e-commerce terminal, with the cost charged directly to a credit card, bank account or an e-commerce account. The solution can be easily adapted to the purchase of a variety of other services and products.
In April, mobile phone users in Norway will test the solution. The ticket service gives the user a menu on the mobile phone display, showing information about movies that are being shown. The user orders and pays for tickets, receives a confirmation number for the purchase, and can arrive at the cinema at show time to pick up the tickets, which have already been paid. For cinemas, ticket sales are more efficient, and moviegoers do not have to arrive early to claim bookings.
To make use of this service - and others to be developed - users will be equipped with a new GSM mobile phone that supports the SIM application toolkit feature and Telenor Mobil's SIM card. A new type of SIM card, with extended memory and security features, makes it possible to present a user-friendly menu in the display. Most of the new mobile phones being launched this year will support this functionality. The solution is open for evolution into the new Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) standard. The SIM-card and the GSM technology make it possible to include a payment solution that enables secure transfer of money.
The service offers three alternatives for payment: credit card, bank account, or an e-commerce account. All necessary information about a card or account is registered and linked to a GSM subscription. Payment is handled by the service, which takes care of transferring money from the user's bank or credit institution. This means that the mobile phone can be used as a "wallet," complete with credit card, bankcard and/or cash. Users are ensured high security, because sensitive financial information isn't sent via the phone.
Ericsson and Telenor Mobil are co-operating with Filmweb, a company that is a content provider on behalf of the Norwegian film and cinema business. Filmweb is responsible for the integration of this service into the cinemas' ordinary ticket systems. For more information about Telenor, please see http://www.telenor.com
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