The UKs five networks have launched a payment system that lets you make payments directly from your mobile phone.
Called PayForIt, the payment scheme enables payment for goods, such as ringtones, train tickets and parking fees up to the value of 10. Eventually it is hoped that the scheme can be used for payment of goods purchased from online shops and websites. Cash spent via the PayForIt scheme will be added to the customer’s monthly mobile phone bill.
The scheme uses a standard method for making payments, so the process is the same regardless of network or phone manufacturer.
Mike Short, chairman of the Mobile Data Association, said:
PayForIt had been developed as an alternative to other systems such as premium rate SMS.
Many people, said Mr Short, were unhappy using that payment system because of past uncertainty about how much they would pay and who they turn to if things go wrong. It’s for those customers who have not felt comfortable with mobile transactions or payments.
Anyone paying for goods with PayForIt will see an information screen that lays out what they have bought, who it has been bought from and how much it will cost.
Companies such as I-play, Gameloft, EA, Multimap, Sony Ericsson and Samsung have become the first to sign up and let people pay using the PayForIt system.
PayForIt was first announced in March 2006 and the official start date for the scheme was 1 September.
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[Source: The UK Mobile Phone Blog]
