Vesta, Axalto Mobile Payments Solution

The SIM-based top-up solution adds to Vesta's suite of virtual payment capabilities for prepaid telecommunications products, which include phone, web, WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) and SMS (Short Message Service).

"Wireless consumers have demonstrated an interest in making payments using a broad range of methods and our objective is to make it as easy as possible for consumers to pay their service providers," said Matthew Hall, vice president, business development at Vesta. "SIM technology is a key component of the mobile commerce landscape and we view Axalto as an ideal partner to optimize Vesta's solutions."

This solution from Vesta and Axalto enables any North American GSM carrier to offer customers the ability to make payments via credit card, debit card or direct withdrawal from a checking account through a feature directly on the phone. Payment capability is embedded in the SIM card through simple and intuitive drop down menus, creating a mobile transaction environment that is highly secure, can be remotely managed and is tightly integrated with other features on the handset.

"As mobile devices have become consumer gadgets that subscribers change readily for new features and capabilities, SIM cards are the GSM carriers' primary link to their subscribers," said Dale Sperrazza, vice president, mobile communications for Axalto North America. "Having access to a convenient service like Vesta's mobile payment and top-up on the SIM card makes it a permanent companion for the end user, regardless of the device used. This represents significant revenue and loyalty gains for the carrier."