eCommLink, First Bank Partner on Prepaid Card Mobile Payments System

The strategic alliance enables eCommLink and First Bank to create prepaid card programs that will work hand-in-hand with mCASH and telSPACE to market cards to their future and existing mobile phone customers. This unique product will feature the conversion of wireless phone service minutes to cash and cash to minutes in seconds.

"This is the cutting edge of mobile payments. We're combining the utility of a cell phone with the advantage of a prepaid card," said T. Jack Williams, president of eCommLink. "The robust, hi-tech system of telSPACE, along with the payment processing solutions of eCommLink, will create the first seamless mobile payment system in the prepaid industry." Williams added that the new product is expected to launch in August 2007.

"The prepaid debit card industry is ready for a flexible program that allows its users the freedom and flexibility that the mCASH solution will offer. Our mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) customers are in desperate need of a payment solution that is less costly than the industry standard and linking this payment solution to their mobile phone has opened up a new world of opportunity and ingenuity for telSPACE." - said Paris Holt, chief executive officer of telSPACE.

"We are very excited about the partnerships we have developed with telSPACE, First Bank, and eCommLink. Each company has added a significant amount of value to this exciting and revolutionary new consumer product. We will be changing the lives of millions of people by offering them payment solutions that will save money, provide more flexibility and control, and will ensure a high level of security on all transactions." - said Gene Thomas, partner of mCASH.

"The mCASH program is an exciting opportunity for First Bank & Trust to leverage our existing relationship with eCommLink. This endeavor is yet another example of our belief that banks must utilize alternative delivery channels to bridge the divide between "banked" and "un-banked". - said Trent Sorbe, president of First Bank's national products group.