Etisalat partners with Visa to deliver innovative payment technologies

As part of this initiative, Etisalat and Visa will be showcasing demo versions of a range of state-of-the-art technologies in payment systems at the Etisalat booth at Gulfcomms 2006, running from December 18 - 22 at the World Trade Centre.

A range of futuristic solutions, which combine mobile phone technology with payment functionality, will be demonstrated at the Etisalat booth including:

Smart Phones - As phone manufacturers begin to deploy NFC (Near Field Communication) - enabled phones, customers can use these smart phones for payments and other value-added functions.

Wireless Point of Sale - Technology used in mobile phones can be leveraged for card payments and become a valuable mobile payment device for markets without a reliable landline telecommunication infrastructure and for those merchants without a fixed location such as electricians and plumbers.

Smart Billboards - These dynamic billboards have been designed to deliver a customized message tailored directly to the consumer. With a tap from a contactless card or smart phone, these interactive and dynamic billboards can translate a menu or a merchant's offerings into the customer's native language, thereby providing an enhanced and convenient experience at a restaurant or store.

Contactless Payments - These are ideally suited for small ticket items, giving consumers greater speed, convenience and enhanced security without the hassle of carrying cash. Consumers can benefit from the security of contactless payments as no card needs to be handled by the merchant, while for merchants, it makes the payment process faster and reduces cash handling and operating costs.

According to Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat,

"As a corporation, we have always attempted to bring the latest technologies and solutions in order to enhance the lifestyle of our customers. At the Etisalat stand, our customers can actually visualize and experience the future of payment technology and understand how they will eventually become the benchmark for payment solutions of the future."

"We are delighted to join hands with Visa on this initiative that will change the future of payments and how they are conducted. Together we will offer our customers a range of innovative payment solutions in the future, aimed at giving them greater flexibility and choice in selecting a convenient payment mechanism."

Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager for Visa International Middle East stated, "Visa's partnership with Etisalat will enable us to jointly explore new payment solutions that are more efficient and convenient for our discerning customers."