GPRS technology brings new revenue streams to delivery business

The new initiative, which utilises roaming mobile phone technology, allows Visa credit or debit card transactions to be authorised immediately, regardless of location, eliminating the need for a fixed telephone line. This provides easy payment tracking and greater convenience to home delivery staff who no longer have to carry loose change with them, whilst also giving added convenience to home diners who previously had to pay for orders using cash.

To mark the launch of the UAE's first GPRS home delivery programme, Visa International recently teamed up with UAE's popular restaurants Chili's and The Pizza Company to give customers the opportunity to win fabulous prizes including two family trips to Disneyland® Resort Paris. In addition to the grand prizes, customers paying with Visa during the 2-month promotion received gift vouchers free ice cream and free tropical drinks.

Commenting on the initiative, Stephen Coakley, Marketing Communications Manager for Visa International in the Middle East said: "Visa continuously strives to be the most convenient way to pay by utilising world-leading technology to bring new payment channels to every market segment and merchant category."

"This promotion demonstrates that it pays to use Visa. Thanks to Visa's world-wide acceptance, cardholders can make secure purchases anywhere whilst also receiving special privileges and rewards. Currently over 24 million merchants worldwide accept Visa cards and by setting new standards in innovation we endeavour to expand our merchant network further with the introduction of technologies such as GPRS, making Visa payments possible virtually anywhere."