Burgan Bank and Wataniya Telecom present M-commerce milestone

Harri Koponen, CEO, Wataniya Telecom, said: "Our ultimate goal is to make life easier and better for our customers. Using the best available technologies, we're now ready to introduce the first mobile payment service of its kind in Kuwait, and in the whole region. Customers will no longer need to carry wallets full of cash, credit cards, and so on. Their mobile phone will become their means of payment. To the customer, the process is simple and seamless, and takes a few seconds. And in the background, together with Burgan Bank, we have worked to ensure the utmost security for these transactions."

Burgan Bank has made substantial investments in its technology base, and believes that a secure technological infrastructure is the way forward to providing modern, innovative and convenient services to its customers. Burgan Bank's CEO Jonathan Lyon stated "This is a pioneering move for us and Wataniya. The service, which uses WPKI (Wireless Public Key Infrastructure) will provide the only truly secure M-commerce solution. The M-commerce banking solution has been developed specifically with local customer's lifestyle and requirements in mind. It will revolutionise the way purchases are made in Kuwait. We're currently working with several retailers who are very keen to be a part of this project, and want to be the first to offer it to their customers."

Using the Wireless Public Key Infrastructure (WPKI), customers will have a 4 digit code that will identify them to the retail outlet and the bank, in order to permit and approve any purchase or transaction. The technology runs on WAP-enabled handsets. It is a world class security standard, approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). It is widely used by leading international banks.

The joint launch of M-Commerce by Burgan Bank and Wataniya will reinforce Kuwait's position as one of the most dynamic and innovative banking and telecommunication markets in the Middle East. With the powerful combination of an easy and quick payment process coupled to the peace of mind offered by the best security system available, M-Commerce future is now available for the Kuwaiti consumer.

Koponen ends: "The capabilities of M-Commerce are limitless. We will be offering mobile payment to our customers very soon, and the potential of taking the applications further will open up huge opportunities for businesses as well as individuals."