Etisalat demonstrates futuristic payment modes at GITEX 2005

With this service, Mobile phone users will be able to download 'm-barcodes' or mobile tickets to their handsets, which can then be simply swiped at a counter or point of sale to reflect payment. The service is being demonstrated in association with Mobile Telecom Group (MTG).

The Mobile Ticketing solution allows businesses to send a digital ticket or coupon in the form of a 1D or 2D barcode to a mobile phone. Validation of the coupon is done by a scanner at the vendor's location connected to a back-end system, which confirms the payment. People waiting to get into a sports match or a music concert, for instance, would receive the m-barcode on their mobile and instead of buying tickets, just swipe the mobile in front of the scanner at the point of entry.

This system can even be integrated with systems that currently manage the ticket sales and distribution process. These include box offices, websites, call centres and IVR or automated telephone systems. The opportunities envisioned for this service are limitless, and is designed to enable the mobile phone with one more key feature- payments.

Mohammed Al Fahim, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Etisalat, said: "We are confident that this service will see a huge uptake in the UAE when we launch it. This has been one of the few aspects of everyday life that mobile phones had not yet simplified, and now people can probably do away with carrying change for minor purchases and regular payments like parking fees."

MTG management expects that its new mobile ticketing technology will create a highly favorable response from the UAE community, as it did in Europe. "The UAE population is greatly technology-oriented, and will surely welcome this revolutionary mobile solution as it transforms their lives", stated Mr. Ammar Sharaf, CEO, MTG. By replacing today's ticket with a mobile barcode in movies, bus transportation, car parking, concerts, etc., the MTG mobile ticketing solution adds a completely new dimension to the use of a mobile.

The MTG m-barcode solution will be demonstrated at the Etisalat stand at GITEX 2005, Hall 7, stand E7-1.