2degrees launches mission to replace wallet

Thursday, 3 May 2012, 4:14 pm
Press Release: 2Degrees

May 3, 2012

2degrees launches mission to replace wallet

New partnership with Snapper lets customers pay with mobile phone

In a New Zealand first, Wellington commuters can now “touch” their mobile phone to pay for their bus and taxi fare, thanks to 2degrees’ new Touch2Pay offer. Using selected 2degrees handsets, this simpler, faster way to pay means no PIN, signature or cash are needed.

The service is now operational in Wellington, where over 200,000 Snapper cards have already been issued.

Beyond taxis and buses, consumers will be able to use their mobile phones to pay for goods at retailers, including dairies, Subway Restaurants, FIX Urban Grocer and cafes, through an exclusive partnership with contactless payment provider, Snapper. Using their Snapper balance, customers can top up their handsets with up to $300 spending money.

2degrees CEO, Eric Hertz, says Touch2Pay will make payment faster and easier for people on the go.

“We have been working with Snapper to launch this technology, which marks another step in the way mobile can make life better every day. The launch of Touch2Pay is the kind of innovation we believe Kiwis will really value, effectively enabling your mobile phone to swallow your wallet” says Mr Hertz.

Snapper CEO, Miki Szikszai, adds that paying for transport and everyday items has just got a whole lot easier.

“Snapper is a way of life in Wellington. We are really pleased to be working with 2degrees to make this product even better,” he says.

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Wellingtonians who sign up to 2degrees Touch2Pay phones by 31 July will also receive ‘Free Weekends’ with free bus travel in the Wellington area and 1GB of data to use in weekends for the rest of 2012.

The LG Optimus Net ($299) is the first 2degrees Touch2Pay capable handset. Other handsets across a range of price points will be released throughout this year.

Touch2Pay is the first fully commercial deployment of Near Field Communications (NFC) technology in New Zealand. This highlights 2degrees commitment to mobile payments and builds on last month’s announcement by 2degrees and its partners to form an industry wide Trusted Service Manager (TSM) to accelerate the establishment of a robust and lasting NFC ecosystem in New Zealand.

About Touch2Pay technology
• Currently available with the LG Optimus Net ($299) handset with more handsets to be rolled out from late May 2012
• Touch2Pay can be topped up to the value of $300 via the Snapper App on your Touch2Pay 2degrees phone or online using your credit card or VISA debit card,, and in all Snapper retailers, Snapper kiosks, and 2degrees Wellington stores
• Customers can transfer the value of their existing Snapper card to their Touch2Pay mobile, at a Snapper Service Centre
• Customers switching to 2degrees from another network can bring their mobile number with them (e.g. 021 or 027 numbers)

About Snapper:
Snapper has created a brand new payment category in New Zealand, replacing cash with instant everyday payments using contactless smart media.

Over 370,000 Snappers have been issued, generating over 80 million transactions across over 1000 buses, 3000 taxis, and over 500 retailers in New Zealand.

Snapper offers customers integrated ticketing and instant everyday payments. The Snapper system in Wellington also provides valuable journey data that can be used to plan better transport services for passengers.

Snapper Services Limited was formed in 2006 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Infratil Limited.
Snapper launched in 2008, has offices in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand, and employs over 25 people.

For more information about Snapper, visit www.snapper.co.nz

About 2degrees
Launched in August 2009, 2degrees Mobile has significantly lowered the cost of making mobile phone calls and texts for Kiwis. The company has committed over $350 million to building New Zealand’s third mobile phone network. Company shareholders include US-based mobile communications specialists, Trilogy International Partners, as well as Hautaki Trust and Communication Venture Partners. The combined shareholders bring a wealth of international experience and knowledge which is of huge benefit to New Zealand mobile users.

For more information about 2degrees, visit www.2degreesmobile.co.nz

ENDS

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