Singapore 22 August 2012 – Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and EZ-Link Pte Ltd (EZ-Link) today announced the launch of a mobile payment service for smartphones using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. EZ-Link also introduced an EZ-Link NFC mobile application and the EZ-Link NFC website (www.ezlinknfc.com) today.
The payment service allows users to make cashless payments by tapping supported handsets at NFC contactless payment terminals at over 20,000 points island-wide that accept ez-link payment, such as taxis, supermarkets and fast food chains.
The service is available for customers who have a supported NFC smartphone and purchase an NFC SIM card from SingTel*. There are no additional monthly subscription charges or one-time activation charges for this NFC payment service. As a bonus, customers will enjoy a waiver of the $5 administrative fee and receive $5 complimentary stored value in the ez-link purse if they sign up by 30 September 2012. This allows customers to make payments immediately and conveniently at participating retail points that support ez-link payment.
Ms Gan Siok Hoon, SingTel’s Vice President of mCommerce, said: “The NFC solution that we are launching today is the first of many innovative mobile services that SingTel will unveil. We will progressively launch differentiated services that enhance our customers’ lifestyles and provide them with a unique mobile commerce experience, ranging from payments to value-added services.”
“EZ-Link has achieved another milestone with NFC, by launching its over-the-air top-up – a first for NFC solutions launched in Singapore that enables consumers to enjoy the convenience of topping up anywhere, anytime. Together with other value-added services such as the EZ-Link mobile app, this innovative service will greatly enrich user experience,” said Mr. Nicholas Lee, Chief Executive Officer, EZ-Link Pte Ltd. “EZ-Link is proud to partner with SingTel to bring products that help our customers reap the benefits of speed, convenience and tailor-made services.”
EZ-Link NFC mobile application
The EZ-Link mobile application can be downloaded from the Google Play store for use on NFC-enabled Android mobile handsets. The app allows customers to check transaction history and balances, top-up the ez-link purse with any debit or credit card, and sign-up for Activate! – a complimentary EZ-Link programme which enables ez-link purse blocking and refunds of the ez-link purse in cases of the loss of phones.
A unique feature of the EZ-Link mobile app is the over-the-air top-up – a first for NFC solutions launched in Singapore. What this means for SingTel customers is that they can easily download the app and conveniently top-up on the go, just by using their NFC-enabled phone.
Customers can also do physical top-ups at People’s Association (PA) Community Clubs (CCs) EZ-Link top-up machines, DBS/POSB ATMs, or via the EZ-Online service where a convenience fee applies.
For more information, please visit www.singtel.com/mpayment and www.ezlinknfc.com.
About EZ-Link Pte Ltd
EZ-Link Pte Ltd was formed on 8 January 2002. Its core business is the clearing and settlement of all ez-link card transactions generated in transit and non-transit (retail/merchant) environments, as well as the sale, distribution and overall management of ez-link cards. To date, more than 12 million new CEPAS-compliant ez-link cards have been issued. This is in tandem with the government’s plan to promote cashless payments in Singapore. In line with this vision, the new ez-link card is now also accepted as a mode of payment for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and at carparks fitted with the Electronic Payment System (EPS) when used in the dual-mode in-vehicle unit.
About SingTel
SingTel is Asia’s leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms as well as infocomm technology and pay TV. The Group has presence in Asia and Africa with 462 million mobile customers in 26 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. It also has a vast network of offices throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.
*Standard SIM card and registration fees apply.
For more information, contact:
SingTel:
Dylan Tan
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
SingTel
Phone: +65 97819250
Email: dylantan@singtel.com
EZ-Link:
Shereen May Anderson
Senior Associate
The Right Spin Pte Ltd
Tel: (65) 6325 5936
Email: shereen@therightspin.com.sg
Johanna Toh
EZ-Link Pte Ltd
Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing
DID: (65) 6372 4193
Email: johannatoh@ezlink.com.sg