Mobile money is the next big thing in finance models of cellular networks. It has been around for a while but not really implemented in this part of the world. We are short of Trust on these finance models. We suspect every other online model as a Trap to mince money. Mobilink has been around with Mobile Money Order (MMO) which helps sending and receiving money orders instantly.
Now, Western Union,a global leader in money-transfer services, has also became part of this network. WU (Western Union) has launched Digital Vendor Program which is intended to extend the reach and accessibility of Western Union Money Transfer services to mobile finance initiatives in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
“Establishing a strong mobile vendor program is a critical step in the delivery of our ‘Western Union Anywhere’ service proposition,” said Matt Dill, SVP and Head of Western Union Digital Ventures. “By collaborating on a global level with proven mobile platform providers, we believe we can simplify deployments for our mobile partners and introduce a more consistent Western Union experience for consumers.”
There are four active mobile finance platform providers in the world right now: South Africa-based Fundamo, India-based mChek, U.S.-based Sybase 365 and Singapore-based Utiba Pte.
Mobilink has deployed Utiba’s mCommerce-enabling products for mobile commerce features. “This alliance with Western Union fits our vision of empowering everyone to make mobile payments,” said Justin Ho – co-CEO, Utiba. “It combines Utiba’s proven payment technologies with Western Union’s unrivaled distribution and trusted brand.”
