Agreement provides secure payment platform and electronic wallet services
London - 18th April 2002 - Hutchison 3G today announced the signing of a mobile payment agreement with Network365, 'Best Wireless Application Developer' (GSM Association Awards 2002) and leading provider of world-class application platforms. Under the terms of the agreement, Hutchison 3G will deploy Network 365's payment platform, mzone avatar, to deliver secure payment services to its customers. The deal will enable Hutchison 3G's customers to make payments from their 3G device using a variety of payment options. The Network365 solution will initially be deployed by Hutchison 3G in the UK, H3G Italy and Hi3G Access in Sweden, and then in the other countries where Hutchison Whampoa has 3G interests.
Hutchison 3G customers will enter their personal details into their device or from the Internet and use this secure information to pay for goods and services. Customers can personalise the service with a range of shipping addresses, payment methods, loyalty programs and other options. A personal code is used to unlock the user's wallet when purchases are being made, and the payment and shipping details can be passed to the merchant using a secure connection.
Colin Tucker, Managing Director, Hutchison 3G UK Ltd, said, "The availability of a secure, customisable, payment platform is a key focus for us as we prepare to begin offering services later this year. We believe we've secured the best electronic wallet technology available, it will ensure efficient and flexible service delivery, as well as transparency and convenience for our customers. Network365's ability to deliver a highly customised solution specific to our needs was a deciding factor in choosing to work with the company. With mzone avatar, Hutchison 3G will be able to offer superior service, increase revenue and attract and retain customers."
Raomal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Network365 said, "This co-operation with Hutchison 3G was secured amid stiff competition and represents a major milestone for Network365 as we expand our global footprint. The relationship provides a key reference for Network365 and is an important endorsement for us from Hutchison Whampoa, one of the world's leading international communications groups. It is undoubtedly the most significant deal to date for Network365 and we are very excited to be involved with a dynamic and fast growing company like Hutchison 3G."
Notes:
1. Hutchison 3G
3G is a convergence of media, information and telephony which enables people to access information and entertainment services on the move. The 3G standard (agreed throughout Europe, Japan, China, and the rest of Asia) is formally known as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). It represents a global standard for third generation communication systems and is at the heart of the Hutchison 3G initiative.
Hutchison 3G UK Ltd. ("Hutchison 3G") holds licence 'A' (a third-generation licence), which was issued by the UK government in May 2000. This licence was for the largest block of spectrum auctioned in the UK, as it was set-aside for a new entrant to the market. The licence consists of 15MHz of paired spectrum, and 5MHz of unpaired spectrum.
Hutchison Whampoa Limited holds a 65 per cent stake in Hutchison 3G, the other major shareholders are NTT DoCoMo (20 per cent) KPN Mobile (15 per cent).
For further information on Hutchison 3G please visit www.hutchison3g.com or call Firefly on 020 7386 1595.
2. Network365 Ltd.
Network365 is a leading provider of world-class application platforms enabling the mobile lifestyle. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Ireland and has offices in Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the UK and the USA. Since its foundation, Network365 has garnered worldwide acclaim for its broad, yet focused, wireless product strategy and has developed unique skills by concentrating exclusively on the requirements of the mobile market. As network operators and service provider's rollout high- speed data services on mobile devices, Network365 is increasingly becoming the partner of choice to supply application platforms.
The Network365 product range, known as mzoneTM, is a complete mobile application infrastructure enabling a world of mobile experiences. mzone addresses all the elements of the mobile Internet value chain from secure, personalized payment and advanced messaging to secure mobile commerce and optimized content anywhere. mzone currently includes four innovative platforms: mzone kiosk, a complete mobile shopping solution for merchants; mzone avatar, a feature rich mobile solution which enables secure payment, personalization and identification; mzone maestro, delivers optimized content and services to enable the mobile lifestyle; and mzone agora is an advanced messaging application platform for fun, innovative mobile experiences.
Key customers include: Hong Kong CSL, Celltel Lanka, Manx Telecom mmO2, Digifone mmO2, Meteor Mobile Communications, BETDAQ and Phone House in Ireland.
For more information, visit: www.network365.com
About mzone avatar
mzone avatar enables H3G to offer its customers secure, fast and easy-to-use payment services. The wallet can interface with a wide range of third party systems including leading financial services companies and banks to enable shopping, ticketing, content or information services from a wide range of mobile devices. Network365 has customised the software to the requirements of Hutchison 3G and an internationalised, multi-byte character set provides the service in Chinese Japanese and English. . Network365 mzone avatar is designed to work over a wide range of networks including GSM, 2.5G, 3G, and networks in Japan including FOMA, i-mode, J Sky Web, EZ web, designed to pave the way for H3G to lead the market in terms of 3G applications and services.
For more information, please contact:
Network365
Evanna Kearins
Marketing Communications Manager,
Tel: +353 1 2764511 / +353 87 2896579
Email: ekearins@network365.com
John Hurley,
VP Marketing
Tel: +353 1 2764508
Email: jhurley@network365.com
The Network365 logo 'inspired by people on the move' and mzone are trademarks of Network365. All other trademarks and registered trademarks referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners.