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 (1). 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.
One unique feature of the EZ-Link mobile app is 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, with just their NFC-enabled phone and credit cards.
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.
(1) Standard SIM card and registration fees apply
