Customers of Zimbabwe’s NetOne now have access to a mobile payment solution that is compliant with all handsets.
The SIM-based service, dubbed OneWallet, will allow users to make secure transactions such as peer-to-peer money transfers, the payment of phone bills and the topping up of pre-paid phone cards. Customers can also arrange to have their salaries paid directly onto their phones, through this service.
Users are required to swap their SIM cards for a 128 kb one at any of NetOne’s participating retail outlets. The new card will come equipped with an encryption algorithm and additional security features to ensure smooth financial transactions.
The service is aimed at the unbanked segments of Zimbabwe’s market, and NetOne hopes to work with Zimbabwe’s government to allow OneWallet to be used for pension payments. If implemented, customers would be saved the hassle of travelling long distances to collection offices in order to receive payouts.
The technology behind the service was provided by Gemalto, and is complaint with both SMS and USSD protocols that GSM operators may use. Gemalto’s role also consists of system integration and maintenance.