14 DAY TRIAL // VeriSign announced a deal to enable purchases at Coca-Cola vending machines via mobile phones in Austria. Over two million Mobilkom Austria and ONE customers can now use the mobile payment function at vending machines across Austria.
"As consumers are growing increasingly dependent upon mobile devices, Mobilkom Austria and ONE recognized an opportunity to provide compelling services that make everyday activities like buying a soda from a vending machine even more convenient," said Jeff Treuhaft, senior vice president, Digital Content Services, VeriSign. "We look forward to extending this cutting-edge mobile service and added functionality to wireless users around the world."
Making purchases via mobile phones has become increasingly popular around the world. According to the Yankee Group, the global revenue for mobile payment transactions will rise dramatically during the next 5 years, increasing by more than 100% from 2005 to 2009, while the user base also expands from 65.5 million to 178.8 million during the same period. Mobile payment has already achieved some success in Europe and Asia, and the Yankee Group expects the trend to continue as mobile devices become more powerful and consumers use electronic payments for more transactions.
VeriSign developed the technical interface between Coca-Cola machines, mobile network operators and the payment system for the more than 100 beverage vending machines around Austria enabled for mobile payment.