Airtel on Tuesday announced the launch of a whole new range of M-Commerce solutions such as Mobile Money Transfer (MMT), Postpaid Bill Payment and Prepaid Recharge on the mobile phone.

For these services it has partnered with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, Corporation Bank and VISA to enable payments. Debit card holders in all SBI associate banks, like State Bank of Mysore, will also be a part of the deal.
The solution has been developed by mChek, a provider of mobile security and payment solutions. Customers can get started by simply sending a text message “Airtel” to 543219.

Airtel has extensively piloted these products across the country and already has 67,000 registered customers for postpaid bill payments with over a hundred thousand transactions running into several crores, said a company release.

What’s in store?

Mobile Money Transfer:  Customers who have a VISA credit or debit card of ICICI, HDFC, or Corporation Bank can now send money to their family and friends provided they have a VISA card at the other end.

In addition SBI customers will be able to transfer money from one SBI account to another SBI account or to any VISA debit/credit card in the country.

Postpaid Bill Payment: The service allows an Airtel postpaid customer to pay their or friends’postpaid bill without going to a physical outlet.

Prepaid Recharge: Here the service allows any Airtel prepaid customer to recharge their card without visiting a retail store.

How it works

To avail any of the above applications, all Airtel mobile customers with compatible handsets need to download the application. The download procedure includes verification of the card details of the applicant.

The transaction process is extremely secure with a special bank authenticated system, claimed Airtel.
This new offering eliminates the need for carrying cash for Money Transfer, making postpaid bill payments and prepaid recharging.