Introduction
The TCF Trusted Mobile Payments Framework (TMPF) working party was established to review the UK Trusted Mobile Payment Framework initiative developed by the UK Licensed Mobile Network Operators and look to adapt this Framework to meet New Zealand industry and regulatory requirements.
As part of this review the working party also considered whether to adopt the PayforIt brand to assist consumer recognition and trust of the framework.
The project scope was to develop a Trusted Mobile Payment Framework to promote a safe and trustworthy environment under which mobile phone users may purchase goods and services, and charge the cost to their mobile phone accounts.
In July 2011 the TCF Board endorsed the TCF Trusted Mobile Payment Payforit Framework.
TCF Trusted Mobile Payment Payforit Framework.
Background
New Zealand consumers are increasingly using mobile service offerings as a regular form of entertainment. Mobile Premium Messaging Services is one way that enables users to do this.
The availability of higher end smart devices and the rise of Mobile Internet have resulted in customers increasingly using WAP services to obtain mobile content and information services. While the current management of services is working reasonably effectively, there are still public concerns over misleading advertising and inappropriate use of Mobile Premium Messaging Services. This in turn is undermining end user confidence in the market.
In this environment, customers and the industry would benefit from cross-network initiative providing a uniform user experience for the purchase of goods and services billed directly to a consumer’s mobile phone.
About the UK PayforIt Scheme
In the UK, mobile network operators have established the PayforIt scheme. PayforIt is governed by a set of standards laid down in the “Trusted Mobile Payment Framework.”
The Trusted Mobile Payment Framework allows mobile phone users, the Consumers, to buy goods and/or services from Content Retailers, the Merchants, and charge the cost to their mobile phone account, which is operated by their mobile Operator. Merchants will use the services of a payment service provider, the Accredited Payment Intermediary, to facilitate a cost effective, cross Operator charging mechanism.
The framework separates the payment mechanism from the merchant and defines strict rules for the presentation of payment pages before, during and after the consumer payment transaction. PayforIt Accredited Payment Intermediaries manage the billing requests between consumers and mobile operators and present on-screen payment pages to the user.
By adapting and adopting the PayforIt scheme and framework proactively, the mobile network operators will be seen as being responsible corporate citizens and thereby avoiding any potential “knee-jerk” reactions from government authorities in response to consumer concerns.
Further the scheme will ensure that the payment experience for consumers is consistent, transparent and user-friendly at all times. These improvements in user experience will help instill consumer confidence in paying by mobile, generating repeat business and improved conversion rates for merchants.
Working Party Members
- 2degrees Mobile
- Telecom
- TUANZ
- Vodafone
Related Information