31 January 2007
Macalla enables the U-TU "Top up by Txt" Service for TSTT b-mobile customers
in Trinidad & Tobago
Dublin, Ireland: Macalla, Europe’s acknowledged leader and innovator in mobile commerce solutions today announced that its Macalla Platform is driving mobile phone re-charges in the Caribbean.
Branded U-TU, the service is initially available to subscribers on the TSTT bmobile network and utilises the banking facilities of First Citizens Bank (First Citizens). U-TU went live on 20th November 2006 in Trinidad & Tobago. It is operated by Illuminat, a premier Caribbean IT and Communications provider.
The launched service enables bmobile subscribers to top-up their own prepaid accounts, and those of friends and family directly from their mobile phones using SMS and to pay for the transactions via their nominated First Citizens account. Registration is simple and available at all First Citizens ATMs. Once registered, users can top-up from their mobile phones whenever and wherever they wish whether at home, at the beach, in a taxi or at work. Call credit is applied automatically within a matter of seconds. There is self-care on the users’ mobile handsets and also via the web, and the service has a full suite of web-based call centre, customer care and administration applications.
“TSTT is excited about the launch of this innovation” said Mr. Bernard Mitchell, Chief Operations Officer, TSTT when speaking at the service launch. “U-TU has added a new level of simplicity, efficiency and safety to the process of topping up your prepaid phone and embodies the spirit of what communications technology is all about, that is, to make lives easier for everyone. The opportunities are limitless”.
Also at the launch, Mr. Warren Sookdar, Chief Information Officer, First Citizens said “The mobile channel is not only a valuable channel for consumers overall, but is particularly ideal for First Citizens because it makes the transaction so much more than a simple payment. Cell phones and other mobile devices offer consumers more flexibility and convenience in their financial lives. They enable customers to make purchases on the spot”.
Macalla provided the solution on a turnkey basis including software and a full package of consulting, integration and on-going support. U-TU is delivered by Illuminat and hosted in their secure data centre in Port of Spain. A schedule of service extensions is planned and U-TU is designed for regional availability.
“As a leading provider of technology and data centre based services to the Caribbean telecommunications and financial services sectors, we are well positioned to identify opportunities and generate value from the profound changes that are under way. High and growing mobile phone penetration and a population where many are banked combine to create an ideal environment for bringing innovative new mobile propositions into play”, commented Keith Thomas, CEO Illuminat.
Niall O’Cleirigh, CEO Macalla explains “U-TU is an exciting new initiative that perfectly leverages our track record of commercially successful innovation in mobile payments and banking as well as mobile operations. The ingredients are in place for U-TU to become the brand of choice for phone re-charge and mobile payment services throughout the region”.
About Macalla
Macalla is headquartered in Ireland and is an acknowledged leader and innovator in mobile technology. The company embodies a wealth of experience through its work with leading mobile operators, retail banks, intermediaries, service providers and enterprises globally. www.macalla.com
About ILLUMINAT
ILLLUMINAT’s mission is to be: ‘First choice partner, enriching the lives and experiences of all stakeholders through the delivery of innovative Information and Communications solutions’. Driven by passion and focused on delivery, we work with our customers to provide the best, and most appropriate, solutions to current business problems while anticipating future needs for technological expertise and innovation. A member of one of the largest conglomerates in the Caribbean, the Neal & Massy Group, ILLUMINAT boasts a dynamic team of some 450 people across the region with main offices in Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. www.illuminatnm.com
About TSTT bmobile
Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, is jointly owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (51%) and Cable & Wireless (49%). The company provides a complete suite of communications services throughout the twin-island state including fixed line and mobile communications, broadband Internet access, lease lines, and data services. TSTT is the only communications solutions provider in the country deploying both wireless and wired next generation networks with voice, data, and multimedia capabilities making it one of the most advanced solutions providers in country. The company's customers include key industry leaders in the finance, energy, government, and tourism sectors. www.tstt.co.tt
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank was established in 1993 and over the course of thirteen years, has evolved into one of the region's leading and most dynamic providers of financial products and services. With an asset base of US$1.8 billion as at September 30, 2005, its 22 branches staffed by over 1100 employees, offer a full range of retail and commercial banking services, in addition to merchant and trustee services. www.simplyfirst.net
< back to News
