Magazine: Our mobile can now serve as a digital wallet

After the test period Telekom was the first mobile service provider to launch its commercial Mobile Wallet service, which transforms our mobiles into digital wallets. Those who wish to use it need to have an NFC-equipped smartphone that runs on Android, a Mobile Wallet-enabled SIM card – which is provided free of charge by Telekom –, an account at OTP Bank and a Mastercard bank card. The Mobile Wallet app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store and the Mastercard card has to be registered in it. In Hungary the Mobile Wallet service can already be used in 18,000 places (on 38,000 terminals). Christopher Mattheisen, CEO of Magyar Telekom told at the press event organised for the launch that the Mobile Wallet service can also be used for collecting loyalty points and for storing ticket purchased for various events. Antal Kovács, deputy CEO of OTP Bank stressed that paying this way is absolutely safe. András Hemberger, regional director of MasterCard Europe called attention to the fact that contactless payment like this isn’t new to Hungarian consumers, as PayPass cards work the same way. Norbert Hovanyecz, managing director of SuperShop told that the Mobile Wallet service is the perfect solution for both consumers and retailers, which is mutually beneficial.