MSI Cellular launches m-commerce in Zambia

MSI Cellular, the leading pan African telecoms service provider, operating Celtel GSM networks throughout the continent, announces the successful launch of m-commerce.

MSI Cellular announces that it has launched its m-commerce service, known as "Celpay" in Zambia. Major multinational companies have already signed up, including BP, Coca-Cola and the pan African television channel, Multichoice. The Celpay service provides the technology to enable banks to offer secure electronic payment and money transfer electronically anywhere within the GSM coverage area. Celpay cuts out cash payments, and allows customers to use their mobile phones to access to traditional bank accounts or new mobile enabled accounts.

The Celpay service offers cost advantages for commercial operators and retail customers from the immediacy of payments over the network, the much-improved security on cash transactions and wider access to transacting capabilities. Payments over Celpay are executed in real time and can be integrated into company management information systems, which facilitates better cash management and reporting.

For example, Coca-Cola delivery vehicles no longer need to collect payment in cash; they can they can receive payment immediately and securely from the distributor via their cellular phone.

Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Chairman of MSI Cellular, said:

"The Celpay service puts MSI Cellular at the forefront of communications technology development in Africa and even the world. Celpay uses the Celtel infrastructure to enable simple and safe mobile payments throughout the country."

"This is the first time m-commerce service is being offered on a commercial basis in this way. Celpay allows significant savings because it cuts out the risk and management complexities of carrying large amounts of banknotes."

"MSI Cellular's investment into the Celpay service demonstrates our commitment to developing new solutions for both businesses and individual consumers in Africa. We are providing first-rate technology to help bridge the 'digital divide' and improve the efficiency of doing business in Africa."

For more details, please contact: Martin de Koning, Celtel Corporate Communications Director, +31 23 554 2671 or +31 6558 22409, deKoning.M@celtel.com