Category: Mobile Payments

CIBC Mobile Payment App launched in Canada

| November 5, 2012

 

CIBC Mobile Payment App breathes life into Canadian mobile commerce

Rogers Communication, one of the largNFC Technology for mobile payment industryest communications companies in Canada, has teamed with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) to introduce a new mobile commerce platform to consumers in Canada. Early this month, the two parties revealed the new CIBC Mobile Payment App, which can be used to make purchases for goods and services. The first payment using the new mobile wallet was made by Olympic gold medalist Simon Whitfield, who purchased a coffee at a Tim Hortons shop.

Mobile commerce beginning to gain ground in Canada

The CIBC Mobile Payment App is meant to expand mobile commerce throughout Canada. Consumers have been growing more interested in the concept of making payments for goods and services using nothing more than their mobile device. As such, the CIBC has been growing more accommodating to this demand, looking for ways to enable consumers to do what they want. In teaming with Rogers, the CIBC has taken the first step toward making mobile commerce a larger part of the Canadian economy.

App available only to those with NFC-enabled devices

As with other applications of this kind, the CIBC Mobile Payment App can only be used with smart phones and other mobile devices that are equipped with NFC technology. This immediately reduces the reach of the platform to a niche market. The availability of NFC-enabled devices is currently low, with the recently released Samsung Galaxy S III being the most popular of these devices currently on the market. Telecommunications companies have been working to boost the availability of NFC-enabled devices, but consumers have yet to show their full support of NFC technology.

Consumers leery of NFC technology

Many consumers are supportive of the concept of mobile commerce, but NFC technology has had a less welcoming reception. Concerns regarding the security of NFC technology have made consumers leery and disinclined to support its use in mobile commerce. If the CIBC and Rogers can deliver a pleasurable experience with the CIBC Mobile Payment App, the duo may be able to placate some of these concerns and get consumers to accept NFC technology.

Commerce Commission of New Zealand mobilizes to keep track of mobile pricing

| November 5, 2012

 

The Commerce Commission keeps tabs on pricing in wake of Vodafone deal

The Commerce Commission, an ageNew Zealand Mobile Pricingncy of the New Zealand government, has mobilized to keep tabs on pricing for calls between fixed line platforms and mobile phones. The move comes in the wake of a deal between Vodafone New Zealand and TelstraClear, in which Vodafone acquired the latter party. The Commerce Commission is poised to keep an eye on the pricing schemes coming from Vodafone, as well as other telecommunications companies operating in the country. The agency has already imposed lower prices on calls in several mobile networks.

Regulator preparing to keep track of mobile commerce

Though the regulator is poised to take action if it detects some form of foul-play in terms of call pricing, the Commerce Commission is also keeping an eye on the growth of mobile commerce within the country. Mobile devices are becoming more common with consumers. As such, more people are being exposed to the concept of mobile commerce, whereby their mobile device is used to make payments for goods and services.

Youth of mobile commerce industry holds potential for malicious activity

Typically, mobile commerce platforms do not make money off of the applications they provide to consumers. Instead, companies charge a fee for each transaction processed through t he platform. Because mobile commerce is still a relatively young industry, there is potential for some companies to exploit consumers. It is this potential for malicious activity that has the Commerce Commission on its toes and ready to crack down on foul-play it may see.

Vodafone may be gearing up to push mobile commerce in New Zealand

Vodafone New Zealand is one of the largest mobile network operators in the country and is part of the larger Vodafone network. Vodafone has shown interest in mobile commerce in countries like Spain, but seems to have limited this interest to the European market. With TelstraClear now a part of the Vodafone network, the company may be gearing up for a push to bring mobile commerce to New Zealand, but such plans have not yet been set in stone.