For mobile payments to achieve its full potential,
interoperability between mobile network operators (MNO) is vital, a
reality recognised in a significant alliance between Visa and
NeuStar announced at the GSM Association’s Mobile (GSMA) Money
Summit held in late-June.
US-headquarted NeuStar is, in essence, the glue that connects MNO’s
by providing a neutral clearinghouse that facilitates
communications across many of the world’s major mobile networks. In
North America all telecommunications service providers are legally
required to use NeuStar’s clearinghouse.
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NeuStar also operates the GSMA’s PathFinder service which
facilitates internet voice and data interoperability by translating
telephone numbers to internet protocol-based addresses.
This service was launched by the global MNO association in
late-2008.
Commenting on the alliance between Visa and NeuStar, Visa’s head of
product Elizabeth Buse highlighted that it provides Visa with a
single point of connection to MNOs globally.
“This initiative has the potential to accelerate delivery of mobile
financial services in both emerging and developed economies,” said
Buse.
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By GlobalDataServices envisaged by Visa and NeuStar include the transfer of
money from Visa accounts to a mobile user’s account, enabling the
recipient to use funds deposited for wireless top-up of prepaid
airtime minutes or bill payment for wireless services. The
recipient could also access those funds through a Visa prepaid card
or withdrawal at an ATM.
NeuStar and Visa noted that they are now “committing resources” to
develop commercially viable programmes to support new mobile
payments application.
