2ergo, the AIM listed provider of convergent mobile communication solutions, has announced that Multimap, one of the world’s leading providers of mapping and location-based services, has become the first company to deploy its Payforit service across all UK networks - the new mobile payment scheme being introduced by the UK network operators.

As an Accredited Payment Intermediary and the first company to gain full network connectivity for its Payforit service, 2ergo will enable Multimap customers to have content and service downloads charged to their mobile phones in a safe and transparent environment no matter which mobile operator consumers are on.

Developed through a strategic UK cross-mobile network operator initiative, Payforit will improve the consumer experience for one-time and subscription services purchased via the mobile internet by introducing a secure and unified approach to mobile purchases.

Barry Sharples, Joint CEO of 2ergo comments: “We are very pleased to have the first customer go live with Payforit across all UK mobile networks. It will be of great benefit to both consumers and the mobile industry alike.

“Payforit will provide a standard mobile payment mechanism for any content or service that consumers wish to buy using their phone, no matter what or who they are buying from, which will greatly increase consumer confidence,” he added. “For mobile internet providers, the payment service offers enhanced brand loyalty, increased customer retention and revenue growth by providing a more seamless and interactive service to mobile portal visitors.”

Sean Phelan, Chairman and Founder of Multimap commented: “We are the European market leader for mapping and we see the mobile channel as a key part of our services. Thanks to the 2ergo team we now benefit from a standardised and branded payment method that consumers will recognise and trust, making this an essential step in driving our mobile service forward.”

Commenting on the announcement, Iain McCallum, Head of Interactive Messaging Products at O2 UK said, “I am delighted that 2ergo and Multimap are driving Payforit into the mainstream content space with this product offering. The Payforit initiative has taken two years to bring to market after in-depth discussions with, and direct input from, the premium content industry. It represents a great move forward for mobile consumers.”

Source: 2ergo