Burgan Bank, Wataniya Telecom present M-commerce milestone

First mobile payment service in the Middle East; highest security standards worldwide 

Kuwait, 10 January 2005

Burgan Bank, the country’s leading technological bank and Wataniya Telecom, Kuwait’s most advanced mobile operator, today announced the first major step in the region towards true mobile commerce that will allow consumers in Kuwait to use their mobile phones for retail purchases with a quick and easy payment process using the highest security standards in the world.

Harri Koponen, CEO, Wataniya Telecom, said: “Our ultimate goal is to make life easier and better for our customers. Using the best available technologies, we’re now ready to introduce the first mobile payment service of its kind in Kuwait, and in the whole region. Customers will no longer need to carry wallets full of cash, credit cards, and so on. Their mobile phone will become their means of payment. To the customer, the process is simple and seamless, and takes a few seconds. And in the background, together with Burgan Bank, we have worked to ensure the utmost security for these transactions.”

Burgan Bank has made substantial investments in its technology base, and believes that a secure technological infrastructure is the way forward to providing modern, innovative and convenient services to its customers. Burgan Bank’s CEO Jonathan Lyon stated “This is a pioneering move for us and Wataniya. The service, which uses WPKI (Wireless Public Key Infrastructure) will provide the only truly secure M-commerce solution. The M-commerce banking solution has been developed specifically with local customer’s lifestyle and requirements in mind. It will revolutionise the way purchases are made in Kuwait. We’re currently working with several retailers who are very keen to be a part of this project, and want to be the first to offer it to their customers.”

Using the Wireless Public Key Infrastructure (WPKI), customers will have a 4 digit code that will identify them to the retail outlet and the bank, in order to permit and approve any purchase or transaction. The technology runs on WAP-enabled handsets. It is a world class security standard, approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). It is widely used by leading international banks.

The joint launch of M-Commerce by Burgan Bank and Wataniya will reinforce Kuwait’s position as one of the most dynamic and innovative banking and telecommunication markets in the Middle East. With the powerful combination of an easy and quick payment process coupled to the peace of mind offered by the best security system available, M-Commerce future is now available for the Kuwaiti consumer.

Koponen ends: “The capabilities of M-Commerce are limitless. We will be offering mobile payment to our customers very soon, and the potential of taking the applications further will open up huge opportunities for businesses as well as individuals.”  

About Burgan Bank
Burgan Bank is now the leading technological bank in Kuwait. Its many achievements in this field include Bee Bank - the first and most professional internet banking site in Kuwait, B-24 – the first fully automated branches, B-Everywhere – the first and only Mobile ATM service in Kuwait, B-SMS – the first and only interactive SMS based account information service. 2005 will see Burgan Bank introduce further innovations, the first of which is M-Commerce in partnership with Wataniya telecom.  

Media contacts:
Etedal Al Ayyar
Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +965 2988000
Fax: +965 2988419

About Wataniya Telecom
Launched in December 1999, Wataniya Telecom has been a driving force in increasing the mobile communications market penetration in Kuwait to over 70 percent of the population. 

With operations in Kuwait, Iraq, Tunisia and Algeria, Wataniya Telecom is actively expanding its presence within the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. Serving over 2 million customers in its operations, Wataniya Telecom has built its success on a customer focused strategy based on the philosophy that everything the company does must bring it closer to its customers. The Company provides a wide range of leading edge wireless voice and data services delivered with high quality and designed to meet customer requirements.   

For Media Inquiries
Wataniya Telecom
AbdulAziz Abdullah Al Balool, PR Manager, Wataniya Telecom (NMTC)
PO Box 613, Safat 13007, Kuwait
Tel: +965 243 5500       
Fax: +965 243 6600
Email: abalool@wataniya.com

Spot On Public Relations
Kuwait
Rima Termos or Mai Abaza
M: 965 6251125 or M: 965 6347466
E-mail: Spotonpr@wataniya.com or maia@spotonpr.com

Regional
Alexander McNabb or Sara Refai
Tel: +971 4 3491686      Fax: +971 4 3493245
E-mail: alexm@spotonpr.com or sarar@spotonpr.com