ASB Fastnet Mobile Expands to Vodafone Network

Monday, 15 March 2004, 3:25 pm
Press Release: ASB Bank

MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 15 March, 2004

ASB BANK Fastnet Mobile Expands to Vodafone Network

ASB Bank has announced the expansion of its Fastnet Mobile phone banking service to the Vodafone Global network. From March 11 2004, Fastnet Mobile, New Zealand’s first mobile phone banking service, will be available on both major mobile phone platforms.

Barbara Chapman, Head of Retail Banking and Marketing, ASB Bank, says linking Fastnet Mobile with the Vodafone Global network makes the service available to a much wider group of customers.

“The basic principle for using Fastnet Mobile on Vodafone is the same, customers will be able to transfer money between accounts, check balances, and view mini statements and transactions on their mobile phone screen. The difference is that Vodafone customers will be able to use Fastnet Mobile across the Vodafone Global network of over 100 countries.”

ASB Bank led the way in New Zealand when it launched Fastnet Mobile phone banking in late 2001. ASB Bank and Vodafone completed trials late last year and are now offering the service to even more customers.

Ms Chapman says this collaboration is integral to the continued growth of the Fastnet Mobile phone banking service for customers.

“ASB Bank customers using Telecom’s 027 network or Vodafone’s Global network can now access Fastnet Mobile. It’s about expanding convenience and increasing the ease with which people interact with us. Approximately one in five customers of both Vodafone and Telecom bank with us, so this function is now open to a wider demographic.”

Orla Ryan, Business Development Manager at Vodafone, says, “Kiwis are known around the world for their love of travel and with our global footprint of over 100 countries Vodafone fits the bill. Now ASB customers really can manage their finances conveniently and simply anytime and anywhere we roam.”

“ASB Bank is one of only a handful of banks worldwide to offer mobile phone banking,”
Ms Chapman says. “Through such initiatives we are able to continue to deliver leading customer service and sustain our position as having the most satisfied customers of all the main banks in New Zealand.”*

ASB Bank customers can activate the service by calling 0800 MOB BANK. There is a service fee of 35 cents and the customer pays the normal costs associated with their phone plan. If customers transact between their accounts on Fastnet Mobile the standard electronic transaction fee is charged.

Fastnet Mobile utilises leading security methods to ensure all transactions are protected. The service features an encrypted connection along with unique numeric passwords.

Fastnet Mobile phone banking will be available for ASB Bank Vodafone customers from 11 March 2004 and customers on the Vodafone network will not be charged the service fee until 1st May. Customers on the Telecom will not be charged the service fee between 22 March 2004 and 1st May.

Ends.

* For six consecutive years, the University of Auckland Colgate Report has found ASB Bank to have the most satisfied Retail Banking customers of all the main banks.

ENDS

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