HotLink heats up as Kiwibank and ASB get on board

MEDIA RELEASE
Vodafone New Zealand

23 November 2006

Vodafone HotLink™ heats up as Kiwibank and ASB get on board

Vodafone confirmed today that Kiwibank has launched the fast growing HotLink™ top up payment solution to their customers. ASB has also signed up to HotLink, meaning their customers will also have access to this safe and easy Vodafone top up solution in 2007. Talks between Vodafone and other major banks continue as the current prepay mobile recharge cards are phased out.

Already many Vodafone customers who bank with BNZ and TSB are using HotLink™ to top up their mobiles on-the-go. Customers can instantly top up their mobile airtime anywhere, any time, from a selected personal bank account. Customers can also pay their On Account bill or top up another mobile without having to purchase a recharge card.

According to Vodafone Marketing Manager, Mat Beder, the move towards mobile payment over recharge cards is a reflection of public demand for greater convenience.

“Our customers have told us that recharge cards are a huge hassle,” said Beder. “HotLink™ empowers our customers to manage their own airtime credit at literally the push of a button. The research into current HotLink™ users suggests that once you try it, you’ll never go back!

“Globally, the trend towards adopting mobile-based payment for day-to-day purchases is gaining huge traction, with mobile phones becoming a virtual wallet,” says Beder. “This service is spearheading the m-commerce revolution and in the future you’ll be able to use your mobile for everything from ordering pizza to paying your everyday household bills.”

To get started you simply have to register for Vodafone HotLink™ once with your bank and then follow the prompts on your Vodafone handset. Any top ups, which are instant, come straight out of your personal bank account with no Vodafone transaction fees. HotLink™ can be used anywhere there is Vodafone mobile coverage including overseas in Australia, UK and Spain. Minimum payment amounts are $20 for Prepay and $5 for On Account.

Apart from the obvious top up benefits for Prepay customers, Vodafone HotLink™ allows On Account mobile users to top up their child’s or friend’s mobile credit securely, straight from their personal bank account.

As the service is open to more customers, Vodafone has stopped production on the existing Prepay top up cards. However; customers will still be able to purchase a voucher from retailers if they choose.

ENDS

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