ISIS, the joint mobile payment venture that is backed by AT&T (T), T-Mobile and Verizon (VZ), announced on Monday the official launch of its Mobile Wallet service in Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah. The service already supports nine smartphones available through the three major wireless providers and is expected to offer 11 additional devices by the end of the year.
“The launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet in Austin and Salt Lake City represents a milestone for both Isis and the mobile commerce industry,” said Ryan Hughes, chief marketing officer, Isis. “With as many as twenty Isis Ready handsets headed to market by year end, we are experiencing an unprecedented level of support for NFC and consumer choice.”
In addition to being able to make mobile payments with their smartphones, ISIS is also granting consumers the ability to “ride free” on all UTA buses, Trax and Frontrunner vehicles through January 31, 2013 when using the mobile wallet service. In order to utilize the service, users must visit their carrier’s retail store and pick up a special SIM card.
ISIS’s press release follows below.
ISIS™ LAUNCHES IN AUSTIN AND SALT LAKE CITY; AS MANY AS TWENTY ISIS READYTM HANDSETS TO BE AVAILABLE BY YEAR END
Launch Represents Milestone for Mobile Commerce Industry
AUSTIN, TEXAS and SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – October 22, 2012 – Isis™, the mobile commerce joint venture created by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, today announced the availability of the Isis Mobile Wallet™ in Austin and Salt Lake City. Starting today, consumers can visit their AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon retail location and select from nine Isis Ready™ handsets, with an expected 11 additional handsets coming to market by year end.
“The launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet in Austin and Salt Lake City represents a milestone for both Isis and the mobile commerce industry,” said Ryan Hughes, chief marketing officer, Isis. “With as many as twenty Isis Ready handsets headed to market by year end, we are experiencing an unprecedented level of support for NFC and consumer choice.”
How to Get Started With the Isis Mobile Wallet on October 22nd :
1. Visit an AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA or Verizon Wireless retail store in Austin or Salt Lake City to receive a secure element SIM and ensure your handset model is Isis Ready
2. Download the Isis Mobile Wallet application from Google Play
3. Load an eligible American Express, Capital One or Chase credit card into the Isis Mobile Wallet or get started with the Isis Cash™ card that comes in every Wallet.
4. Get out and get tapping at any of the hundreds of locations across Austin and Salt Lake City where contactless payments are accepted, a full list of which can be found at http://www.paywithisis.com.“The launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet is an important step toward accelerating mobile payments in the United States and maximizing convenience for consumers” said Bill Gajda, head of mobile product, Visa Inc. “Isis’ open approach directly aligns with Visa’s strategy of enabling consumers to make mobile payments with whatever device they choose using the trusted accounts they already have.”
“MasterCard has been working with industry partners like Isis to turn mobile phones into secure payment devices and create better shopping experiences for both consumers and merchants,” said Mung Ki Woo, group executive, mobile, MasterCard Worldwide. “The use of NFC technology is a path to an improved consumer experience, and the launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet – combined with the growing number of NFC-enabled handsets – will help make mobile commerce a reality for millions of consumers.”
“Today’s launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet is a significant achievement in terms of enabling consumer adoption of mobile payments,” said Suzan Kereere, senior vice president and general manager, American Express, Global Network Business. “Mobile commerce holds the promise of dramatically enhancing consumers’ shopping experience, and American Express’ first priority as a network is to provide choice and flexibility for all industry participants as we work together to influence the speed and growth of mobile NFC payments in the U.S.”
For more information on specific Isis Ready handsets, please visit an AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA or Verizon Wireless retail location in Austin or Salt Lake City.
