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July 31, 2015

Vodafone seeks to redefine top-ups with FinTech tie-up

PowaTag could make pay as you go top-ups far more convenient.

By Alexander Sword

Vodafone has partnered with Powa Technologies, the mobile commerce platform, to make topping up more convenient.

Pay as you go customers will now be able to top up while out and about using the PowaTag platform.

After downloading the PowaTag app and entering their personal information and card details, customers will be able to scan specialised tags in magazine advertisements, catalogues, posters and product packaging to top up.

The solution will be provided in Vodafone’s retail stores, as well as Argos, Brighthouse, Co-Op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, JD Williams and Wilkinsons.

International students coming to the UK in September will also receive a Vodafone SIM pack from UCAS with a PowaTag printed on the back.

Cindy Rose, Consumer Director at Vodafone UK, comments: "Our customers have told us they wanted a tool that allowed them to Top Up swiftly at their leisure at a time which is convenient and which suits their schedule.

"It’s a matter of ease and also control of the retail landscape for how top-up is done," commented Rob Bamforth, Principal Analyst at Quocirca.

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"Most operators have done things with banks, for example, topping up at a cash machine. However, people are going to cash machines less.

"It broadens the channel for delivering top-ups. Anything that makes it easier is a good route. Other operators may do the same if it takes off and works quite well."

Vodafone’s new offering is shaking up a sector which has seen little innovation. According to their websites, O2 and Three appear to offer only conventional methods of topping up such as in-store, online or at cash machines.

EE, however, offers top-ups through the My EE app.

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