Karnataka state to launch m-pay services with Tata Teleservices help

10th January 2013
Karnataka state  to launch m-pay services with Tata Teleservices help

Bangalore, January 11, 2013: The Government of Karnataka  state has joined hands with Tata Teleservices and MMP Mobi Wallet Systems Ltd (MMPL), the mobile payments arm of Tata Teleservices Ltd,  to launch mobile phone –based citizen services.

 

The Pilot project project harnesses . MMPL’s  mRupee a prepaid wallet service where any mobile customer can register for this wallet and then load it with cash at designated mRupee retail outlets. They can then use this wallet balance to pay for the mGovernance services like bill payments from the convenience of their home or anywhere, anytime. No need to queue up outside stores/ respective payment centres to pay bills. The service allows residents to pay for electricity bills, property tax, water bill, traffic challan plus many more services of the Government of Karnataka (for details of the services one may visit www.karnataka.gov.in and view Citizen Services). Tata Teleservices are also providing USSD connectivity for the residents to access the services.
Says Deepak Gulati, Executive President, Tata Teleservices:  “We feel very proud to be the first of its kind prepaid wallet to be associated with m-governance services in the state. Karnataka Government is a pioneer in the use of ICTs in making Government services available to all the residents. Together we have taken a significant step in providing valuable services to residents, which can be accessed through any mobile phone“.

Adds ISN Prasad, Principal Secretary, Government of Karnataka: “Karnataka has been a pioneer in the use of ICT in making Government services available to all residents. In continuation of the state vision in providing service to residents anytime anywhere and on any device the e-Governance department has taken up this m-Governance initiative. At the launch of this Phase 1, services would be enabled across multiple access channels like USSD, Voice and Mobile Web to cover the entire range of phones, from a basic to an advanced smartphone. Our association with Tata Teleservices allows us to enable payments over a prepaid mobile wallet, apart from the other traditional payment instruments, which is vital in ensuring a wide adoption of the service.”

 

The mRupee service will start in Bangalore in Phase 1, followed by a phased launch across the rest of Karnataka. To enroll for the mRupee services, residents need to contact any mRupee Agent in the city and complete an one time registration process, load the money in their account, and they are then ready to go. Customers, then, need to generate a One Time Password (OTP) by dialing 0922225111 or 51111 (for Tata DoCoMo Customers) that would enable them to pay for the mGovernance services.

 

MMPL is a 100% subsidiary of Tata Teleservices Limited. MMPL offers the payment solution using a blend of mobile technologies and a strong retail channel, thereby aspiring to serve a wide cross section of the society in making anytime, anywhere payment transactions.

 

 www.mRupee.in