Vodafone launches mobile-wallet service 'm-pesa' in UP East

Telecom major Vodafone and ICICI bank on Friday launched their mobile-wallet (m-wallet) service 'm-pesa' in Uttar Pradesh (East) circle.

'M-pesa' service allows the registered cell phone users remit money to any other mobile phone/bank account, pay utility bills, recharge mobile, shop and participate in e-commerce.

Vodafone had already launched the service in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Delhi/NCR and Mumbai.

The remaining telecom circles would be covered in phases over the span of next 12-18 months. The service was first introduced in the Indian market by Vodafone last year.

'M-pesa' service would now be available in 155 tehsils, 35 districts through 5,500 trained authorised agents in UP(E).

M-wallets are akin to prepaid cards and need to be loaded with money prior to use. The funds in m-wallet could be securely accessed through mobile phone by the user. These wallets could be topped-up via cash at the designated outlets.

Vodafone operations director Rajiv Kohli said 'm-pesa' was aimed at providing services to the unbanked and under-banked sections of the society. "More than 50 per cent of our subscribers are based in the rural areas and this service provides a platform to the people for instant and secure money transactions."

He said 'm-pesa' would leverage the combined strengths of Vodafone's expertise in the domain of mobile payments coupled with the security of transactions provided by ICICI Bank.

Meanwhile, Vodafone flagged a roadshow in the circle, comprising 24 vans, which would traverse through the region over the next 30 days to create awareness about the service.

To avail of the service, a Vodafone customer would have to visit an 'm-pesa' outlet, submit the form, provide identity and address proofs and deposit a registration fee of Rs 200.