Paying bills by mobile phone, a new service for Tonga [1]
Monday, January 17, 2011 - 11:57. Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 14:36.
by Finau Fonua
A new service that allows people in Tonga to transfer money and pay bills using their mobile phones was introduced by Digicel Tonga in January.
Digicel customers who register for the 'Mobile Money' service can top up a mobile account, from which they can transfer or receive money between other mobile accounts.
Trials of the service were carried out in conjunction with the National Reserve Bank of Tonga.
Customers can deposit money to their 'mobile wallet' at all Digicel outlets in Tonga.
Paul Stafford, CEO Digicel Tonga, said, "When you consider the number of people who do not have access to basic financial services, Digicel mobile money will transform the way our customers receive, handle and transfer money as well as pay bills. We are very grateful to the Reserve Bank of Tonga, the Pacific Financial Inclusion programme and the GSMA for their support and assistance in the development of this project."
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Tonga, Joyce Mafi said, "The Reserve Bank has been working closely with Digicel to advise and encourage this innovative service. The Reserve Bank supports rural outreach and is delighted to see the innovation being applied in Tonga."
At the moment customers can pay all their Digicel accounts using the service and other services.
Tonga Power Ltd. is supporting the service which will make it easier for people to pay their power bills.
Steven 'Esau, Finance Manager for Tonga Power Ltd. said, "Tonga Power strives to ensure quality service is provided to the people of Tonga to settle their electricity bills and Tonga Power is proud to be part of this new initiative by Digicel."
The project received financial and technical support from Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme, a Pacific wide programme helping to provide sustainable financial services to low income households. PFIP is funded by the UNCDF, AusAID and the UNDP.