FAQs

  1. What is Isis?

    • Isis is a mobile payment joint venture formed by AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile USA.
  2. What is the purpose of Isis?

    • To turn cell phones into payment devices and create a digital wallet that allows users to load multiple credit cards, coupons, and loyalty cards.
  3. When is Isis expected to launch?

    • Isis is expected to launch commercially in 2012.
  4. What technology does Isis use?

    • Isis uses near-field communication (NFC) technology, which allows phones to make payments by tapping or swiping them at payment terminals.
  5. Who is competing with Isis in the mobile payment market?

    • Google Wallet and Visa are key competitors.
  6. Has Isis signed up any banks or merchants?

    • Yes, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express have all signed on to support Isis.
  7. Why has Isis been slow to launch?

    • It has taken time for the involved parties to agree on a business model.
  8. How will carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless influence the success of Isis?

    • Carriers have the power to promote or restrict Isis by enabling or disabling the app on their networks.
  9. What happened to the similar service Nokia and Cingular tested in 2006?

    • That service never launched commercially on a widespread basis.
  10. Why is it important to involve credit card companies and banks in mobile payment ventures?

    • To ensure compatibility with existing payment systems and provide fraud protection.
  11. How are wireless carriers involved in mobile payments?

    • They subsidize handsets and control what features are enabled on devices on their networks.
  12. What are the potential benefits of using a digital wallet like Isis?

    • Convenience, security, and the ability to easily manage multiple payment methods.

Summary

The mobile payment industry is heating up, as companies like Isis, Google, and Visa race to develop and launch their own digital wallets. Isis, a joint venture between AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile USA, is expected to launch commercially in 2012. It uses NFC technology to turn cell phones into payment devices and allow users to store multiple credit cards, coupons, and loyalty cards.

Google Wallet, which was unveiled in May, is also set to launch shortly. It uses the same NFC technology as Isis, but is expected to be available on a wider range of devices. Visa is also planning to launch a digital wallet this fall that could compete with both Isis and Google Wallet.

The success of these mobile payment ventures will depend on several factors, including the number of banks and merchants that sign up to support them, the compatibility with existing payment systems, and the willingness of wireless carriers to promote them.

For consumers, the potential benefits of using a digital wallet are significant. It offers convenience, security, and the ability to easily manage multiple payment methods. As the technology continues to develop and gain widespread adoption, it is expected to revolutionize the way we pay for goods and services.

Visit our website for more information on mobile payments and the latest developments in the industry.