Isis Mobile Wallet now available for select Android smartphones

We had known that the Isis Mobile Wallet was going to be launching today. But at the same time, it is nice to see this launch without any further delays. That of course is the good. The bad. Well, the not so good — the Isis Mobile Wallet will initially be available in select cities and on select devices.

In fact, ‘select cities’ may make sound like a generous description. According to details provided, the Isis Mobile Wallet will be available for those in Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah. The supported carriers include AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless and there are expected to be 20 Isis-ready devices before the end of the year. Needless to say, there are fewer than 20 available as of today.

Anyway, assuming you live in Austin or Salt Lake City and are looking to get started, the first thing you will need to do is request a new SIM card. You will need what is being described as a “secure element SIM.” Once you have the appropriate SIM card installed in your device, you will need to head to the Google Play store to download the Isis Mobile Wallet app. Just make sure you search for and download the correct one as there is a specific listing for each carrier.

Isis Mobile Wallet will come with an Isis Cash card in every wallet and also work with “eligible” American Express cards as well as Capital One and Chase credit cards. Once you have the correct SIM, the app installed and a credit card added to your wallet — you will need to find a location to begin shopping. The complete list has hundreds of locations showing as accepting Isis payments. Some of the stores include 7-11, McDonalds and CVS and a complete list can be found by surfing to the www.paywiththis.com website and clicking on the “where can I use it” link.

Bottom line here, Isis Mobile Wallet has officially launched. Sadly though, this will not benefit all that many users at this point. But on that note, lets hope this limited launch will be a success so it can spread far and wide where more will be able to take advantage.

[press]Isis™ Launches in Austin and Salt Lake City; As Many as 20 Isis Ready™ Handsets to Be Available by Year End

Launch Represents Milestone for Mobile Commerce Industry

Isis™, the mobile commerce joint venture created by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, today announced the availability of the Isis Mobile Wallet™ in Austin and Salt Lake City. Starting today, consumers can visit their AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon retail location and select from nine Isis Ready™ handsets, with an expected 11 additional handsets coming to market by year end.

“The launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet in Austin and Salt Lake City represents a milestone for both Isis and the mobile commerce industry,” said Ryan Hughes, chief marketing officer, Isis. “With as many as 20 Isis Ready handsets headed to market by year end, we are experiencing an unprecedented level of support for NFC and consumer choice.”

How to Get Started With the Isis Mobile Wallet on October 22:
Visit an AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA or Verizon Wireless retail store in Austin or Salt Lake City to receive a secure element SIM and ensure your handset model is Isis Ready

Download the Isis Mobile Wallet application from Google Play

Load an eligible American Express, Capital One or Chase credit card into the Isis Mobile Wallet or get started with the Isis Cash™ card that comes in every Wallet.

Get out and get tapping at any of the hundreds of locations across Austin and Salt Lake City where contactless payments are accepted, a full list of which can be found at www.paywithisis.com.

“The launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet is an important step toward accelerating mobile payments in the United States and maximizing convenience for consumers,” said Bill Gajda, head of mobile product, Visa Inc. “Isis’ open approach directly aligns with Visa’s strategy of enabling consumers to make mobile payments with whatever device they choose using the trusted accounts they already have.”

“MasterCard has been working with industry partners like Isis to turn mobile phones into secure payment devices and create better shopping experiences for both consumers and merchants,” said Mung Ki Woo, group executive, mobile, MasterCard Worldwide. “The use of NFC technology is a path to an improved consumer experience, and the launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet – combined with the growing number of NFC-enabled handsets – will help make mobile commerce a reality for millions of consumers.”

“Today’s launch of the Isis Mobile Wallet is a significant achievement in terms of enabling consumer adoption of mobile payments,” said Suzan Kereere, senior vice president and general manager, American Express, Global Network Business. “Mobile commerce holds the promise of dramatically enhancing consumers’ shopping experience, and American Express’ first priority as a network is to provide choice and flexibility for all industry participants as we work together to influence the speed and growth of mobile NFC payments in the U.S.”

For more information on specific Isis Ready handsets, please visit an AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA or Verizon Wireless retail location in Austin or Salt Lake City.

About Isis
The joint venture is between AT&T Mobility LLC, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless and is based in New York City. The venture is chartered with building Isis™, a national mobile commerce venture that will fundamentally transform how people shop, pay and save. The Isis™ mobile commerce network will be available to all merchants, banks, payment networks and mobile carriers. ISIS is a trademark of JVL Ventures, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos, product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.[/press]

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