- NFC transit-enabled SIM cards available at M1 Shops from 29 March 2016
- Use supported handsets to pay for MRT, LRT and bus rides, as well as at retail transactions
SINGAPORE, 29 March 2016 – M1 Limited (M1) and EZ-Link Pte Ltd (EZ-Link) today announced that M1 mobile customers will be the first in Singapore to be able to conveniently pay for their MRT, LRT and public bus rides with just a tap of their handsets.
Starting today, M1 customers will be able to change their SIM cards to the NFC transit-enabled SIM at any M1 Shop outlet. When the new SIM card is inserted into a supported handset such as the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge 4G+, the Samsung Galaxy S7 4G+ and the Sony Xperia Z5[1], it will enable the user to make payment for MRT, LRT, and bus rides.
The NFC transit-enabled SIM is a next generation, full-service NFC (near field communication) SIM which can be used for public transport, as well as at more than 30,000 ez-link acceptance points islandwide including shopping, retail, food & beverage and taxis payments. It is also integrated with the M1 Prepaid MasterCard®, which allows users to top up M1’s prepaid mobile M Card or make purchases at merchants that accept MasterCard Paypass. This would truly make the NFC transit-enabled SIM an all-in-one product which allows users to make payments for public transit and pay for everyday purchases.
“Transit is the ‘killer phone app’ Singapore consumers have been looking forward to, and we are pleased to be the first to offer customers the convenience of making payment with the one device that is always with them, their phone,” said Mr P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer, M1.
“EZ-Link is pleased to be the first to roll out NFC payment for commuters in Singapore. We are excited to be able to partner with M1 to offer their customers the ez-link functionality in their SIM cards. By leveraging on our contactless payment expertise, M1 customers can now enjoy the benefits of using their personal mobile phones as ez-link cards to pay for public transport as well as at retail,” said Mr Nicholas Lee, Chief Executive Officer, EZ-Link Pte Ltd.
The NFC transit-enabled SIM card will cost S$37.45 (including GST). As a launch promotion, the one-off service activation fee of S$9.10 (including GST) will also be waived for customers signing up from tomorrow until 30 April 2016, while NFC transit-enabled SIM card stocks last.
About M1
M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. Since the launch of commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg
About EZ-Link Pte Ltd
EZ-Link Pte Ltd was formed on 8 January 2002. Its core business is the clearing and settlement of all ez-link card transactions generated in transit and non-transit (retail/merchant) environments, as well as the sale, distribution and overall management of ez-link cards. To date, more than 17 million new CEPAS-compliant ez-link cards have been issued. This is in tandem with the government’s plan to promote cashless payments in Singapore. In line with this vision, the new ez-link card is now also accepted as a mode of payment for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and at carparks fitted with the Electronic Payment System (EPS) when used in the dual-mode in-vehicle unit. In 2013, EZ-Link launched the “My EZ-Link Mobile” application, the world’s first Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile application for contactless card top-ups. In 2015, EZ-Link unveiled two new innovations in Singapore, EZ-Charms, the first non-card form factor, as well as the EZ-Link Rewards with Perx to reward commuters for using public transport with the ez-link card.