In what is believed to be a world first, JSE-listed secure electronic transaction technologies and services company, Prism Holdings, has introduced technology which allows consumers who utilise prepaid utility services to purchase their prepaid tokens at any time of the day or night.
A successful pilot utilising this technology, involving Eskom, Stellenbosch municipality and Prism`s transaction processing subsidiary TransSwitch Services (PTSS) which developed SA`s only online account payments and prepaid service, EasyPay, has recently been completed.
The pilot, which was launched in September 2000, enabled Stellenbosch residents with prepaid meters at home or at the office to purchase prepaid electricity tokens at Pick `n Pay Stellenbosch, Engen Quick Shops, TranZact kiosks, and - the most convenient - on the Internet at www.easypay.co.za.
"In order to make the purchase of prepaid tokens more convenient, PTS developed a system which involves on-line sales of the tokens utilising a centralised architecture and thin clients integrated on existing third-party point-of-sale (POS) terminals. These terminals are already installed in most retail stores. They just have to be upgraded with EasyPay software," explains PTSS EasyPay business manager Ian Steyn.
"The payment of funds due to Eskom is fully automated and electronic, with PTS assuming all responsibility in terms of revenue collected."
Steyn believes PTSS`s prepaid technology has enormous potential.
"Prepaid services are being rolled out on an ongoing basis and will soon service all utility and cellular requirements. Our vision is to enable consumers to purchase their prepaid requirements - from electricity and water to cellular and fixed-line phone airtime - anywhere, anytime.
"Key to the success of this technology, will be upgrading the large number of POS terminals utilised by other industries and potential outlets - such as factory canteens, taxi ranks and railway stations, health clinics and community centres - to offer unsurpassed consumer convenience," Steyn concludes.
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