Tata Docomo to expand mRupee service to 26 cities by end of FY14

Tata Docomo announced that its flagship money remittance and payment service mRupee will be expanded to cover 26 cities by the end of this fiscal. mRupee is a telecom network agnostic m-payment wallet that is rapidly transforming the way payments and remittances are carried over across India. MMPL will not only serve B2C segment but will also empower B2B customers, businesses, traders, shop owners and enterprises by providing efficient payment/ cash management services.  TTL will also look to develop synergies with its group companies to offer differentiated services around this mobile money proposition. The company also has plans to introduce bouquet of services around the mobile wallet.

With over 1700 retail outlets, mRupee is currently available across 11 key cities through its strategy tie-up with ICICI bank and serves as an easy alternative to cash or card payment. mRupee offers the convenience of efficient domestic remittance services available as self-initiated or retailer assisted.  Consumers can walk into any MMP outlet and deposit cash and provide details of a payee to remit money. In addition to enabling seamless money transfers, mRupee can also be used to pay utility bills, shop online, on mobile or at retail outlets and pay using a mobile device. mRupee will be available on Web, WAP, as a mobile application, USSD and via IVR as an operator agnostic service. mRupee currently has over 1,30,000 customers and is expanding rapidly growing at nearly 25-30 percent every month.

“mRupee is aiding in creation of a mobile-based digital cash economy that is more efficient, transparent and inclusive. Mobile based digital cash economy is a solution that can lead to economic growth and also boost financial inclusion and accessibility especially in terms of remittances or payment services” said Pradeep Kumar Sampath, COO of MMPL.  
“The service is designed keeping in mind B2B as well as B2C customers and will not only cater to the urban youth/ executives but also the migrant population across the country for domestic remittances. It will also complement various retailers by providing them an additional channel for distribution and income generation.” 
“TTL understands the retail world very well due to its presence in mobility business and can delve on its experience of building the consumer brand, knowing the demographics, and above all the trust factor that goes with Tata Brand” added Sampath.
MMP already allows consumers to transfer money without opening an account. MMP had received the Reserve Bank of India’s approval in December 2011, to offer a prepaid payment instrument called the mRupee.

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