World Online offers 'penny per click' payment card

A product described as a 'card to bring ecommerce back to life' was revealed at the ECTS trade show in London last week.

A product described as a "card to bring ecommerce back to life" was revealed at the ECTS trade show in London last week.

Internet service provider World Online launched its Jalda card, a payment system co-developed by Ericsson and Hewlett Packard.

Sold in units of £5, £10 and £20, Jalda can be used to buy goods and services online on what is described as a "penny-per-click basis".

It allows users to choose how to pay for internet access by stipulating exactly what amount can be spent on internet usage each month. The user scratches off a covered panel on the card to reveal a PIN number.

This number is then entered into the user's PC to give instant internet access in a similar way that a mobile phone pre-paid card works.

Simon Preston, UK chief executive of World Online, claimed the card will not only help consumers, but also product and service providers.

"The Jalda pre-pay card allows us to provide our customers with a secure and flexible way to pay for the vast range of services we offer," he said. "Not only is it ideal for teenagers and families, it also gives content providers a great new way to sell their products and services."

"We think we're attractive to merchants," he added. They are looking for payment systems, and we are freeware and suitable for micro-payments.

"We're targeting merchants with digital content initially. We'll make an announcement in early October about some very good distribution channels."

Per Brantberg, general manager for internet payment systems at EHPT, the name for the joint company that developed the card, said: "The fact that World Online is offering the Jalda pre-pay card illustrates that the consumer is demanding flexibility and security when purchasing via the internet.

"The Jalda internet payment method fulfils the need of varied business models for content providers to gain revenue, such as production companies wanting to charge for streamed media."