As predicted, the m-payment sector has developed quickly since the release of Arthur D. Little’s Global M-Payment Report last year. M-payment services have been launched and expanded in many markets across the globe.

Specifically, m-parking solutions have gained interest, and other small payments like m-ticketing for public transportation will continue to make up the vast majority of sales via mobile phones. Also, the international m-payment standardisation group Simpay, a collaborative effort of Vodafone, T-Mobile, Telefonica and Orange, announced its decision to close down its global initiative at the end of June 2005, which will encourage the development of solutions adapted to local needs and payment landscape.

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the events in the m-commerce/m-payment sector over the last year, and to highlight developments in particular countries. For companies already active in m-payments, it will provide an overview of current trends and a review of the activities of companies in other markets. For companies currently considering the introduction of m-payment services, it will provide ideas and guidelines on where to begin and lessons learned from other markets.