Verizon Wireless has agreed to let its customers download person-to-person payments software from Obopay Inc. to their phones.
Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, announced the agreement Wednesday, and said that the service would be available in the next few weeks.
Obopay users already can use phones from any carrier that supports the short messaging format, including Verizon, to transfer money between each other's prepaid accounts through text messages. But the vendor says its specialized software, which is already available through Cingular Wireless LLC, Amp'd Mobile Inc., and Helio LLC, is easier to use. The funds in the accounts also can be accessed with a MasterCard Inc. debit card.
Obopay's software is not the first financial application Verizon Wireless has agreed to provide its users. It also has agreed to offer mobile banking software from mFoundry Inc. and Firethorn Holdings LLC.
