Tech Bytes: Australian Firm Eyes Internet Payments Link

Telstra Corp., the Australian telecommunications company, announced plans for an Internet payment system called SureLink.

Incorporating data encryption technology and the bank credit card associations' Secure Electronic Transactions protocol, the service would allow buyers to register once and never again have to provide private payment information when acquiring goods or services electronically from Web pages that display the SureLink icon.

"SureLink is an innovative solution for Internet customers who are concerned about divulging their credit card and contact details over an open network," said Robert Kirby, electronic commerce project director for Telstra Multimedia.

The service will be available globally, and eventually through remote kiosks and with digital cash or smart cards as payment options, Telstra said. The company is signing merchants for a test in March and plans its "commercial launch" in the second quarter.

Westpac Banking Corp. and Advance Bank Ltd., both based in Sydney, will manage the settlement of payments.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER