Western Union said once the agreement is introduced, it will enable Etisalat’s subscribers to send and receive Western Union Money Transfer transactions using their mobile ‘wallets,’ or accounts tied to their mobile phones.
Subscribers who initiate transactions from their mobile phones would be able to send funds to a receiver for cash payout at more than 400,000 Western Union Agent locations in 200 countries and territories.
In addition, this agreement will enable Etisalat subscribers to send funds to other selected mobile subscribers who have mobile wallets.
Etisalat subscribers who receive a Western Union money transfer in their mobile wallets would be able to use the funds to pay bills, top up airtime, send money domestically or internationally, or withdraw cash at a cash-out agent or any participating ATM, according to Western Union.
Western Union senior vice president of Electronic Channels Khalid Fellahi said their research shows that many of their customers want to send and receive money via electronic channels like the mobile phone.
"This alliance with Etisalat, a leading and rapidly expanding mobile operator in the region, will offer Etisalat’s extensive subscriber base a convenient service they can use anywhere, anytime," Fellahi said.
Western Union offers the Mobile Money Transfer Service in the Philippines with Smart Communications and Globe Telecom; in Kenya with Safaricom; in Malaysia with Maxis; and in Canada with EnStream.
