New Zealand mobile operator 2degrees has launched a service dubbed 'Touch2Pay'. The service is provided in partnership with contactless payment provider Snapper. The NFC-based service enables Wellington commuters to 'touch' their mobile phone to pay for their bus and taxi fare. The service is available on selected 2degrees handsets, no PIN, signature or cash being required. The service is now operational in Wellington, where over 200,000 Snapper cards have already been issued. Apart from taxi and bus tickets, consumers will be able to use their mobile phones to pay for goods at retailers, including dairies, Subway Restaurants, FIX Urban Grocer and cafes. Using their Snapper balance, customers can also make mobile top-ups of up to NZD 300. Wellington-based consumers who sign up to 2degrees Touch2Pay phones by 31 July will also receive 'Free Weekends' with free bus travel in the Wellington area and 1GB for mobile data traffic at weekends for the rest of 2012. The LG Optimus Net (NZD 299) is the first 2degrees Touch2Pay capable handset.
