Telenor Offers Banking Security Via Mobile Phones

Norwegian operator, Telenor has announced that BankID for mobile phones is now available. This is an electronic identification and signature solution where the security elements are saved on the SIM card of the mobile phone. This will make banking and payment services available to Norwegians no matter where they are in the world.

To start with, BankID for mobile phones will enable online banking users to log on to the online banking service without the use of the code unit, as long as they have a mobile phone available.

"So far, only the online banking customers of DnB NOR and Skandiabanken with mobile subscriptions with Telenor have access to BankID for mobile phones. We do, however, expect that the other banks and mobile operators will soon offer this solution," says Arne Hyttnes, Managing Director of The Norwegian Savings Banks Association.

BankID for mobile phones has been developed by the banks together with Telenor. On the banking side, DnB NOR has been key in the development process and Skandiabanken has been involved in testing and implementing the solution. Other banks in the BankID Partnership have joined in and contributed underway.

"The cooperation between the banking industry and Telenor has been ground-breaking and is being noticed outside Norway, because cooperation between the banking and telecommunication industries is known to be very demanding in practice. With BankID for mobile phones we are taking the development of the mobile phone as a distribution channel and payment tool a huge leap forward. This helps the Norwegian banking industry retain its position as a world leader when it comes to using modern and cost-effective solutions," states Arne Skauge, Managing Director of The Norwegian Financial Services Association (FNH).

The BankID Partnership intends for BankID for mobile phones to be used on various websites/user sites outside the banking world, and in situations where there is a need for secure identification and a signature. Customers will, for example, gradually be able to use BankID for mobile phones when they shop online. They will also be able to bid on properties via mobile phone because they will be able to identify themselves and sign electronically with the help of BankID for mobile phones. BankAxess online account payment with BankID for mobile phones, and recharging prepaid cards are other areas of use.

The BankID Partnership comprises the entire Norwegian banking industry and was set up by the Norwegian Financial Services Association (FNH) and the Norwegian Savings Banks Association. BBS Infrastruktur is the technical supplier to the BankID Partnership. BankID for mobile phones has been developed together with Telenor.

Posted to the site on 23rd March 2009