Singapore Telecommunications : Singtel and NETS introduce in-app payment mode for Singtel prepaid hi!App users

New feature enables digital top-up in just one click

Singapore, 25 June 2020 - In a first for the local telco market, Singtel prepaid customers can now use NETS ATM bank cards to make top-ups and purchase data plans and services directly on their mobile devices. With the launch of NETS Click on Singtel's hi!App, NETS ATM bank cards from DBS, OCBC and UOB can be digitised as an in-app payment mode, simplifying the payment process and enabling seamless online payment.

Migrant and foreign domestic workers make up 60% of Singtel's prepaid customers, and more than half a million of them are hi!App monthly active users. This contactless payment option enables customers without internet banking, debit or credit cards to carry out transactions on the app, providing a safe digital alternative to visiting physical retail stores in-person, especially given the strict measures taken against COVID-19.

'The value of prepaid has always been about bringing a differentiated mobile service to customers like migrant and foreign domestic workers. Partnering with NETS to offer another convenient, frictionless payment mode is part of our ongoing digitalisation efforts to improve the customer experience. The addition of NETS Click on the hi!App makes it easier for our customers to stay connected with their loved ones during COVID-19, and at the same time boosts digital inclusion by making digital payments accessible,' said Ms Gan Siok Hoon, VP of Mobile Marketing & Sales, Consumer at Singtel.

'The coronavirus has given everyone more reason to move towards low-touch or no-touch payment options. Now more than ever, NETS is committed to enabling digital payments and providing an easy to use and accessible solution to as many consumers as possible. We are excited to work with Singtel to introduce NETS Click to prepaid card users. Fast, seamless and secure, they can add their NETS ATM card as a preferred mobile payment method to the hi!App and conveniently complete their payments with just a simple click,' said Mr Ricky Lim, MD, NETS Group Merchant business. 'It is also a meaningful stride towards supporting migrant and foreign workers in this time of need by providing them with a convenient way to pay and call home,' Mr Lim added.

Singtel prepaid customers can easily use NETS Click to pay for transactions on the hi!App after a simple one-time sign-up, and the transaction amount will be deducted directly from their bank account. There are no transaction fees for using NETS Click on Singtel's hi!App for top-ups.

Customers will receive 1GB of free mobile data when they register and top-up with NETS Click for the first time. In addition, they will get complimentary 30% additional bonus talktime with every NETS Click top-up from 25 June to 31 July 2020.

Filipino domestic worker Arlyn Panganiban, said, 'I've been topping up my Singtel prepaid card at 7-Eleven stores during the 'circuit breaker' period. With the new payment mode on hi!App, it's much easier for me now as I can top-up using just my bank card on the go.'

Using tokenisation technology, NETS Click enables NETS bank cardholders to tokenise their cards, and experience highly secured one-click payments with their mobile phones. Singtel's hi!App is available in six languages - Bengali, Burmese, English, Indonesia Bahasa, Mandarin and Tamil. NETS Click adds to the range of digital prepaid top-up modes including Dash. For more information on Singtel's hi!App and NETS Click, please visit singtel.com/netsclick.

Note: NETS Click on the hi!App for Apple phones will be rolled out at a later date in a couple of weeks.

###