Mobius launches integrated Chip & SIM service

“Cellular communication between the point of payment and the issuing bank can give instant, secure authorisation for a transaction, opening the way for high value payments to be collected by mobile operatives anywhere, and even by unattended kiosks,” commented Doug Gilmour, of Mobius. “Mobius is the first airtime provider to offer a complete solution from a single source, including network access for the terminal, connection to the banking network, VPN and other enhancements.”

Mobius offers Vodafone data-only SIMs which eliminate the potential pricing, contractual and network access issues with using data-enabled voice SIMs. Features of Mobius service include a single cost-effective contract for the whole of their data estate, a VPN enabling the
use of fixed IP addresses with reduced security risk, and access to dedicated data channels on the Vodafone network to maintain connectivity even when the voice network is busy. Mobius is the sole UK distributor for Vodafone data SIMs.

Contract structure
Mobius airtime offers M2M users a transparent contract structure, designed specifically to offer a cost-effective solution for data transmission. Contracts can include a fixed cost for the term of the contract, with details of contracted data, additional data, and even fixing pricing for SMS and GSM usage. Data volume is contracted for the whole estate, rather than per SIM, giving users the flexibility to vary demand within a simple and predictable cost structure. To prevent a remote unit from creating data in error, however, a limit can be imposed on the amount of data each SIM can use avoiding uncontrolled costs. Customers can elect to receive an alert or even suspend a SIM until the source of problem is identified.
Mobius is a fully-authorised Vodafone Airtime Provider, not a Service Provider or a Virtual Operator. This status gives it direct access to the Vodafone System and can generate billing information down to a single transaction level if required. Should a fault develop, Mobius is also able to access a particular SIM directly and find its status.

Virtual Private Network
Mobius has invested heavily in the infrastructure providing its customers with its own Virtual Private Network (VPN). With a combination of VPN and GPRS, customers can have a live, always-on link from a remote unit to the back office, giving instant, secure access at no cost – the only charge is for the data transmitted. This eliminates the need for the remote unit to dial in at prearranged times, or through a prompt from an SMS. It also allows users to allocate a fixed IP address to their remote units, without being exposed to the risk of spam or hacking.
For short messages, an enhanced form of SMS known as ‘Data Direct’ is available. It allows users to track and prove delivery of messages, adding a vital element of control to a low cost and effective means of communication.

International Roaming
For data estates with an international dimension, Mobius can offer contracts with a guaranteed cost of roaming. If a VPN is used the roaming charges over the initial 1 Meg can be billed in smaller increments to keep a tighter control of costs. Where remote units are permanently based in one country abroad, Mobius can source local SIMs.

BSI registered
Mobius has sought and obtained independent BSI ISO9001:2000 accreditation for its business process. This covers its order processing, shipment and invoicing procedures, as well as all other aspects of its interaction with customers. According to Doug Gilmour, “Our business is in several respects distinct from the other Flint Group companies, and we wanted to get our procedures independently verified. We see accreditation as a significant endorsement of Mobius’ commitment to delivering quality of service to our customers.”

As part of its continual improvement policy, Flint Group has an ISO9001:2000 quality management system.

About Flint
Flint Group is a strongly growing group of four businesses united round an ethic of delivering exceptional service to its customers, through world class logistics and exceptional technical support. Mobius is the UK’s only Airtime Provider to focus exclusively on the M2M data market, and is based on the Vodafone network. Spectre delivers wireless and wireline communications solutions. Secure Retail focuses on smart card, printer and display technologies for kiosk, retail and corporate security markets. Flint IP&E offers an outstanding portfolio of interconnect, passive and emech components.