Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has engaged mobile payment solutions company Macalla and its partner ITS (International Turnkey Systems), to provide the Macalla Platform payments engine and a range of applications for its new commercial entity in Kuwait, VIVA.
STC is the largest telecom operator in the Middle East, and in November 2007, acquired the third GSM licence in Kuwait as Kuwait Telecom Company (KTC). Its services are branded VIVA and were formally launched on 16 September 2008. The service went live on 4 December 2008.
The contract includes software and expertise to enable VIVA's ePayments and mCommerce services. The VIVA services are provided in Arabic and English directly to VIVA subscribers, and also via the VIVA dealer/agent network. Roll-out is being undertaken on a phased basis. VIVA service channels include mobile, kiosk and web and supporting payment by wallet, cash, debit and credit card.
Macalla is well proven in the Middle East, including Kuwait, with an enviable track record in the area of Arabic and English mobile payments services,” says VIVA IT Director, Yahia Obaid. It made sense to choose Macalla. 
