Mobile Commerce is a system whereby you conduct transactions for products and services through your mobile phone. When you pay for products and services using this system, the charge is automatically charged to your mobile phone account or some other account which you gave pre-approval for them to charge to. There are a couple of different payment methods, which include calling numbers, cell phone bill charging, deducting of calling credit, and through the registration of a credit card. Products and Services Mobile Commerce can be used many ways to benefit an individual. Convenient options such as mobile ticketing allow a person to purchase tickets to something through their phone without using a computer. Police can also use mobile ticketing to issue a ticket to a driver without using a lot of paper. Stores also benefit from using Mobile Commerce because they can issue special gifts and coupons to their customers without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars in postage sending out the information. Banks have also found a home in Mobile Commerce by allowing a customer to check their balance and even pay their bills using their mobile phone. More advanced features that some banks have implemented include the ability to purchase stocks. Disadvantages As with any technology service, there is always a downside to it. With Mobile Commerce there could be an increase in identity theft since an unscrupulous person can pretend to be a part of a service that you are paying for and eventually get all of your personal information. There is also an increased risk of getting scammed because unlike normal electronic transactions dealing with a computer or transactions done in person, there is not an automatic "paper trail".
Fast Facts:
- Very similar to E-Commerce, but with Cell Phones
- 2000-2001: Started to become popular
