Ralph Yirikian: MobiDram will provide “mobile wallet” service

On November 6, VivaCell-MTS announced the launch of MobiDram e-payment and transfer system. Mediamax asked VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian to provide more detailed information on the service.

- Mr. Yirikian, can we say that MobiDram will be a universal e-payment system and the idea of “virtual money” will be one of its core components?

- MobiDram is a wholly owned subsidiary of VivaCell-MTS through which we start operating on the market of financial services.

Now there is a trend worldwide when mobile operators start providing various financial services as well together with their main services which gives a subscriber more chances and maximum comfort from the standpoint of organization of his expenses and purchases.

We are the first in the mobile communication sphere of Armenia to launch such a service. I would like to especially note that while creating MobiDram we didn’t copy the models already existing in the world but worked out an independent system which meets the peculiarities of the Armenian market.

- The launch of such a large-scale project supposes powerful and flexible software. Did you obtain the software abroad or develop in Armenia?

- I am very happy and proud to inform that MobiDram platform was fully developed in Armenia. It was developed by “Volo” local company with which we have been cooperating for many years. We always strive to support the local manufacturers and create conditions for them to develop in Armenia and bolster their competitive capacities outside the country. I think we manage to do it.

- MobiDram is interesting as it is available not only for VivaCell-MTS subscribers through their phones but all the interested persons via Internet as well as MobiDram branches.

- Yes, VivaCell-MTS subscribers can make various payments and transfers right on their mobile phone through USSD command. Moreover, it’s not necessary to have a smartphone or mobile internet connection. There is no need to download special software either. The benefit of MobiDram is that the most common mobile phone becomes a handy tool for using e-payment services.

For instance, our subscriber can pay for utilities services or transfer money from one region to another through USSD command. In future, MobiDram will allow transferring money to foreign countries as well.

Naturally, there are some restrictions in terms of money transfers linked to the size of the amount set by the Central Bank.

MobiDram customers are classified into 2 groups – “Standard” and “Premium”.

“Standard” customer may use a limited number of services provided by MobiDram system. Getting registered in the system, the customer may replenish the amount on his e-account, pay for utilities, for phone and internet as well as receive money from “Premium” customers of MobiDram. “Standard” users can’t use the cash out service and have the following restrictions:

-The amount of daily operations – AMD 100 000 maximum;
- Amount of monthly operations – AMD 200 000 maximum;
- Number of monthly operations – 15 maximum.

“Premium” customer can use all the services provided by MobiDram system. He may pay for utilities and other services, get and transfer money to MobiDram accounts, cash out money from the account or transfer to other bank accounts.

VivaCell-MTS subscribers may also use the mobile version of “Premium” services.

Only VivaCell-MTS subscribers may use MobiDram services through USSD menu on the mobile phone. However, we made MobiDram services available for everyone. All those who are not VivaCell-MTS subscribers may use MobiDram services visiting the webpage of the service or one of the 25 branches of MobiDram.

- What commission will be charged by MobiDram?

- There is no commission for utilities payments. The account replenishment in MobiDram branches or on ArCa card is free of charge and in case of transferring from one e-wallet to other or in case of cashing out or transferring money to a bank account; a commission of 0.5% per each operation is charged.

- Is it possible to also pay for the services provided by  VivaCell-MTS competitors through MobiDram?

- Yes, it is. You can visit one of the 25 branches of MobiDram; you can pay for landline or mobile network as well as internet services. Payment for Karabakh-Telecom services is also available. We are going to make the payments available through mobile phones and the website as well in the future. As of now, these ways are only available in case of paying for VivaCell-MTS services.

- It was announced that already 25 MobiDram branches are operating. Are they separate branches or MobiDram is represented in VivaCell-MTS shops?

- MobiDram has separate zones in VivaCell-MTS service centers with its separate brand and personnel – it’s one of the requirements of the Central Bank.

- What will be the next steps toward developing the system?

- In the future, we are going to expand the range of services within “mobile wallet” service. To assess the demand of the “wallet” on the Armenian market, we have researched the international markets. The results of the research let us state that e-wallets will be in high demand particularly while making international and local transfers and payments to commercial organizations.

For instance, people may pay for goods in the supermarkets through their phones.

- Armenia already has online stores in which ArCa, IDRAM, Webmoney and other online payment systems are integrated. Is it possible to incorporate MobiDram payment system as well?

- The cooperation with online stores is on the list of our next programs. It means that MobiDram customers will be able to use this way of payments through their e-accounts very soon.