Message #33 From:
NewsBot Date: December 21, 2006 05:00:00 AM
USAT News MasterCard and USA Technologies to Expand MasterCard(R) PayPass(TM) Deployment to Include Cadbury Schweppes
PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MasterCard Worldwide and USA Technologies (OTC Bulletin Board: USAT)
announced today that Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB) will
equip vending machines in several U.S. markets with the e-Port®
cashless transaction solution to begin accepting all major credit cards,
including those enabled with MasterCard®PayPass™
contactless payment functionality.
CSAB, whose brands include Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, A&W Root Beer,
Hawaiian Punch, Canada Dry, Mott’s and
numerous others, is working with MasterCard and USA Technologies to
enable as many as 1,000 Dr Pepper and Snapple vending machines in
Dallas, New York and Chicago to accept credit card payments.
“At Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages we
are dedicated not only to creating brands people love, but also to
seeking better ways to get those brands in the hands of our consumers,”
said Mark Jackson, Vice President of Cold Drink Equipment & Equity for
CSAB. “Convenience is a driving factor in
consumer purchasing decisions and credit cards are becoming a preferred
method of payment for purchases at all price levels, even those under
$5. The e-Port cashless transaction solution makes purchasing our
popular soft drinks, teas and juices from our vending machines easier
and more convenient than ever.”
USA Technologies reports that Dr Pepper and Snapple Bottlers and
distributors are leading the vending industry by adopting the latest
technology to enhance the consumer’s
purchasing experience.
“MasterCard applauds innovators like Cadbury
Schweppes Americas Beverages who are embracing the latest technology to
provide their customers with more payment options and convenience,”
said T.J. Sharkey, Group Head, National Accounts, U.S. Commerce
Development, MasterCard Worldwide. “MasterCard
PayPass is providing greater speed, ease and convenience for
consumers making purchases from vending machines, while driving greater
opportunity for vending operators to improve efficiencies and generate
increased revenues,” he said.
Consumers no longer need cash and coins. To use the e-Port cashless
payment technology, consumers simply tap their MasterCard PayPass-enabled
credit card or device on the e-Port terminal. Within seconds, the
terminal will flash a light and produce a tone signaling the transaction
is complete. As with all MasterCard PayPass transactions under
$25, no signature will be required. The terminals will also accept
traditional magnetic-stripe credit cards.
“In teaming with MasterCard, USA Technologies
is creating value through innovation, evolving our e-Port product line
to quickly meet rapidly emerging market trends in vending and unattended
POS terminals,” said George R. Jensen, Jr.,
Chairman and CEO, USA Technologies. “A recent
Ipsos Insight and Peppercoin survey found that 42 million Americans were
willing to use a card when making a purchase from a vending machine, and
42 million had used their card to purchase a cup of coffee, confirming
that consumers are willing to use cards for small purchases if the
cashless option is available.”
The Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages installations are the first of
a total 5,000 self service point-of-sale terminals and vending machines
MasterCard and USA Technologies are deploying in 12 cities across the
United States, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston,
Denver, Seattle, Miami, Orlando and Washington, D.C.
The 5,000 machines will be installed over the next several weeks and
represents the largest rollout of contactless technology in the vending
and POS markets. MasterCard PayPass uses radio frequency
technology to transmit payment details wirelessly between the PayPass
device and the merchant's terminal. The transaction is then processed
through the MasterCard network for clearing and settlement. PayPass
cards include magnetic stripe technology, so the cards can also be used
in the traditional manner anywhere MasterCard is accepted around the
world. PayPass technology can also be used in a number of
non-card devices, such as a convenient payment tag that fits on a key
chain for easy access.
How MasterCard PayPass Works
MasterCard PayPass uses radio frequency technology to transmit
payment details wirelessly between the PayPass device and the
merchant's terminal. The transaction is then processed through the
MasterCard network for clearing and settlement. PayPass cards
include magnetic stripe technology, so the cards can also be used in the
traditional manner anywhere MasterCard is accepted around the world. PayPass
technology can also be used in a number of non-card devices, such as a
convenient payment tag that fits on a key chain for easy access.
About MasterCard PayPass
MasterCard PayPass is ideal for traditional cash-heavy
environments where speed is essential, and has led the way in bringing
contactless technology to consumer categories such as quick serve
restaurants, drug stores, gas stations, vending machines, convenience
stores, sports arenas, movie theaters, transit systems and parking
garages. There are currently nearly 11 million PayPass cards and
devices in the market, and PayPass is currently accepted globally
at 36,000 merchant locations, including participating 7-Eleven, CVS,
McDonald's, Regal Entertainment Group theaters and many others. PayPass
is also accepted at numerous football and baseball stadiums. For more
information about MasterCard PayPass and a full list of
participating merchants, visit www.mastercard.com/PayPass.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical
economic link between financial institutions, businesses, cardholders
and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor,
MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes close to 14
billion payments each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and
consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants.
Through its family of brands, including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and
Cirrus(R), MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more
than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercardworldwide.com.
About CSAB
Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB) is one of
the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the
Americas. It is a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc
(NYSE:CSG), a $13 billion global confectionery and beverage company
headquartered in London. CSAB’s brand
portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, Mott’s
Apple Juice, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian
Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House
Mixers, Rose’s, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina,
IBC, Stewart’s, Nantucket Nectars and other
well-known consumer brands. For additional information on CSAB and its
products, visit www.brandspeoplelove.com.
About USA Technologies
USA Technologies is a leader in the networking of wireless non-cash
transactions, associated financial/network services and energy
management. USA Technologies provides networked credit card and other
non-cash systems in the vending, commercial laundry, hospitality and
digital imaging industries. USA Technologies is an IBM Business Partner.
The Company has marketing agreements with Cingular Wireless, Honeywell,
MEI, and ZiLOG Corporation. For further information on USA Technologies,
please visit www.usatech.com.
Statement under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act:
With the exception of the historical information contained in this
release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements
that involve risk and uncertainties that may individually or mutually
impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to, the
ability of the Company to increase revenues in the future due to the
developing and unpredictable markets for its products, the ability to
achieve a positive cash flow from operations, the ability to obtain
operating profit, the ability to obtain orders for its energy management
products, the ability to obtain new customers and the ability to
commercialize its products, which could cause actual results or revenues
to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements.