Orange Money has introduced two new access channels. Telkom Kenya has today announced that customers will now be able to use the Orange Money service via WAP and through a Java application (J2ME). Chief Executive Officer Mickael Ghossein said the new access channels will give customers an even friendlier user interface that can be customized, and an improved menu for one to enhance the Orange Money experience.

Ghossein said; “As you know, one of the key attributes that sets Orange Money apart from other similar services, is the fact that it offers more convenience to customers.  By introducing these new channels we remain true to our promise, to ensure that Orange Money is the most convenient way to transact from your mobile phone.”

The java based application, J2ME, is downloaded from the internet and uploaded onto one’s handset, while WAP is a web interface also accessed via the internet. All internet-enabled handsets can be used to access J2ME or WAP.

Customers using WAP or J2ME will access the existing services available on the customer menu. Agents can conduct all existing agent and customer transactions via J2ME as exist on the current agent menu. WAP is a web interface also accessed via the internet.

Ghossein added that the new channels also demonstrate the deliberate strategy to use technology to improve the customer experience.

“This new development is in line with current statistics that shows that smart phones are increasingly gaining currency among Kenyans. With the anticipated launch of unrivalled 3G services on Orange, we anticipate that the number of Kenyans who will be using internet will rise significantly,” he said.

Orange Money was launched in November 2010, by Orange in partnership with Equity Bank, with a view to deepening access to financial services among Kenyans through a convenient solution that combines the features of mobile money transfer services and those of mobile banking.

With a national distribution network, the service takes traditional money transfer a notch higher with its innovations in offering customers a real bank account, bringing together the security and robustness of a bank account with the convenience and flexibility offered by telecoms via the mobile phone.