The Inquirer's Tony Dennis reports that digital security company Gemalto today announced what it's calling the first-ever secure SMS-based mobile phone payment service. "Actually, it's a very convenient way to pay for things," he writes.

"The recipient simply keys a payment request into the mobile phone," Dennis explains. "The payee receives the payment details by SMS and accepts it using the appropriate PIN code. Both payee and recipient get confirmation by text (SMS). In order to activate the service, it's necessary to posses a 'third generation' SIM card - which Gemalto is, of course, more than happy to supply to operators. The first customer for this app is Belgium's BASE network operator."

"This innovative payment means is perfectly in line with people's lifestyles nowadays," says Gemalto's Jacques Seneca. "Whether at home or on the move, they want flexibility, convenience, quick and easy access to secure mobile services."

More here from Help Net Security ... and the press release is here.