Internet Telephony - Sterling Time Develops E-Commerce Delivery Solution

Posted: 06/2000

Sterling Time Develops E-Commerce Delivery Solution

Sterling Time Company, Inc.
(www.discountprepaid.com) has unveiled its On!ine 3200 Point Of Sale (POS) terminal. Private label prepaid Internet is one of the first programs available through the terminal.

The purchase of the “Time2Surf” prepaid card entitles the user to 30 days of unlimited Internet access. The POS terminal provides a virtual card by delivering a user name, password and local access number at the time of purchase.

Founded in 1996, Sterling Time is a global service carrier that provides integrated communications service to Central and South America, Mexico and the United States.

“The electronic exchange of information and payment is the way of the future,” says Bruce Burke, director, marketing and public relations. “E-commerce is the best option for everyone involved in the distribution of prepaid services.”

When a customer buys a prepaid service through STC’s POS terminal, the PIN and access numbers are delivered electronically, eliminating the need for physical fulfillment, inventory, or retail security concerns.

A computer host receives sales information from retail terminal accounts and disburses commissions and percentages to the correct parties. Distributor account information is available via a private, password-protected web portal on STC’s website. Real-time reporting of sales information gives distributors and retailers up-to-date information at a glance.

“We see a huge potential for growth in the communications market and the applications which can be offered through our POS terminal,” Burke says. “We feel strongly about reducing the friction associated with the distribution of hard cards.”