McDonalds' burgers paid for with mobile phones

- Published: 05 March, 2007

Using a mobile phone to pay for a burger in a Japanese branch of McDonalds' fast food outlets will be the next big thing according to a BBC news report.

Japanese mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo is teaming up with the fast food giant to offer electronic payments and special promotions for mobile users.

In the report Julie Ask, an analyst with research firm Jupiter, said the partnership illustrated the need to have upfront agreements and co-operation from the chain in order for electronic payments to be a success.

The deal could also provide invaluable information about customer behaviour, she added.

The news report stated that the joint venture between McDonalds and DoCoMo - worth 300m yen - would see McDonalds Japan holding a 70% stake, with DoCoMo owning the rest. It is reported to be due to begin in July this year.