Mobile operators unveil swipe top-up cards

A new swipe-card payment system from four UK mobile phone operators has been branded by Hertfordshire design consultancy Darwell Holland. One2One, Vodafone, Orange and BT Cellnet have joined forces to create a ‘top-up card’ which provides instant credit to mobile phones through machines located in major retailers, pubs, clubs, fast-food outlets and cinemas. It aims to replace the voucher system of pre-payment. The new brand identity will feature on the swipe cards, related literature and marketing material at all machine outlets. According to Darwell Holland creative director Paul Deane, the icon aims to become as recognisable as Visa and Switch.