Visa Seals e-commerce Partnership With Pay-Tv Network, OSN

Global Payment technology company, Visa today announced a new e-Commerce partnership with OSN, the leading pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa [MENA],which is expected to help in enhancing online transactions, drive volumes and increase online purchase frequency across the region.

As part of the partnership that will run till January 31, 2013, Visa debit and credit cardholders who apply for a new direct subscription for OSN packages will receive a wide array of exciting benefits. The offer will be valid across Egypt, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, Oman, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Lebanon.

Visa cardholders subscribing for the OSN Platinum Extra HD package during the promotion will receive the benefits of free installation/ administration fees and Showbox, besides a complimentary second connection of a kids' package in addition to each subscriber receiving 10 OSN box office movies free of cost.

Subscribers who opt to purchase the Premium Plus HD package will receive free installation, a 50% discount on their OSN Plus Box or Showbox in addition to receiving a free HD decoder on Premium Plus, Movies Plus and Family Plus packages.

Hamad Malik, Chief Marketing Officer, OSN said: "Partnering with the leading global payments technology company, VISA, reaffirms our commitment to provide more flexibility and convenience when subscribing to OSN. With all major banks participating, this offer is the perfect opportunity for customers to enjoy irresistible offers on our state-of-the-art HD hardware which will further complement the viewing experience."

According to a survey by Arab Advisors Group,[1] payments cards are the most common way to perform online transactions (74%) across MENA, as opposed to cash on delivery or bank transfers, with Egypt ranked second behind Dubai as the largest ecommerce market with 24 platforms. In 2011, the Internet contributed an estimated EGP 15.6 billion, or 1.1 per cent of GDP, to the Egyptian economy with estimates that it could reach EGP 52 billion by 2017.[2]

The new e-Commerce tactical campaign is being marketed through online channels, including their website www.osn.com/visa, print and digital advertisements as well as direct communications.

The promotion will be offered to customers through their local banks enabled by Visa's payment network, product suite and brand.

OSN is the leading pay-TV network in MENA offering the widest choice of brand new premium Western, Arabic and Filipino entertainment through its 100+ channels.