Local telcos' support for Mobile Connect laudable

LAST week, Singapore's Big Three telcos announced plans to jointly support Mobile Connect (MC), a global authentication standard that will allow their customers to access online services with just their mobile numbers.

It offers a simple and secure way for mobile users to sign in to websites and apps. Using only one's cellphone number and cell phone to verify one's identity, MC decisively removes the need for usernames and passwords.

Its advantages are plain to see - and its potential is immense and far-reaching. MC could majorly transform online transactions in banking, e-commerce, telecommunications, entertainment, government and travel services.