Synopsis Prepaid telecommunications products make up a significant proportion of total telecommunication revenues. In 2009 the total revenue from electronic payment systems in Australia is estimated at around $3.2 billion. Prepaid mobile voice services are the largest revenue segment, followed by calling cards, prepaid mobile Internet access, music purchases and gift cards, as well as premium SMS services. The market is rapidly developing and the arrival of rechargeable magnetic cards is a major new development. The market in Australia is dominated by e-pay with the major banks and mobile operators commanding smaller shares. Significantly Australian mobile operators expect to increase revenue earned from sales for prepaid mobile Internet access in 2009 and 2010 at the likely expense of competitors offering broadband based on an alternative WiMAX-based technology.
