Group finance spokesperson, Mr Kgamanyane Maphologela, said the city conducted a pilot project earlier this year.
The city selected customers on the city’s customer database and according to Mr Maphologela, the process received a positive response.
He said all customers who did not respond during the pilot project will still receive their printed statements until they have notified the city of their preferred option. Other options are through post or e-mail.
All three offer an audit trail that can give early indications of non-delivery of statements.
Mr Maphologela said MMS billing guarantees instant receipt.
“Mobile bill presentment simplifies admin and helps to ensure that people do not default on their payments simply because they do not have billing information on hand. It gives an option for customers to view their bill directly on their cellular phones so they can make immediate payment or query the account on time,” he said.
Mr Maphologela said the city can be more confident about whether their bills are being delivered and be more proactive about dealing with those that are not.
“So rather than simply hoping that statements are received and paid on time, the city can use proven electronic presentment and will be able to manage its billing system better and increase convenience for our customers. All customers who opt to receive statements via the MMS option will only receive one printed statement every three months. We encourage our customers to see this opportunity as another effort of the city to improve its customer centricity,” said Mr Maphologela.
