Also known as cellular ticketing, mobile ticketing is a feature that allows consumers to purchase, pay for, and obtain tickets for different events by means of a mobile phone. Considered an example of the ongoing development of horizontal telecommunication convergence, this type of ticketing strategy is helpful for ordering or booking tickets quickly, managing the payment for the ticket from a designated account, and even delivering an order confirmation or an electronic copy of the ticket to the consumer. An alternative application of mobile ticketing is used by law enforcement officials to generate traffic tickets electronically.
In order to enjoy the benefits of mobile ticketing, consumers must own a mobile device that is capable of connecting with the Internet. This allows the user to visit the vendor’s web site, place the order, manage the payment process, and receive confirmation that the transaction is complete. Typically, a confirmation of the order is sent to the user’s designated email address, making retrieval of the electronic document relatively simple. In some cases, the vendor may require the downloading of a specific mobile application in order to use this particular ticket ordering process.
With retail applications, mobile ticketing makes it possible for consumers to use electronic commerce to order and pay for tickets to theater productions, rail travel, and even in the process of booking airline reservations. Depending on the application, the process may make it possible to receive an electronic copy of the ticket that can be printed for use later. Another approach involves providing a confirmation that includes the details of the purchase along with a confirmation number that can be tendered at the time the consumer reaches the transportation terminal or theater. With the latter approach, the need for hard copies is eliminated altogether, providing an environmentally friendly way to reduce the amount of paper used in these types of transactions.
Law enforcement officials may also use this approach to issuing traffic citations. In this scenario, the ticket is created electronically, allowing it to be immediately logged into the local database. At the same time, the e-ticket is provided to the driver who has the option of tendering payment electronically or printing the ticket and presenting payment in person at a local courthouse. This approach also allows the recipient of the ticket to print a hard copy and choose to attend a court hearing if he or she wishes to contest the ticket. In the interim, mobile ticketing of this type helps to reduce paper consumption, cuts down the potential for hard copies to be lost or misplaced, and in general helps to streamline the flow of information to all parties concerned.
