"As an EVA-Member we can trust in reliable sector insight and meet key players in the vending industry. It will enable us to provide solutions based upon sectoral needs", explained Katia Deboel, Business Development Manager at Proximus. "By becoming a member, Proximus/Belgacom can share its expertise in mobile payments, telemetry and high speed data transfer with other EVA members. As cashless and mobility are among the big societal trends, vending is a focus sector for the Belgacom Group".

EVA's Director General, Catherine Piana, added: "Having such a strong telecoms player on board will be a real asset. It will help us make the EVA a platform for excellence in the area of cashless/mobile payment standards."

The Belgacom group is the principal supplier of integrated telecommunications services (telephone, Internet and television) in Belgium. For the fiscal year ending on December 31st 2007, the group posted a total revenue of e6.065 billion and a net operating profit before depreciation and amortization of e2.031 billion.