NEWS / COMMENTARIES

New Zealand Phonecard News

From: David Levin (jdlholdings@fpnet.co.nz)

The popularity of the Telecom Disney phonecards is starting to take it's

toll on the price and availability of these cards. Some cards are becoming

very difficult to find, especially loose sets and the prices are climbing

to reflect this. If you are thinking of buying any Telecom New Zealand

Disney cards, do it now, rather than later.

Telecom are now advertising their remote access phonecards to collectors.

They were used as promotional give-aways over the last year, but now with

other remote access card players on the market, Telecom have decided to

promote their cards as well. The set consists of 4 cards, in value from $5

to $50.

The latest phonecard releases from Telecom are:

XENA - WARRIOR PRINCESS:

$5 card featuring Lucy Lawless, was produced for the 1998 IHC

(Intellectually handicapped children) fund raising appeal. These were given

away free to anyone who donated $25. 7,600 cards were produced.

PRIZE WINNING SCHOOL ART:

A bright and attractive card which was produced by the Telecom Education

Foundation as part of it's 'Wonders of the World' program in support of New

Zealand schools. 5,000 cards were sold through participating schools as a

means of raising school funds.

SIR EDMUND HILLARY:

A special commemorative issue to mark the 45th anniversary of New Zealander

Sir Edmund Hillary becoming the first man to climb Mt Everest. The card

features a striking portrait of the young Sir Edmund with the Himalayas in

the background. Only 750 of the $10 cards, along with a $10 remote access

card will be sold only in a special folder.

GOLD BULLION ISSUE:

The Australian 2 oz Gold Nugget is featured together with a portrait of a

pair of curious kangaroos. The card has a piece of 9 carat gold permanently

bonded into it's face. Only 650 collector packs are available featuring

this $75 card.

TAKAHE:

A must for bird collectors, this is a $50 general issue card, featuring the

WWF symbol in the top right hand corner. The release is timed to mark the

50th anniversary of the rediscovery of this bird in New Zealand.

RUGBY:

All Blacks general issue set, featuring various All Black rugby stars in

action on the field: $5 Christian Cullen, $5 Jeff Wilson, $10 Taine

Randell, $20 Jonah Lomu. Production runs range from 141,500 for the $5

cards to 60,000 for the $20 card.

MICKEY MOUSE PART 5:

After a lot of waiting, much frustration and pre-release information, I

have been told that these will be released (at long last) this month.

Numbers are limited to only 1,100 sets, of which 750 will be in

presentation packs. These won't last long.

More Ways to Phone Home via the Internet

This is an interesting article about prepaid communications. Due to copyright restrictions, the article can not be duplicated here, but it is available on the web free to read at:

PRESS RELEASES

Smart Card Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY Precis Smart Card Systems, Inc., announced today that NationsBank (NYSE: NB) will use the PrecisCache(tm) smart card system for its FANCash(r) cards for Carolina Panthers fans.

The new smart card system will enable fans to purchase drinks, food and merchandise faster and in more places at Ericsson Stadium than the system used in previous seasons. Partnering with Precis and NationsBank to implement the system are Schlumberger Smart Cards & Terminals, the leading provider of smart card-based solutions worldwide, and VeriFone, Inc., the leading global provider of secure electronic payment solutions.

"Ericsson Stadium has always taken pride in being a state-of-the-art sports facility," said Jon Richardson, of the Carolina Panthers. "We are fortunate to be on the cutting edge of technology in order to provide our fans with the most enjoyable experience possible."

"The PrecisCache system is a cost efficient smart card system and enjoys a proven track record in the stadium/arena market," said Jim Lout, president and CEO, Precis Smart Card Systems. "We are pleased that NationsBank sought our expertise to replace the previously implemented system for the Carolina Panthers."

"This year's FANCash program offers us a great opportunity to enhance the game day experience for the Carolina Panthers fans by providing them with faster, more convenient means of making purchases at the Stadium, said Terri Hayden, NationsBank Stored Value manager.

FANCash cards are available for purchase at the Panthers Team Store, NationsBank kiosks throughout Ericsson Stadium, NationsBank banking centers in Charlotte and Rock Hill or by calling 1-800-711-0728. The 1998 FANCash cards feature six designs preloaded with $10, $20, $25, $50 or $100. The four cards which make up the FANCash Puzzle Card Set feature Sean Gilbert, Fred Lane, Michael Barrow and Panthers mascot Sir Purr. The two cards which complete the 1998 offering feature the Panthers Logo and the Charlotte Skyline.

PROMOTIONAL OFFERS

Jiffy Lube Promotion

Jiffy Lube is running a fundraising promotion in conjunction with Qwest communications and The Jimmy Fund (a children's cancer fund). The cards are $2.00 for 15 minutes, and

are renewable at $.25/minute. I have no idea how much The Jimmy Fund actually gets from this, or how long the promotion lasts. According to the cards, they expire six months after first use.

From: Howard Bernstein

Toothpaste Phonecard

Topal Toothpaste has a 10 minute phone card in it that doesn't expire until

1999 it is a specially marked package with a yellow banner on front that says

"FREE PHONE CARD" they are skinnier than the normal sized card.

K-Mart Promotion

I found this at K-Mart yesterday. It's for a free 30 minute phone card from Novartis. Requires 2 UPCs and a CRT. One per household.

Send: Proofs-of-purchase, your dated cash register receipt with purchase

price circled and this completed certificate.

Mail to: Novartis Phone Card Offer

P.O. Box 2769

Ridgely, MD 21681

Offer terms and conditions: Limit one Novartis Phone Card Offer per household

or family address. Clubs, groups and organizations not eligible. Void if all

the requirements are not fulfilled or if the certificate is not completely

filled out. Original mail-in certificate must be used and must be

handwritten. Duplication or copy is not acceptable. Certificates must be

received by 3/31/99. Offer void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by

law. Offer good only in the USA. This offer is not redeemable in your store.

From: Della Wireman

Blockbuster Part I

Blockbuster Video is now carrying giftcards featuring movie posters from "America's Greatest Movies" as recognized by the American Film Institute. I'm told there are 10 different $10 cards. The nearby store only had The Graduate and The Sound of Music.

From: Jim Silva

Block Buster Part II

Purchase a Titanic Video from Blockbuster, and receive a $5 limited edition cash card of the Titanic.

K-Mart Cash Card

This week’s circulars included an offer to get a $5 cash card from K-Mart with a $25 purchase. In addition to store merchandise, this card can be used for long distance phone calls.

Until Next Time,

Alan

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