Isis, the US joint venture between AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA, has had talks about the possibility of launching mobile payment services in markets outside the US. The venture has “had discussions to explore international opportunities” according to a Businessweek interview with head of marketing Jaymee Johnson. An international partner could use Isis’ brand or its technology to support their own launch of an m-pay service. Johnson did not name potential partners but commented that equity partners in Isis gives it “some degree of visibility and awareness” outside the US. Isis is solely US-based at present where it will launch a service commercially in mid-2012.

One of Verizon Wireless’s two parents is Vodafone, which has operations around the world. However in some markets, for instance the UK and Germany, Vodafone is already working with other operators on launching mobile payment services.  It also recently launched a mobile money service on its own in India. T-Mobile USA’s parent has operations in Germany and other European countries. Isis’ motive in sounding out potential overseas launches might be concern about US rival Google Wallet, which is considering launching internationally, perhaps first in the UK.