This system of micropayments is one way to avoid the problem experienced with credit cards which are not viable for small sums.
The service works by Vodafone users sending a text message to a telephone number on the web site. A text message will then be sent back confirming the agreement and providing a pin number that acts as a password to the site. Customers can then view the site and the cost of this viewing is added to their Vodafone bill.
Mobile phone users are already utilising the technology the system is based on when they pay to receive text messages with, for example, the latest football results. Vodafone will take a percentage from each transaction for delivering the message.
For an example of a site which has been operating a similar system for a few months on all major mobile networks, see www.salmondays.tv.