TelePlus Group Inc., a subsidiary of Texxon Inc., on Monday announced it has signed with vending machine manufacturer U-Select-It (USI) Corp. and vending software developer VendNovation to develop new telecommunications product/service distribution platforms for the travel market.

The agreements allow TelePlus to provide vending machines and kiosks that contain its proprietary product/service at destination points like airports, malls and hotels. Its Vocalyz product is a telephone service that bundles international long-distance with proprietary, in-language services for international travelers. The product provides travelers and tourists with a 24/7 live private assistant who functions as a translator, concierge or emergency dispatch in their native language; the service is available for more than 120 languages.

“The goal of our partnership is to enhance the international traveler experience by providing an efficient and simple way to immediately access the TelePlus proprietary “in-language” interpreter/concierge cell phone service, said Jim Gibson, vice president of business development at TelePlus Group. By placing our phones and service offerings in vending machines around the globe, we are able to directly connect with the tourists while minimizing resource management of our global distribution partners.”

According to TelePlus, USI will supply the backbone and foundation of the vending machine, and VendNovation will provide the payment panels and Internet-connected vending necessary to complete the package. The vending machine, networked through wireless and Ethernet connections directly connected to the TelePlus platform in France, allows users to access TelePlus mobile phone devices and services at the swipe of a credit card, the company added. The service allows customers to purchase and activate an initial phone and service, and recharge their phone minutes and credits using the touch screen.

TelePlus Group Inc. www.teleplusgroup.com
U-Select-It (USI) Corp. www.uselectit.com
VendNovation www.vendnovation.com