TIO to Provide Gulf Power with Full Suite of Electronic Bill Payment Services

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TIO Networks Corp., (TSX-V: TNC) ("TIO"), North America's leading bill pay technology provider, announced that it will be launching a full suite of electronic bill payment services for Gulf Power Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO).

The full suite of electronic bill payment services include a Gulf Power-branded native mobile bill pay app for iOS and Android smartphones, TIO-provisioned over-the-counter payment systems deployed into authorized Gulf Power dealer locations, self-serve kiosks deployed into a variety of retail locations, and a TIO-powered web-based payment solution.

"We are excited to launch a full suite of bill payment options for Gulf Power and its customers," said Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of TIO Networks. "We are impressed with Gulf Power's innovation and customer-focus, and we are proud to provide expedited payment options for Gulf Power with a complete range of cash, debit, credit, and ACH options."

Gulf Power first engaged with TIO Networks in April 2013 to allow customers to make bill payments with cash, credit, debit, and ACH at kiosks in various retail locations. TIO's native mobile payment applications and a TIO-powered web solution for electronic payments for Gulf Power will be available this month.

"Gulf Power continues to look for ways to our improve customer service and to make it easy for our customers to do business with us," said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesman. "Our customers want more new payment options, and this is a convenient way to offer that."

TIO provides bill payment solutions to clients of all sizes including both large and small utility companies. TIO currently has more than 60,000 payment locations in all 50 states and select Canadian markets. For more information, visit http://www.tionetworks.com/ or contact [email protected].

About TIO Networks
TIO Networks is a cloud-based bill payment processor serving the largest telecom, wireless, cable and utility bill issuers in North America.  With more than 60,000 endpoints, TIO symbolizes fast, convenient and secure bill payment. Visit: www.tionetworks.com.  Join the conversation on www.twitter.com/TIONetworks or Like us on www.facebook.com/TIOWallet.

About Gulf Power
Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company's mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company's Facebook page, "Gulf Power Company."

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy and accuracy.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made.  Potentially, many factors could cause our actual results to vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated or expected.  TIO Networks Corp. does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE TIO Networks Corp.