UAE telecom provider Etisalat has launched a new payment service for the Small and Medium Business (SMB) segment in the UAE. The new service, Mobile Cashier, allows for easy on boarding and affordable mobile point-of-sale that enables SMBs to accept card payments from their customers, while enjoying mobile business plan benefits anywhere in the UAE, the company said.
The new service aims to transform merchants' smart devices - such as smartphones or tablets - into business-grade point of sale terminals, which allows them to accept debit, credit and pre-paid cards in a secure and seamless environment. The service's offerings include bundles point-of-sale terminals; attractive mobile voice and data plans; a free smartphone every year; and the zero bank commission.
"Technology and innovation are key drivers of financial inclusion and especially today with mobile penetration rates continuing to grow, there is immense potential to tap into finding more ways to converge payments with mobile," said Esam Mahmoud, acting senior vice president, Small and Medium Business, Etisalat.
"With today's launch we look forward to continuing building on our success and rolling out secure smart payment solutions that are more convenient, reliable and affordable for our SMB customers," Mahmoud added. "We believe all SMBs should have access to digital payments and we will continue to work alongside to ensure that they are able to use such innovative services to enhance their business value in the digital world."
The service is simple and portable. Users simply need to download the application on a smartphone or tablet, connect a pocket-sized card reader and then start accepting credit, debit or prepaid card payments in retail stores or on the go.
SMBs can select from options starting from an entry 'standalone' plan of AED 119 per month that entails payment devices (a card reader and a portable printer) provided with a lifetime warranty. Or they can opt for the monthly bundled 'essential' plans, which includes every month's zero bank commission, local and international minutes, internet, intra-company calling, and free smartphone every year - starting from AED 199 per month.
Etisalat's Mobile Cashier is approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and is compliant with all the security standards in the payment industry including Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
