Globe turns mobile devices into POS terminals

Globe Telecom has introduced a new service called Globe Charge that turns mobile phones into point-of-sale (POS) card terminals that accept debit and credit card payments.Globe Charge includes a mobile card reader plugged into a smartphone or tablet running on software from G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the operator of GCash. Subscribing to a monthly plan worth P999, SMB owners can get the card reader and Samsung Galaxy Win for free.The new product mainly targets small and medium businesses (SMB) and entrepreneurs who can’t afford setting up expensive card terminals. GXI President Paolo Baltao says Globe Charge can accept payment for any form of trade which accepts cashless transactions through credit and debit card payments, particularly MasterCard, and very soon, Visa.As the first service of its kind in the country, Globe myBusiness SVP Martha Sazon said that it is a game changer, especially at a time when card adoption is expected to experience high growth.Last year. Iain Jamieson, Visa country manager for the Philippines, commented that credit, debit and prepaid card owners in the island nation was set to grow at double-digit rates in 2013. In 2012, Visa had 2.5 million holders in the Philippines."Globe Charge will enable SMBs to offer more payment options, which would mean more customers, increased sales and business growth, and on a larger scale, create a wonderful economic environment for the country," shares Sazon.Aside from a smartphone and a mobile card reader, Globe Charge also has a downloadable app from the Google Play and soon on the App Store.  Globe Charge can use WiFi or connect via mobile data for free using a Globe or TM SIM.(PHOTO: Shown in photo during the launch of Globe Charge are (from left) TV personality and entrepreneur RJ Ledesma, Globe Chief Operating Advisor Peter Bithos, Globe Senior Vice President for myBusiness Martha Sazon and GXI President Paolo Baltao)