The Mir card operator has developed a technology that allows making payments via iPhone without using Apple Pay, which does not function in Russia. The new solution, based on Bluetooth Low Energy technology, is already planned to be tested with the participation of about 20 banks.
Dmitry Dubynin, CEO of NSPK, reported that the prototype was presented at the Finopolis forum. He explained that the system will provide contactless payment at a short distance from the terminal, which is an alternative method of payment identification previously unavailable for iPhone. Dubynin noted that colleagues from several banks have already contacted them, interested in piloting this technology.
The NSPK press service clarified that the new solution will be called «Volna» and will be able to work both online and offline. Its operation will require special new-type payment terminals that support this technology. Unlike NFC, the «Volna» system allows payment at a greater distance from the terminal, without worrying about the exact position of the smartphone.
Since the beginning of the military operation in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions, Russians have lost the ability to use Apple Pay, and Google Pay has also ceased operations in the country. While Android smartphone owners could temporarily pay through Samsung Pay and Mir Pay applications, the latter was removed from the official application store after sanctions were imposed against NSPK. However, users can continue to make payments using QR codes in banking applications.
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