Tag: sprint

Samsung begins testing its new mobile payments service

| September 3, 2015

Invite-only beta even launched by Samsung

Samsung has opened beta testing for its new mobile payments solution, Saumsung pay. The invite-only beta has opened approximately one month before the service is set to launch to the public. Like other mobile payments solutions, Samsung pay will allow users to make payments using nothing more than their mobile devices. These payments can be made at physical stores and online, with many retailers already having shown support for the service.

Samsung Pay is equipped with technology developed by LoopPay

Samsung Pay is based on technology developed by LoopPay, which Samsung had acquired earlier this year. The technology allows retailers to accept mobile transactions without having to purchase additional hardware. Other mobile payments service require retailers to use hardware that is able to decipher the information used by these services. This is because most mobile payments services make use of NFC technology, which requires complimentary hardware in order to be used effectively.

Samsung will face competition from both Apple and Google when it comes to mobile payments

samsung - mobile payments testingWhile Samsung will face major challenges in the mobile payments space, it believes that it will be able to compete effectively within the growing market. Samsung is facing down competition from Apple, which has already launched its own mobile payments service and has plans to expand the service in the coming months. Google is also expected to join the fray soon with the launch of its own payments service, called Android Pay.

Qualifying for the beta event requires consumers have Bank of America or US Bank cards

In order to be eligible for the beta test of Samsung Pay, consumers will have to have a Bank of America or US Bank card. While the service will support other payment cards at launch, only cardholders from these two banks will be eligible for a beta invite. Consumers will also have to have a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge device from AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or U.S. Cellular. Those without these devices will not be able to make use of Samsung Pay during the beta testing period.

SoftBank invests in South Korean mobile commerce firm

| June 8, 2015

SoftBank to invest $1 billion in Coupang

Japanese mobile operator SoftBank has announced that it intends to invest $1 billion into South Korea’s largest mobile commerce firm, Coupang. This would represent the largest Internet investment that has been made in South Korea’s history and will provide Coupang with the financial support it needs to compete with other mobile commerce organizations. SoftBank has not disclosed the size of the interest it will acquire in Coupang and the South Korean company will continue to operate of its own accord.

Company seeks to expand beyond the borders of Japan

In 2013, SoftBank successfully acquired Sprint, which may have been the company’s first step toward expanding beyond Japan. The latest investment may be another step toward this endeavor, with SoftBank beginning to show significant interests in mobile markets in other parts of the world. SoftBank has also increased its stake in Supercell, a Finnish company that develops mobile games. Mobile commerce may be part of why SoftBank is beginning to expand, as this sector represents a significant degree of financial promise.

Mobile commerce could be a promising opportunity for some companies

Softbank - Mobile Commerce DealMobile commerce has grown quickly throughout the world, with this growth being powered by the increasing number of mobile consumers. As more people gain access to smartphones and tablets, they are beginning to shop with these devices, opting to use their devices to purchase products that they are interested in. Companies like SoftBank could have a lot to gain by engaging in the mobile commerce space, but it will have to compete with other companies that want to establish a dominant position in this market.

Coupang will be able to compete more aggressively in the mobile commerce sector thanks to investments

Coupang will continue to play a role in South Korea’s thriving mobile commerce market. The company has already established itself as a leader in this market, but it will have to continue offering favorable services to consumers in order to maintain this position. In the coming years, South Korea, as well as Japan, may become the most prominent mobile commerce markets in the world.