Russia introduced the “Wave” payment system for iPhone via Bluetooth

Russia will once again be able to pay for purchases with iPhone – using Bluetooth technology. The new solution, called “Wave“, was developed by National Payment Card System (NPC), the operator of the Mir card and Fast Payment System (SBP). The system bypasses familiar payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, access to which has been restricted in Russia since 2022.

Pay.

How payment via Volna works

The “Volna” system uses technology Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to make payments, which allows payments to be made at a short distance from the payment terminal. NSPK Dmitri Dubynin emphasized that this is a prototype of the technology, which was presented only recently. The solution will work without the need for an internet connection and unlike NFC used in Apple Pay and Google Pay, Bluetooth provides a slightly larger radius for making a payment.

Bluetooth.

“This is really a prototype solution that we’ve developed. We presented it for the first time just yesterday, nobody knew about it. The solution is implemented on Bluetooth technology, there is such a technology Bluetooth Low Energy,” Dubynin said.

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The system allows payments to be made from iPhone and smartphones on Android, making it a universal solution for Russian users. This is especially important given that access to international mobile payment systems has been closed to Russians since the sanctions were imposed.

Android Android, making it a universal solution for Russian users.

Wave’s features and benefits

The main difference between “Wave” and other technologies is the use of Bluetooth instead of NFC, which is the standard for most contactless payment systems. This solution allows purchases to be paid at a slightly greater distance from the terminal, which can increase convenience for users. In addition, a key advantage of the system is its operation in the absence of internet, which may be useful in regions with unstable connections.

NFC.

New payment terminals capable of supporting Bluetooth connectivity will be needed to bring the technology into common use. Nevertheless, Dubynin noted that several large banks have already shown interest in testing the system. He said about 20 banks are willing to try the Wave technology, after which the NSPC plans to hand it over to them for integration into their mobile apps.

Banks’ interest and testing

Two dozen Russian banks had already expressed interest in the new solution by the time of the presentation, which indicates a high level of demand for alternative mobile payment systems. After the testing is completed, the NSPC plans to deliver the solution to banks for integration into their mobile applications. This will allow customers to use their smartphones for contactless payments even without access to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

History of restrictions on mobile payments in Russia

Reminder that the ability to use Apple Pay and Google Pay for payment was blocked for Russian users in 2022 due to the sanctions imposed. After that, Samsung Pay and Mir Pay temporarily continued to operate in the market, but later Samsung suspended its operations in Russia and Mir Pay was removed from app stores amid tougher sanctions against the NSPK.

Samsung Pay and Mir Pay.

“Wave” could be a solution for those who are used to using contactless payments but have been denied the opportunity. It is important to note that the technology aims to increase accessibility and convenience, especially in the context of limited access to international services.

Wave

Perspectives of the technology

The development of Volna could significantly change the mobile payments market in Russia. The involvement of large banks in testing and possible integration into their apps opens up new opportunities for users to make payments using smartphones. In addition, working without the internet makes the technology more flexible and independent of external factors.

Wave’s development could significantly change the mobile payments market in Russia.