The Tap2Pay service is similar to Tap Share which utilizes near-field communications (NFC), a technology which allows contactless data exchange between two devices in close proximity with each other. Tap Share was launched in October last year to Smart Money users.

Smart is the first in the Philippines to utilize NFC technology through the use of smartphones and it only works with NFC-enabled phones.

“Tap2Pay is the first mobile NFC service in the Philippines that lets you pay for products or services,” said Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea. “In this case, you can help those in need without having to physically send goods or monetary donations—one tap, and you’ve already made a difference in someone’s life,” he added.

To avail of the Tap2Pay service Smart subscribers with postpaid subscription must use Nokia C7 units. They will be given free Smart Money accounts with a free credit of P50.

Smart will also be partnering with more merchants and with more NFC-enabled handsets to further expand its Tap2Pay services.

Before Nokia C7 owners can make use Tap2Pay they must first update their phone software to activate the NFC feature. This can be done by going to the phone’s update menu or by connecting the phone to a computer using Nokia PC Suite.