"Banks can even set up automated teller machines (ATMs) at the beach since they can use the SWUP technology to put up wireless ATMs," explained Corporate Business Group Head Eric R. Alberto.

"SWUP’s bundled solution makes wireless cashier POS (point-of-sale) and wireless card terminals possible."

In fact, SWUP can cover 99.57 percent of the areas which PLDT mobile phone subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. covers via the use of wireless terminals enabled with SIM (subscriber identity module) cards similar to those used in mobile phones.

The solution gives retailers, franchisers and banks the power to link up all their branches, store outlets, warehouses and customers to their head offices in real-time, as each transaction happens.

SWUP users can expect data rates of up to 170 Kilobits per second (Kbps), ensuring more than enough speed for simple data communications involving cashier POS, card swipe and ATM transactions.

Retailers can sell or position their stores practically anywhere and still be able to facilitate both cash and credit card transactions, according to PLDT Corporate Business Solutions Head Nerissa S. Ramos.

"Imagine bazaars, taxicabs and delivery boys asking you, ‘Cash or card?’ And it’s very secure, too," she elaborated. "The SIM, Smart’s GPRS/EDGE (General Packet Radio Service/Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) network, which has dedicated Access Point Names assigned per company, as well as the PLDT Brains network ensures transactions are secure. It does not go through the Internet, so clients are protected from viruses and hackers."

With SWUP, clients can enjoy unmatched access, reduced costs, high transmission speeds, simplicity and convenience in having a real-time data communications system. "We believe SWUP is a quantum leap in networking in the country," Ramos noted.

SWUP comes in three variants, namely: 1) Naked SWUP, which is a SIM only variant; 2) SIM bundled with GPRS/EDGE modem or simply SWUP Cash, and 3) an EFT-POS bundled with SIM called SWUP Card.