The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), in partnership with major acquirer banks, has introduced a pioneering service that allows merchants to swipe all ATM debit and credit card brands through a single wireless card terminal to process sales anywhere.

The innovation, called Shops Work Unplugged (SWUP), runs on the same wireless network that powers Smart Communications Inc. and covers the entire archipelago.

Maximizing the Point of Sales (POS) machine and minimizing lost sales opportunities, the SWUP service makes wireless card transactions easy for both vendors and clients, especially in remote areas where no banks operate.

SWUP now accepts major card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, JBC, American Express and Diners Club International as well as Visa Electron, MasterCard Electronic, Megalink, and Express Payment System. “It operates on a portable payment system that takes advantage of the mobility and convenience of wireless data technology,” notes PLDT Customer Sales and Marketing Group Head Eric Alberto.