Society | Jan 18

NTT Docomo to start QR code payment

Jan 18 (NHK) - Major Japanese mobile carrier NTT Docomo says its subscribers will be able to pay at stores using a QR code.

Officials say starting in April subscribers will be able to pay by showing the square security pattern, known as a QR code. The payments will be added to a monthly bill, or deducted from a credit card.

Subscribers will have to download an app on their smartphone to use the service. It will be available at some 19,000 retailers and restaurants nationwide. Docomo says that figure will rise to 100,000 in a year.

The move suggests the company is searching for alternative profit streams, as earnings from telecom services level off.

It is likely to heat up competition in QR code transactions. Online retailer Rakuten and messaging app LINE already offer the payment option.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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