HKT’s PCCW Global has signed an agreement with China’s DHQ Tech to evaluate expanding HKT’s Tap & Go mobile contactless payment service to the Greater Bay Area.
HKT Payment’s Tap & Go service is a mobile or card based NFC payment service currently provided in Hong Kong under a Stored Valued Facilities license.
Payments can be made via POS devices, using QR codes, via in-app transactions and through instant peer-to-peer money transfers.
HKT and DHQ Tech (Zhuhai Da Hengqin Science and Technology Development Company) are exploring expanding the service to cover the Greater Bay Area, consisting of cities in the Guangdong province of mainland China including Zhuhai as well as Hong Kong and Macau.
The companies plan to conduct a pilot program in the city of Henquin, a 106.5 square kilometer city located less than an hour from Hong Kong, to test the technology and ensure regulatory compliance.
“Hengqin represents the ideal region to roll out the Tap & Go service and technology. PCCW Global and DHQ Tech will work together to ensure there are appropriate compliance measures within the framework of advanced technology application,” PCCW Global SVP of global data sales and presales Frederick Chui said.
“After initial rollout, we look forward to expanding the service to the entire Greater Bay Area and other countries through cooperation with international service providers.”