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News in-depth: MasterCard and Russian Post pilot contactless payments
3 Jul 2012

Post offices in Russia are set to roll out contactless payment technology as part of a new trial in conjunction with MasterCard.

Russian Post and the payments provider have joined forces for the pilot, which is designed to pave the way for Russian consumers to begin using the MasterCard PayPass contactless smart cards.

The announcement was reported by Post & Parcel after Russian Post director general Alexander Kiselev met with Ilya Ryabyi, the head of MasterCard in Russia.

"The agreement between Russian Post and MasterCard opens new opportunities for our customers," Mr Kiselev told the news provider.

"Our cooperation is aiming to introduce innovative technologies that improve the process for consumer services. This way, postal services are becoming higher quality, accessible and convenient for consumers."

As part of the joint trial, over 2,000 post offices across Russia will be equipped with MasterCard's PayPass point of sale (POS) devices.

Once the contactless terminals are installed across Russian Post's branches, consumers will be able to make payments with a simple tap or wave of their PayPass card.

It is also expected that the trial will be expanded to allow people to make mobile payments using their near field communication-enabled smartphone.

As there is no need for consumers to enter a pin or provide a signature when completing a transaction, the contactless technology is expected to significantly reduce waiting times at the post offices.

Commenting on the trial, Mr Ryabi told Post & Parcel that it was MasterCard's mission to provide secure and simple payment solutions that allow consumers "to make payments and transfers through modern facilities".

The development in Russia comes as service providers and other businesses across Europe begin to incorporate contactless payment technologies into their everyday operations.

In the UK, the Post Office has recently announced that its 11,000 branches across the country will be equipped with contactless POS terminals by October.

The nationwide roll-out has already begun in areas close to the Olympic sites in London using devices manufactured by Ingenico.