| Wireless credit card machines are at the forefront of | | | | How Wireless Network worksWireless credit card |
| credit card processing technology. Many have built in | | | | machines operate on wireless networks, and thus |
| pin pads and thermal printers to make them a | | | | require additional wireless fees for the cellular service. |
| complete mobile transaction solution. They are | | | | A wireless credit card machine can be used with a |
| lightweight, very portable and are easy to use. | | | | normal phone line if cellular service is not available |
| A wireless credit card machine comes with | | | | within a particular area, or can be set up with a store |
| advanced technology but also with a much higher price | | | | and forward system when no telecommunication |
| tag when compared to standard POS terminals. The | | | | method is available at all. |
| starting price on a wireless credit card machine is | | | | Important Wireless Network Information |
| around $850.00 for full featured terminals and can go | | | | 1. Mobitex Wireless Processing Network It uses a |
| up from there. | | | | satellite network, and operates similar to a cellular |
| Wireless credit card machines are most often | | | | phone. This network is the standard for wireless |
| used in mobile and trade show businesses, but are | | | | processing. The mobitex network is run by Velocita |
| becoming more common in upscale restaurants, taxi, | | | | Wireless. This is not the standard cellular phone |
| limo, and delivery services. | | | | network, but is designed specifically for business and |
| The comstar charge anywhere terminal has a | | | | processing uses. |
| much lower price, but does not include an attached | | | | 2. CDPD Wireless Processing Network It is similar to |
| printer. One of the benefits of wireless terminals is a | | | | but pre-dates the Motient network is called CDPD. |
| feature called store and forward. This service allows | | | | Machines that use the CDPD system will soon be |
| cards to be processed when no cellular service is | | | | useless on the wireless processing network because |
| available, by storing the card and transaction | | | | the CDPD system is being abandoned. It is important |
| information obtained in the swiping of the credit card. | | | | when purchasing a wireless terminal to ensure that the |
| The merchant later completes the transaction when | | | | machine does not use the CDPD wireless network but |
| service is available. By using store and forward, a | | | | uses the Motient or CDMA networks. |
| merchant will never have to turn down a sale. | | | | 3. Wireless Network Wireless Network is very new |
| Most wireless terminals have built in pin pads, and | | | | for processing is the standard GSM and CDMA cellular |
| are also able to operate with electronic check | | | | phone networks. The GSM network is used by |
| acceptance services. Due to federal regulations, both | | | | Cingular and T-Mobile. The CDMA network is used by |
| debit and electronic checks must be processed | | | | Verizon and Sprint Wireless. These systems are the |
| through a land line connection and cannot be | | | | networks that most cellular phones operate on, |
| processed wireless. This is due to the added security | | | | allowing for a very large coverage area and reliable |
| that is required when transactions involve a customers | | | | service. The coverage area is substantially larger than |
| bank account. | | | | the Motient Network. |