By Myrna M. Velasco With underpinning quick response (QR) code or matrix barcode that could be used for financial transactions, multinational giant subsidiary Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation is inclined to pursue a trailblazing initiative of introducing mobile phone-enabled payment system at gasoline stations. In the signing ceremony of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the setting up of initial 14 Globe cell sites at its stations, Shell Philippines President Cesar G. Romero indicated to the media that it is now reviewing its policy toward allowing payments via mobile phones at its retail network. “Because of the advancement of technologies in mobile phones, the risk had gone lower,” he explained, in reference to the use of cellular phones at gasoline stations of oil firms. “That policy is literally under review. We have pilot stations in Europe that are doing that now,” he said, referring to the use of mobile phone-enabled system as substitute to cash payments at gas stations. It is worth noting that in the Philippines, gasoline stations still have that directive to motorists to “turn off mobile phones” while filling up at gas pumps. Globe President and Chief Executive Ernest L. Cu hinted that from the partnership that the two firms have preliminarily cemented on the installation of cell sites at Shell stations, the telecom company is expecting that such will eventually evolve into more transformative electronic payment system, initially with the use of “G-Cash” for now at Shell gas stations and Select outlets; and eventually more sophisticated digital transactions with the aid of cellular phones. He similarly noted that this pioneering business model with Shell could be scaled with the participation of more players in the oil sector. “What we are competing against is cash. The convenience and the safety of cash. If we can actually bring larger e-payments in this country, then it will benefit more consumers,” Cu stressed. For the proposed 14 cell sites at Shell stations, the target will be nationwide installations – generally in key retail networks of the company. This will command an investment of R15 million per site or R210 million in aggregate capital outlay. “Once completed, Shell’s network of strategically located stations throughout the country shall become ‘Go Wifi’ hotspots where customers can enjoy better connectivity,” the Shell chief executive has asserted. Romero expounded “our partnership with Globe is in line with our vision for nation-building that includes developing smarter cities and smarter infrastructures…we believe providing better connectivity is a vital component of progress.” For Globe, as noted by Cu, this is anchored on the company’s constant aim of “seeking ways to improve customer experience, especially in high traffic and strategic areas.”