Mobile Payments for Conducting M-Commerce

Abstract

Mobile commerce or M-commerce facilitates users to conduct commercial activities using mobile equipment like Smartphone, tablet etc. M-commerce has come a long way since its inception in 1997. With adoption of 4G networks, it is believed that M-Commerce will outpace E-commerce soon because of its high speed, convenience, flexibility and mobility features. Mobile payment is an integral component of M-commerce. Any transaction on mobile devices involving monetary value has to go through a payment mechanism. With increased interest of users in M-Commerce, the mechanisms available for mobile payments are becoming more prevalent and are continuously evolving. This chapter describes stakeholders of the mobile payment ecosystem, mobile payment technologies, payment carriers, payment gateways and issues involved with them. We also discuss the popular payment options available in M-commerce market space today.