Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited.

2015

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has become a buzzword, with both PayPal and Apple, announcing the
use of this technology. An important question doing the rounds is whether BLE can be a substitute
for NFC in the mobile transaction space. In this context it is important to first define what BLE really
is.
As its name suggests, while classic Bluetooth allows for wireless streaming of data, BLE focuses on
the same with very low power consumption. This is made possible owing to three factors:

Increased sleep time

Quick connections

Lower peak power

Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015

The primary differences between BLE and NFC are:

While BLE and NFC are both short range data transfer technologies and both work wirelessly,
BLE operates at a much longer range which allows for increased convenience
Data transfer rates are higher in case of NFC

While NFC allows one-to-one data exchange, BLE allows for multiple connections

Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015

With regard to mobile transactions, BLE offers three payment scenarios

Under this format, the virtual card is stored on a handset which is connected through BLE to
the POS terminal which in turn is connected to a payment network.

In this scenario, data is stored in the cloud. Through BLE, the handset connects to a POS
beacon, which in turn connects to the cloud. This format allows for personalization,
whereby when a customer enters a store, his mobile device connects with the BLE beacon
and his picture and name is sent to the cash point. The transaction does not require a card
and is done on account of facial recognition by the cashier and a confirmation given by the
customer.
This scenario involves data on the handset itself, which connects over BLE to the POS which in
turn is connected to the payment network. This even allows customers to scan products on
their own.

Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015

Compared to NFC, a major advantage offered by BLE has is freedom of payment. It enables connection to a
POS anywhere in the store. NFC on the other hand requires proximity to the POS. Also a BLE beacon works
well in enabling a retailers mobile application to deliver customized offers to the customers phone when the
consumer is in the vicinity, a feature that NFC cannot provide.

The other advantages offered by BLE include:

It is more secure than BLE primarily because it works over a shorter distance thereby making
spying not possible

It requires less investment in POS technology

It is compatible in a contactless environment

Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015

Summary

In short, while BLE has its own share of advantages primarily

on account of the payment freedom it provides, NFC scores
on areas such as cost as well as security. While NFC remains
the technology of choice as of now, BLE can go a long way in
enhancing the customer experience and also paving the way
for personalization, which is indeed the future of consumer
engagement.

Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015

Thank you
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Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015

 Copyright Comviva Technologies Limited. 2015