PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have expanded the presence of their self-service payment kiosk machine Paybox to fifty-six (56) sites spread across key cities. This solution enables PLDT and Smart customers to conveniently pay their landline, internet and mobile bills by themselves, without having to line up to transact with personnel inside stores.
Paybox accepts cash, credit or debit cards, PayMaya QR codes, and virtual change, eliminating face-to-face interaction and allowing customers to do contactless payments. Customers can also combine two payment methods for a more convenient transaction, and the only information that customers need is their PLDT or Smart account number. Payments will also be reflected real time on their accounts.
“This is part of our commitment to put our customers at the center of our business and develop platforms and innovations that best serve their needs,” said Jeanine Rubin, First Vice President and Head, Customer Experience Group at PLDT. “This also allows us to introduce a more convenient service to our non-digital-savvy or even unbanked customers and offer them a faster way to pay their bills.”
In February, PLDT and Smart piloted these digital kiosks in Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna. Now, customers have more access to the service as the telcos roll out more Paybox kiosks in select mall-based hubs and standalone stores in Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, and Cebu.
To pay for their bill, customers simply need to go to a Paybox kiosk and select PLDT or Smart on the touchscreen. Next, they would need to input their account number and choose the mode of payment that they prefer — whether it’s cash, card, PayMaya QR, or virtual change. An additional feature allows customers to divide their payments into a combination of two modes (i.e. cash and card, et cetera), making the process more flexible and convenient. After selecting their preferred mode of payment, they need to input the amount that they wish to pay and confirm. Once done, a payment confirmation will appear on the screen, and customers can choose whether they want to print a receipt, or get a confirmation notice via mobile or email, updating their payment record real-time.
This retail innovation is part of PLDT and Smart’s continued digital transformation and is aligned with the PLDT group’s broader initiative to elevate the quality of service delivered to its customers, through technology and innovation.
