Dialog, Sri Lanka’s largest mobile operator, and Global Payments, a payments processor, have announced the launch of a product that converts smartphones and tablets into a mobile point-of-sale (mPOS).

The two companies say the mPOS, which can accept MasterCard and Visa payments, is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka.

Businesses can download a free app provided by Global Payments on their mobile device and connect it to a secure card reader to start accepting card payments.

It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Global Payments says the mPOS device comes with multi-level security measures that protects customer data.

“We believe this is the latest step in a series of progressive developments for the mobile payments market, and has the potential to open up an entirely new customer base for SME businesses,” said Fariq Cader, Dialog’s senior general manager for mobile money and payments.