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Google Wallet is ready to expand its influence thanks to Sprint. Speaking at a Mobile Payment Services panel at Mobile World Congress 2012, VP of Google Wallet and Payments Osama Bedier told those in attendance that Sprint has plans to release ten Google Wallet devices this year. The next one to hit the retailer will be the LG Viper, which joins the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus in Sprint’s lineup of Google Wallet-enabled devices.
Bedier said 22 of the largest US retail chains now support the NFC-based Google Wallet which lets customers pay with their phone at 300,000 terminals around the country. Bedier adds that the number of terminal is increasing each day, with most of their installations headed to convenience stores and fast food restaurants. Bedier is encouraged by this growth and said, “We believe the ecosystem has taken off.”
Sprint, however, is the only carrier giving undivided attention to Google Wallet. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have not been so supportive of the payment system because the trio are working on their own NFC payment system. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are working with payment services like Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express to offer a nationwide, wireless payment system that ties into your cellular account. Isis will start trials later this year in Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin, Texas.
[Via Fierce Wireless]
About The Author
Kelly Hodgkins
Kelly spent the last four years covering mobile technology at places like BGR, Gizmodo and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. Before writing, she spent a few years working with and teaching others how to use Adobe Flash and Macromedia Director. Even earlier than that, she spent several years as a Ph.D student in Microbiology. When she's not writing, she can be found fishing the lakes and hiking the mountains of Western Maine with her husband and tribe of children. You can follow her on Twitter @kellyhodgkins.
