DIGICEL has used the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to improve its mobile money service in Tonga.

NFC has allowed Digicel customers in Tonga to pay for goods and services from their handsets without the need for a bank account or credit card.

Near Field Communication establishes a radio communication between "machines" touching them together or bringing them into close proximity, usually no more than a few centimetres.

According to a 2011 report from Wireless Intelligence, at least 60 per cent of the Tongan population did not have bank accounts, that credit card penetration was low while smart phones were a luxury.

Digicel said the new service was unique in that it was inclusive ù allowing accessibility from any type of mobile phone.

"Available initially with 50 merchants in the capital of Nuku'alofa, plans are in place to extend the service right across the island," a statement from Digicel said.