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Abstract
Net1 provides its universal electronic payment system, or UEPS, as an alternative payment system for the unbanked and under-banked populations of developing economies. Net1's market-leading system enables the estimated four billion people who generally have limited or no access to a bank account, to enter affordably into electronic transactions with each other, government agencies, employers, merchants and other financial service providers. Net1's universal electronic payment system, or UEPS, uses smart cards that operate in real-time but offline, unlike traditional payment systems offered by major banking institutions that require immediate access through a communications network to a centralized computer. This offline capability means that users of the Net1 system can enter into transactions at any time with other card holders even in the most remote areas so long as a portable offline smart card reader is available. In addition to payments and purchases, UEPS can be used for banking, healthcare management, international money transfers, voting and identification.