Public electronic payments: A case study of the electronic cash system in Ecuador

Electronic payment methods, or ePayments, are frequently used by the private sector for eCommerce transactions for buying and selling goods or services offered through the Internet. This term describes the process needed to carry out the supply chain without changing media channels. Mobile payment systems and electronic cash have emerged as a quick and safe opportunity, which draws high penetration and use of cell phones for payments in the world. This type of payment method can also be extended and implemented by public administrations. In this paper, a case study on an electronic payment method developed by the Central Bank of Ecuador is presented as an alternative model to the electronic cash system offered with the public sector, seeking to provide the Ecuadorian population with an alternative for economic inclusion and allowing interoperability with different service providers and economic actors. In this work, the design of the system and a comparison with other electronic payment projects is presented. The findings are used to provide recommendations on how to enhance and replicate the development of this type of public projects.