Abstract: Communication is facilitated between a plurality of servers (101,102,103) and a plurality of local devices (204,206,207,208,210). An apparatus comprises a first network interface for communicating with the servers, a second network interface for communicating with the local devices, and a microcontroller having a processor, memory, a cryptographic engine for carrying out cryptographic calculations, and a tamper-resistance element configured to resist tampering with the apparatus. A plurality of programs, each comprising instructions and data, are stored in the memory. The processor is configured to, for a first local device, identify a first program which is associated with the first local device, and using the first program, provide a secure communications channel between the first local device and a first server.

Abstract: A method of position-based charging comprises the steps of identifying journey details, including a plurality of position data each representing a location of a position-sensing device during a journey. A cost is determined for the journey and the cost and an identification of the position-sensing device are forwarded from the position-sensing device to a payment processing service.