Abstract: A communications system comprises first (12) and second (14) beacon devices capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device (10) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The first beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (INQ) over a first broadcast range (B.1) and according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. The portable device (10) detects such inquiry messages and replies with an identifier for the portable device. The first beacon (12) then transmits the received identifier to the second beacon (14), with the second beacon (14) and portable device (10) configured to perform a service interaction when the portable device (10) is within a respective second broadcast range (B.2) of the second beacon (14) and when triggered by the second beacon receiving the portable device identifier. At least one of the first (B.1) and second (B.

Abstract: An automated payment system comprises a data store (14) holding financial data of a user, A first (12) beacon device capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device (10) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The first beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (1) according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. The portable device (10) detects such inquiry messages and replies (2) with an identifier for the portable device. The first beacon (12) then transmits (3) the received identifier to the data store (14), which in turn checks for a match between received and stored identifiers. On detection of a match, and following an optional credit check (3.A), a clearance signal (4) is sent to the first beacon (12) which then releases (5) the paid-for goods or services.