The new possibilities for digital multimedia content, online services and students support make up some of the great potential internet has to offer in distance education. In the last few years, more and more digital products and services have been offered via the internet for a fee and its position as a commercial medium has become more significant. Electronic Payment Systems which have been recently developed with the internet in mind are used to enable immediate payment digitally. The payment systems which have been tailor-made for the internet not only have to provide the same functions as conventional payment systems (anonymity, immediate issue of receipts and allow payment of small amounts) but also have to meet specific security requirements (integrity, authenticity, availability, reliability, and trustworthiness).

The Department of Communications Systems examined and tested several payment systems (including E-Cash) for the payment of course materials.