State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) is using ACI's electronic payments processing software Base24 to introduce a mobile top-up service across its network of ATMs.
The bank currently uses Base24 to authorise, route and switch ATM and POS transactions. SBM has now extended the implementation to provide subscribers to Emtel and Cellplus pre-paid mobile phone packages to purchase airtime at ATMs.
Insession Technologies' WebGate system will be used to interface Base24 to the telecoms operators. Costs will be debited from customers' accounts.
Patrick O'Grady, head of strategic marketing, SBM, says mobile phones are extremely popular in Mauritius and one third of the population now uses a pre-paid mobile service.
"Not only will the launch of top-up services provide the bank with an additional non-interest income stream, but it will also assist in the repositioning of the bank," says O'Grady.
SBM says it is the first bank in Mauritius to offer customers pre-paid mobile top-ups at ATMs. The service will initially be offered at 94 cash machines deployed at 64 locations throughout the country.