EFT operator Boston Communications Group (BCGI) is to integrate its transaction processing platform with iATMglobal's software, enabling mobile phone users to top up their airtime at cash machines.
Both companies expect to begin a rollout of ATMs with prepaid wireless recharge in early 2001. Once the technology is integrated, mobile phone users will be able to purchase airtime at participating cash machines nationwide, says BCGI - a provider of voice, data, payment and transaction services to wireless carriers across the US.
The combined technologies will also allow wireless carriers to execute targeted marketing campaigns at the ATM, the company claims. When a subscriber chooses the prepaid recharge option, the cardholder's wireless carrier will be identified and carrier-branded content will be delivered to the screen throughout the transaction.
E.Y. Snowden, BCGI's president and CEO, says: "iATMglobal's technology allows BCGI to quickly and cost-effectively introduce the ATM as a convenient recharge location while creating a new revenue stream to be shared by BCGI, iATMglobal, wireless carriers and the individual ATM owners."
iATMglobal, an independent subsidiary of kiosk company TRM Corporation, has developed a software-driven solution to enable cash machines to provide e-commerce services over the ATM network. The company expects to launch its solution in the UK in Q2 2001. NCR, an iATMGlobal equity holder, has already agreed to pre-load the company's RAAP protocol on all new machines.