November 16, 2004

Automatic Teller Machines aren't just for withdrawing money and buying stamps anymore, thanks to a deal Boston Communications Group Inc. (BCGI) just signed with U.S. Bank to bring prepaid wireless minutes to several thousand ATM's around the United States.

The companies are now offering bcgi Wireless Wallet, an m-commerce platform, at nearly 4,000 U.S. Bank ATMs in 24 U.S. states.

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The deal enables cell phone users to recharge their prepaid wireless minute usage accounts at a participating ATM. The process is just like getting cash: to 'top up' their accounts, users insert their debit card into the ATM, provide the mobile number to identify the prepaid account and enter the dollar amount to recharge the account.

"The ever-increasing number of prepaid wireless subscribers creates a growing need for additional recharge locations," said James Anderson, bcgi Payment Services' vice president.

The Yankee Group predicts that prepaid and hybrid-prepaid wireless plans will account for more than 25 percent of all U.S. wireless subscriber plans by the close of 2007.

Depending on the wireless provider, minutes are either immediately credited to a mobile user's account, or a prepaid PIN is provided for later redemption.

Source: Wireless Week