SYDNEY - Independent Australian ATM transaction processor EFTEX, in conjunction with the mobile phone company Vodafone, recently launched a wireless ATM that uses a GPRS network connection.
So far, 15 wireless ATMs have been installed, with EFTEX predicting more than 300 will be operational by the end of the year, according to a ZDNet Australia report.
David Glen, managing director of EFTEX, said that wireless ATM solution will combine the cost-efficiency of dial-up ATM connections with the more reliable service qualities of leased line communications.
"We started exploring the GPRS ATM idea six months ago, and we've found it to be fast, secure and cost effective," Glen said. "The wireless machine will be up to 50 percent cheaper to run than the standard leased line ones."
Trials of the new machines have been run over the past five months in NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
Vodafone representatives described the innovation as "epic," saying the company has got "security, coverage and service levels nailed."
EFTEX predicts that within four years the majority of banks' ATMs will run on wireless technology, according to ZDNet Australia. Glen said dial-up ATMs may become "museum pieces."
EFTEX's clients include Australia's Credit Union Services Corporation (CUSCAL) and Westpac Banking Corporation.
