This story is excerpted from “Wireless - The New Standard in ATM Connectivity,” a white paper available for free download after registration.

Reduced costs, reliability of service and faster data transfer speeds are all reasons why ATMs outfitted with wireless connections quickly are becoming the preferred option for deployers.

In the past, the necessity of connecting the ATM to a phone line mostly determined where ATMs could be placed. If a particular location didn’t have reliable landline service, or service couldn’t be easily provided, oftentimes no ATM was deployed.

No longer are ATM placements restricted to landline connectivity, thanks to wireless technology. Historically, wireless connectivity generally was only considered for use with temporary or event ATM locations. It is now used widely at ATMs at permanent locations, such as hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores.

“Deployers are increasingly recognizing the advantages, which include cost savings, reliable technology, secure and fast transaction speeds and simple installation,” said Alicia Ridley, president of ATMequipment.com.

Cost savings, reliable technology
 
Switching from landlines to wireless connectivity means significant monthly savings in telecommunications — as much as a 50 percent reduction in costs. On average, landlines can cost about $40 per month per ATM.

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“Converting a portfolio of 100 ATMs, for example, to wireless can add up to a savings of $20,000 per year or more,” Ridley said.

Every dollar a deployer can save by reducing communication costs is an extra dollar added to the bottom line. Deployers are realizing that they can get wireless for a much lower price than a landline, and they get a high-speed connection.

Advancements in wireless technology as well as better coverage and signal strength have improved greatly over the years — something nearly every consumer has experienced with their personal cell phones. This also is true with data transmissions over wireless networks.

The reliability of wireless devices is as good or better than landlines. Due to the wider coverage, increased data transfer speeds and equipment dependability afforded by wireless service, ATMs are now free from reliance on existing landline infrastructure and can be located virtually anywhere.

Secure, fast transaction speed

Wireless gateways transmit highly secured data using the latest standards for SSL encryption. Wireless transmission of data over cellular networks enables faster transaction speeds.

Newer retail ATMs run on WinCE operating systems and can communicate over wireless 3G networks at nearly half the time of a dial-up transaction over a landline, significantly speeding up the customer experience.

Simple installation

Instead of spending days or weeks waiting for a telephone company to activate a phone line, usually accompanied by significant activation fees, deployers can usually install an ATM with wireless connectivity within minutes. Wireless technology also allows for complete flexibility when it comes to relocating an ATM to a different location.

A typical installation is “plug and play” — accomplished by connecting the wireless gateway to a power outlet, attaching the antenna and connecting the ATM phone cord to the wireless gateway.

“ATM deployers are rapidly seeing the benefits of converting their portfolio to wireless technology, and many deployers are converting their entire portfolios to wireless communications,” said Ridley. “It is projected that the rate of wireless deployments will continue to grow dramatically over the next three to five years.”