Reliance Info in ATM pact with SBI

Reliance Infocomm and State Bank of India have tied up for CDMA wireless connectivity for 100 ATMs across the country. The agreement follows the successful pilot installation of a few ATMs by State Bank of India using Reliance Infocomm's wireless connectivity over the last four months.

"CDMA-based wireless connectivity enables quick deployment of ATMs by banks, apart from the advantage of rolling out a nationwide network of wireless ATMs that are secure and cost efficient. Unlike VSAT-based connectivity, which banks traditionally rely on, the CDMA solution eliminates the need of rooftop rights and the resultant delays. The CDMA-based wireless connectivity scores over other ATM connectivity options on counts like speed of deployment, mobility and cost," said an official of the State Bank of India.

"We will watch the performance of the 100 ATMs before going putting more ATMs on the wireless mode," the official added.

State Bank of India, had, in early February, deployed India's first floating ATM in a ferry that transports people and vehicles to Kochi from Vypeen, a nearby island, using the CDMA wireless connectivity. The State Group has a large network of over 3800 ATMs.

According to Reliance Infocomm, this is the largest migration of ATMs in wireless connectivity mode.