DALLAS, TX--ePaynews.com reported that wireless operators, Cingular and Verizon, are using in-store kiosks to simplify monthly bill payments for their customers. The story asserts that thousands of customers pay their bills in person at wireless stores. In addition Verizon has placed Vcom bill payment kiosks at 7-Eleven stores in several states, including Maryland, California and Arizona. Consultant Arun Jain noted that the carriers are using kiosks to attract high-end customers in the hopes of optimizing their cross-selling potential.
According to industry sources the majority of utility bills are still paid through the mail. However, Cingular executive, Robert Holliday indicated that 7-Eleven benefits from the bill payment kiosks through increased traffic, but only when properly managed to be effective. The story goes on to explain that in addition to bill payments, 7-Eleven customers with Vcom membership can use the kiosks to buy prepaid cards and money orders, wire money, make ATM transactions or cash checks.
With Summit Research Associates predicting the global base of kiosks to total 738,000 by 2007, kiosk use is increasing across several sectors. Retailers will have 31 per cent of the installed kiosk base by end-2004, while telcos will take a 12 per cent market share. Interactive kiosk revenues will also rise from the current USD 463.7 million, to over USD 800 million by 2010, according to Frost & Sullivan.
