Airtel Rwanda has partnered with I&M Bank and RSwitch, the country’s e-payment solutions provider to introduce a new system allowing mobile money users to access services at ATMs.
The New Times reports John Magara, brand and communications manager at Airtel, said: “With the new system, customers will be able to enjoy cheaper services compared to mobile money agents, creating quality, efficiency and more secure means of financial transactions.”
He said the system will offer users convenience since they will be able to use I&M Bank’s ATMs to access all money services around the clock, even at night when mobile money agents have closed.
Konde Bugingo, chief executive officer (CEO) at RSwitch, said, “This system will allow interoperability of the telecom’s mobile money platform and I&M Bank ATMs across the country.
“This means if you are on Airtel Money you can send or receive money using the bank’s ATMs anywhere in the country,” Bugingo said.
He said the new facility has started with Airtel and I&M Bank, with plans to introduce the same to other banks and network operators
“Tigo is expected to be connected to the system in the coming months with MTN having to wait until next year when the ongoing systems upgrade is completed,” Bugingo added.
The mobile money service has become popular especially with the rural areas where access to formal banking services is limited.
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