Wireless point-of-sale terminal brings convenience to your doorstep
January 12, 1999 | BC TEL Mobility
British Columbia, Canada - The next time a pizza is delivered to your door, you may not have to scramble for loose change on your dresser. Thanks to a new Vancouver pilot project by BC TEL Mobility, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, and Panagopoulos Pizza, you can pay the pizza delivery person by credit card.
This new wireless point-of-sale terminal, a first in western Canada, will be showcased at the BC TELECOM booth during the Vancouver Comdex show, January 11 -13th.
"Wireless point-of-sale will be a boon to any business that is mobile or wants to conduct business closer to their customers," says Fred Cook, senior manager of technology for VanCity. "Taxis, buses, retailers and a range of delivery companies can greatly enhance their customer service with point-of-sale transactions."
The mobile handheld unit uses BC TEL Mobility's wireless data network and specialized software from Richmond, B.C.-based Soft Tracks to connect with the financial institution's database. All credit card transactions are fast, reliable and secure. BC TEL Mobility's wireless data network (Cellular Digital Packet Data network) has top-level security to prevent unauthorised access.
"Wireless data is the greatest leap forward since the cellular phone," says Ted Lattimore, vice-president of Marketing for BC TEL Mobility. "It has revolutionized the way businesses can serve their customers."
Wireless automated teller machines will also be featured at the BC TELECOM booth at Comdex. In 1997, VanCity and BC TEL Mobility were first in Canada to offer wireless ATMs on BC Ferries. For over a year, BC Ferries has offered wireless ATM service aboard its two large Spirit vessels sailing between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
VanCity is Canada's largest credit union, with 255,000 members, 38 branches in the Vancouver/Fraser Valley area, and over $5.6 billion in consolidated assets. VanCity owns Citizens Bank of Canada, the country's first totally branchless bank, serving members across Canada by telephone, ATM and personal computer.
Soft Tracks, a wireless solutions provider, facilitates remote payment acceptance.
Panagopoulos Pizza is western Canada's favorite pizza company with over 100 locations.
BC TEL Mobility offers the full spectrum of wireless communications in British Columbia, from digital PCS and wireless data to cellular and satellite services. The company has over half a million wireless customers in British Columbia.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Richard Ostler Media/Public Affairs Manager BC TEL Mobility tel: (604) 268-2638
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