BT turns cash machines into Wi-Fi hotspots

BT has signed a deal to convert fee-charging cash machines into Wi-Fi hotspots on its Openzone network.

AIM-listed firm Cashbox has 2,500 cash machines across the UK, mostly installed in restaurants, bars and shops. The company turns a profit by charging a commission on cash withdrawals, and so tends to place its machines where traditional ATMs are absent.

Initially only 10 of its cash machines will be converted into Wi-Fi hotspots, although it intends to increase this number in time.

"Some of our sites lend themselves to becoming hotspots more than others," says Ciaran Morton, CEO of Cashbox. "It's really just the start of our rollout. We will look at extending coverage over the coming months."

BT broadband customers are given an Openzone allowance with their broadband packages, while iPhone users are given unlimited access to the hotspots. Access can also be bought for £5.88 for 90 minutes, or £9.79 for 24 hours.

The deal will see BT and Cashbox share revenue from the sites, based on usage levels.

"BT will give us a proportion of income based on minutes used per site," said Morton, adding that the current contract between the companies is to last five years.