Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 7 / Trend , N. Ismayilova/
The Baku branch of Bank Melli Iran plans to join the mass payments centralized information system (KOMIS) in the second half of January, said Deputy Director Anar Ibrahimov.
"We have already negotiated with the National Bank of Azerbaijan (NBA) and will join the process in the second half of January," he said. The system services will be available for use by the end of the first quarter of 2009. Ibrahimov said the NBA, member banks of the mass payment clearing system (XOHKS), the card processing center, mass services enterprises and Azerpoct will all join the agreement to conduct operations via KOMIS.
The agreement requires that information be obtained about subscribers' debt and allow them to make payments through a number of mechanisms (cash, credit cards, Internet banking, etc.) by creating an e-subscriber base.
The NBA, which owns and operates KOMIS, will create a unified electronic subscription system based on a single code for mass services companies. The NBA will ensure uninterrupted, round-the-clock availability, including on holidays and weekends.
The card processing center was entrusted to connect to the relevant telecommunications network for exchanging information and creating the appropriate interface for paying with credit cards through ATM and POS-terminals.
Banks and Azerpoct must be connected to the telecommunications network and use telecommunications and technical equipment that meets the system's requirements.
The NBA chose 10 pilot banks to test the system, including the International Bank of Azerbaijan, Kapital Bank, Azerdemiryolbank, Bank of Baku, Atabank and Rabitabank. Last December, AGBank joined the system.
Until now, data on utilities payments have passed through XOHKS along with other minor charges. But the creation of an independent center will provide an opportunity to transfer funds online and receive payment information, as well as to eliminate abuses in bank offices.
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