Kazpost JSC (Kazakhstan) to issue KazCard in year 2006

/IRBIS, Natalya Kuznetsova, February 1, 06/ - Kazpost JSC (Almaty) and National processing center JSC today spread a joint press-release dedicated to the beginning of functioning of KazCard the interbank payment cards system, operator of which is National processing center JSC. The system's first participant, which started its work in the end of 2005, is Kazpost JSC. In year 2006 Kazpost JSC plans to issue several dozens thousand KazCards. With the purpose of formation a KazCard service network Kazpost JSC has purchased 62 cash dispensers and 1,356 POS- terminals, National processing center JSC - 1,000 POS-terminals, which will be attached in post offices and in trade and service ventures. At present the acting network of payment cards service in Kazakhstan comprises about 1,700 cash dispensers and about 6,100 terminals. KazCard is based on usage of the most up-to-date M/Chip4 Preauthorized Debit (PAD) technology, the owner of which is MasterCard. One of the advantages of KazCard is the possibility to place on the microprocessor additional applications, including non-payment, that makes its multifunctional and lets considerably expand sphere of usage. The release says "using M/Chip4 technology in KazCard lets make both on- line payments as well as off-line payments, that lets minimize expenses for processing transactions and make a single payment area for universal usage of KazCard in the sphere of retail trade and rendering of services, regardless of telecommunication quality". [2006-02-01]