Article

TIO takes on increased security role for Memphis utility

Kiosk break-ins prompt city officials to take precautions.

October 26, 2011

Protecting its bill pay kiosks was the goal of the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division when it voted last week to approve a $129,000 adjustment to its existing contract with TIO Networks Corporation, the company that operates the kiosks

Thieves sawed into a couple of the city's kiosks last year, stealing about $30,000, before they were eventually caught.

"TIO will now be treating the MLGW machines in the same manner it does the many hundreds of kiosks TIO has deployed into well known third-party retail locations across the country," said Chris Ericksen, SVP of business development at TIO. "In these scenarios TIO maintains and services the machines completely. This includes remitting collected funds to our biller partners per the terms of our agreements with them. "

It also means TIO is now responsible for collecting money from the kiosks and is liable for any losses.

"Because TIO is responsible for the cash management (collection) as a part of the service we provide, TIO is also responsible for the risk of loss of cash," Ericken said. "TIO has worked in cooperation with our long time biller customer MLGW to ensure the machines are well lit, in a safe environment, and are adequately secured to ensure funds are protected and customers using the machines can do so confident that a safe and convenient experience will be the result".

Ira Carbage, an MLGW manager, told the Commercial Appeal that he is happy about the contract but that it is still subject to Memphis City Council approval.

"I think it will be safer for the customers, safer for the employees and our assets will be protected through this contract," Carbage said in the story.

According to the story, other security improvements, including anchoring the machines to their spots, improving lighting and reinforcing them to make them harder to cut into, were also made.

TIO operates 275 bill payment kiosks in retail locations where MLGW customers can pay their bills.

Read more about bill payment kiosks.