November 14,
2005 ㅡ Koreans will soon be able to withdraw money from their
bank accounts by using their TV remote control, as a growing number
of lenders are taking advantage of the latest technology that allows
their customers to access banking services through their television
sets.
According to banking industry sources, six domestic
lenders, including Kookmin Bank, Kyongnam Bank and Industrial Bank
of Korea, will establish what they call the "Korea Financial TV"
channel, in affiliation with local telecommunications operator Dacom
Corp., to offer banking services through the TV channel beginning in
March.
In television banking, a digital television channel is
linked to a high-speed data cable, which allows two-way
communication between signal transmitters and the TV user.
Customers, by using their TV remote control, can access banking
services provided on a certain cable channel. To access their bank
account, customers need to enter personal information for identity
verification and to get an online certificate. Once logged on,
customers can access all services available through Internet
banking, ranging from deposits and withdrawals to opening and
closing accounts.
But these six banks are not the only ones to
embrace the latest technology. Woori Bank is also planning to launch
its own television banking service, which it calls "T-Banking
service," in collaboration with a television operator, beginning
next year. Shinhan Bank has also begun a joint project with a local
cable channel operator to offer its television banking services next
year. As the leader of the pack, SC First Bank started providing TV
banking services in collaboration with local digital satellite
broadcaster SkyLife in August.
The current TV banking services
are limited to those available on the Internet, but the banks are
planning to further expand the range of services, allowing
customers, for instance, to buy products on home shopping channels
and pay for them automatically.
"Since TVs are on for so many
hours a day, those who are not familiar with using Internet banking,
such as housewives or the elderly, can access banking services more
easily," a banking industry representative said.
by Rah
Hyun-cheol <
hawon@joongang.co.kr>
Archive
