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Transaction Network Services Inc. has launched in Australia technology that enables merchants to connect point-of-sale terminals to broadband networks, a spokesperson for the firm tells CardLine Global. The product, TNSLink, enables merchants to "get rid of multiple [telephone] connections," leading to faster and cheaper transactions, the spokesperson says. "With this kind of technology, there is no need for a dedicated fixed line for the POS terminal, which allows the merchants to run their payments over their existing broadband connection," Matthew Sinclair, executive director of Australia-based Carpadium Consulting, tells CardLine Global. "However, it remains to be seen exactly how they are going to achieve the claim of the system not requiring network upgrades for either the retailer or financial institution." At least one of Australia's major banks plans to offer similar services for merchants, Sinclair says. TNS is based in the United States.
