NCR Corp. announced it is launching the NCR SelfServ Bill Pay Kiosk hardware, software and managed services payment solution with SIM card dispensing in the Middle East and Africa region.

The self-service solution enables consumers to purchase SIM cards, top up pre-paid mobile phones and pay bills by cash, credit or debit card.

The self-service solution can help telecom operators capture market share by enabling in-store staff to focus on helping consumers with more complex questions about new products or services, rather than dealing with payment transactions, the company said.

"NCR is responding to the strategic challenges of telecoms providers in the Middle East and Africa, who operate in one of the fastest growing and competitive markets in the world," said Nadine Routhier, vice president, NCR Telecom & Technology.

NCR also said in the release that it anticipates demand from tourists or migrant workers who opt to buy SIM cards for "unlocked" phones to be able to make calls when they are abroad, rather than incurring voice and data roaming charges from their home network operators.

NCR's software can vend SIM cards to those who have presented their proof of identity at a store and have an account with the mobile operator, according to local legal requirements. It also takes into account any regulatory policy limiting the number of SIM cards registered under individual customers' names if required.

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