PayPoint currently operates approximately 12,000 terminals in convenient locations collecting payment of household utility bills, council tax and rent, mobile phone top-ups and television licence renewals each year.

In a five-year deal, using its secure and private network, TNS will route transactions from terminals located in convenience stores, newsagents, supermarkets, service stations and off-licences to PayPoint's processing hubs in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.

Barry Skillett, general manager, operations, PayPoint commented:"PayPoint facilities are sought after by retailers wanting to provide an extra service to customers. TNS' solution is enabling us to expand our network at a rate that was not previously possible."

Alan Haskins, UK sales account manager, TNS, commented:"Because TNS' dial-up service blends seamlessly with PayPoint's POS and ATM's, it is possible to bring new end points on-stream quickly. The TNS network will reduce the time taken to route transactions in store."

He added:"PayPoint was looking for data communications services capable of transmitting transactions from terminals in Ireland as well as the UK. Using TNS' international network, we will also provide routing to around 1,000 Irish terminals to the PayPoint host."

The deal solidifies TNS' position as a leading provider of data communications infrastructure to independent service operators.