Public trials of live chip and PIN transactions will begin
during the start of 2003. The first town to take part in the trial has
been named as Northampton. Although the project has been termed a "trial",
in reality it will form the start of full national roll-out. A number
of retailers have publicly expressed their support for the trial and several
others will also be participating. The current public list is:
•
Association of Train Operating Companies
•
Sainsbury's Supermarkets
•
Dixons Stores Group
•
Shell UK Oil Products
•
Esso
•
Spar
•
Focus
•
Tesco
•
Going Places
•
Texaco
•
Marks and Spencer
•
Total
•
Powerhouse
•
Wickes
•
River Island
•
Wm Morrisons Supermarkets
The main purpose for the trial is to obtain feedback from
retailers, cardholders and banks on how well the education and training
processes worked. The results will be used to prepare for full national
roll out. For some retailers, the trial will be used as a proving ground
for their systems.
