The Link cash machine network is about to offer customers a balance checking facility through their Mobile phone. The initial roll-out will involve two of the UK's High Street banks and four mobile operators.

From next year, the venture between computer services company Morse and Link will provide users with a miniature version of a cash machine screen on their handsets.

In time, the service is intended to extend the number of Link machines offering top-ups for pre-paid mobile phones as well.

Link hopes the service will be successful, freeing up cash machines that are used 100 million times a month for balance enquiries alone.

Users of several mobile networks, including Vodafone, will be able to activate the MobileATM service by texting a code to their bank with an activation code arriving soon afterwards.

As with cash machines, they will have to use a personal identification number to check their bank balance.

Initially the service will be limited to balance enquiries, and will not allow other services but other services including statements and a payment method may be available later.

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