Bank of Montreal has added more locations for its free video conferencing service so clients in remote and rural communities can chat live with a financial expert.

BMO (TSX:BMO) is using high-definition, desk-top video conferencing technology to allow customers and financial experts to have a conversation, share research and presentations and use BMO tools and calculators.

Started as a pilot in 2009, the service now includes access to financial planners, small business bankers, commercial account managers, commercial deposit specialists and BMO Nesbitt Burns investment advisors.

The video conferencing service is available in 51 locations, with many in remote and rural areas including:

  • British Columbia: Vancouver, Parksville, Port Alberni, Penticton, Port Moody, Squamish
  • Manitoba: Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage La Prairie, Dauphin, Neepawa, Carberry
  • Ontario: Mindemoya, Gore Bay, Little Current, Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Orillia, Sudbury, Campbellford, Port Hope, Northbrook, Tweed, Stirling, Kingston, Verona, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Schreiber, Dryden, Harbour Crossing, Thunder Bay, Bracebridge, Haliburton
  • Quebec: Baie Comeau, Sept-Iles, Place du Saguenay
  • Nova Scotia: Sydney, Canso, Port Hawkesbury

“This service allows us to reach customers in remote locations that do not have immediate access to financial specialists,” says Paul Dilda, head of branch channel for North America, BMO Bank of Montreal. “It also enables employees to cut down on travel time and cover regions more effectively, rather than having to wait and set up meetings with clients that could take a month.”

Dilda notes that BMO opted for video conferencing rather than self-service video kiosks; a branch employee always helps the customer reach the remote specialist at the other end of the video conferencing setup. “We wanted the service to be seamless, secure, private and free,” he adds.