FNB is moving into the mobile network operator space, becoming the first bank to offer its own SIM cards to customers from 15 June 2015.
Currently, FNB offers ADSL and 3G data rewards through its FNB Connect offering, which will now be expanded to include mobile voice and data products. The bank is already established in the telecommunications space with over 2-million customers topping up with airtime and bundles monthly and over 285 000 discounted smart devices sold since 2011.
“Mobility and banking innovation are now synonymous in the minds of FNB customers, we are excited to launch a South African first for banking via FNB Connect as the next step in our digital evolution,” says Jacques Celliers, CEO of FNB.
SIM cards will be sold separately from devices and customers will be able to choose from a range of mobile voice and data products.
“The FNB Connect mobile offering will add value to our customers’ lives as it is seamlessly integrated into all our banking systems,” Celliers says.
The integration of this offering with digital platforms such as FNB’s Online Banking will afford customers the benefit of a single login to simultaneously manage their financial and mobile accounts. This provides peace of mind knowing that the same advanced security that protects customers’ financial accounts will also protect their mobile accounts.
Customers will also have the option to easily port their existing cellphone number through FNB’s electronic banking channels.
“The core offering will be the Flexi Package, which is unique as customers can manage their account by creating their own mobile package and have the ability to change it every month,” says Ravesh Ramlakan, CEO of FNB Connect.
In addition, FNB will also be the first to market with a prepaid Auto Top-Up recharge feature where customers will be topped up automatically when their airtime balance drops below R5.00.