The number of FNB branches with active free WiFi connection has reached 383 as at February 2017, this is as the bank continues to offer free Internet connectivity to customers in its branches.
Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence, says: “By January 2017 over 200 000 customers connected to the internet via free FNB WiFi in branches. The roll out of free WiFi is another value-add which shows our commitment to helping all FNB customers bank digitally.
“The fundamental aim of this initiative is to offer cheaper banking alternatives for customers through the availability free high speed WiFi. Currently, about 187 FNB branches are connected via Internet fibre, which enables connectivity at faster speeds,” she says.
“The process of providing free WiFi is ongoing; however, we aim to steadily increase connectivity across most of branch outlets, especially high capacity branches.”
Over the years FNB has moved to digitise its branches and avail the option of transacting via digital channels or over the counter. This happened in the form of introducing Digital Zones, which enable customers to transact via their online profiles within the branch.
FNB also has dedicated e-bankers across 195 select branches, deployed to assist customers at Digital Zones. The role of e-bankers is to assist customers who transact digitally by giving support where necessary.
“We have seen a marked increase in the use of Digital Zones at branches as customers have the option to use online banking, the FNB Banking App or cell phone banking. There’s clearly an appetite for digital banking, but as more customers adopt digital channels we will have to balance this with customers’ education,” adds Van Zyl.
