Absa has partnered with MTN to offer free access to mobile and internet banking via Absa’s banking application and via Absa.mobi for all MTN customers.
Customers who don’t have data or airtime will be able to access digital banking at no charge through this initiative.
Absa and MTN have also partnered with Huawei to pre-load the app from Absa on all Huawei Y560 smartphones, eliminating the need for consumers to use data to download Absa’s banking app.
The Huawei Y560, an entry-level LTE smartphone exclusive to MTN which is to be released in mid-October, will also offer the preloaded app from Absa on the phone.
Marius de la Rey, chief executive of customer channels and distribution at Absa, says: “This is a joint initiative between MTN, Huawei and Absa, which demonstrates how the bank is providing value to its customers by helping them to access affordable mobile and digital banking. Consumers will now be able to migrate to the exciting world of smartphones and, with our pre-loaded banking application, they can bank anywhere and at any time – for free.”
Charlene Munilall, GM at Huawei Consumer Business Group, adds: “Huawei is proud to strategically align with institutions such as MTN and Absa in this initiative as we continue to push innovation barriers. This project is in line with putting consumers first and making it possible. We believe that building a connected ecosystem is the way forward. Our technology speaks to this as we continue to produce innovative and agile products that adapt to various environments and consumer needs.”
Larry Annetts, sales and marketing executive at MTN, comments: “This partnership is the first of its kind for MTN where we give unparalleled value to our customers by bundling a cost effective LTE device while zero rating access to Absa’s banking application. The partnership will ensure that MTN customers can conduct banking services with Absa without having to worry about the associated costs of online banking. This will facilitate digital access for our customers and will further give them a distinct customer experience.”
The Absa banking application is currently only pre-loaded on the Huawei Y560 smartphone device, with plans to preload it on additional models going forward.