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Johannesburg - First National Bank (FNB) has become the first financial institution in South Africa to start selling SIM cards on Monday.
Two weeks ago, Fin24 reported on how FNB planned to launch its mobile network on June 15.
READ MORE: FNB launches own mobile network
Dubbed FNB Connect, the service is a mobile virtual network operator that roams on Cell C’s infrastructure. Only FNB customers can buy SIM cards on the bank’s mobile network.
The network offers both contract and prepaid options and ties in with FNB’s online banking portal. SIM cards can be bought through FNB’s online, cellphone and retail banking channels.
The bank plans is selling 24-month voice, data and SMS contract deals as well as a “flexi” option that allows clients to customise their own contracts in terms of time periods and offerings.
Ravesh Ramlakan, who is the chief executive officer of FNB Connect, told Fin24 that the launch of the bank’s mobile network was three years in the making and that 4 000 people have been testing the network.
Meanwhile, Fin24 users have expressed their views on FNB’s new venture.
READ MORE: Fin24 tests FNB mobile network
As a start, many Fin24 users have expressed their concerns over FNB’s use of Cell C’s network.
Fin24 user Tristan Shillinglaw wrote the following in an email:
“I think using Cell C’s network is FNB’s big mistake. I joined Vitality Mobile (Discovery’s mobile programme), which also uses Cell C’s network and found the coverage dismal. I work in Fourways and live in Centurion, two major hubs that should be well covered by cell signal. Making a call while driving (using my hands free kit), from work to home, I would get an average of four disconnects. At home it was worse. It got so bad that I eventually got Cell C to come to my house and do a signal test. Cell C, to their credit agreed that my service was unusable and cancelled my contract without penalties. I am now with Vodacom and have a much better experience.”
Fin24 user TL Mlootshwa wrote: “Cell C and MTN to me are unreliable, when it come to service. Maybe instead of writing them off outright, I must give them time. Oh, the 40% in back earned eBucks does not sound bad either!”
READ MORE: Cell C signs Vodacom 3G roaming deal
Other Fin24 users have raised concerns over FNB Connect’s pricing. Out of bundle data charges can cost R2 for 1MB on the network for prepaid users.
“No way! R2 per meg out of bundle and R1 in. That will set you back R 2048 or R 1024 for 1 gig. There is no way that I will even think if it. Good luck anyway,” wrote Fin24 user Hein Roos.
Fin24 user Ken Hulbert, though, wrote that the FNB network could be convenient.
“I bank with them and like to keep things simple, and dealing with them is that for me.” said Hulbert.
Disclaimer: All letters and comments published in Fin24 have been independently written by members of the Fin24 community. The views are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent those of Fin24.
