Cell C MVNOs to roam on MTN

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that piggyback on Cell C’s network will also get to take advantage of the cellular provider’s 4G/LTE roaming agreement with MTN South Africa.

FNB Connect said on Wednesday that its customers will benefit from the increased network coverage from the “multibillion-rand” roaming agreement between Cell C and MTN. But TechCentral has learnt the arrangement extends to all MVNOs that use Cell C’s network.

FNB said it has over half a million active Sims on its MVNO.

“As a result of this new roaming agreement expected to be completed by the end of the year, customers will experience an enhanced network quality and faster download speeds,” the bank said.

“No action is required from our customers as their phones will automatically and seamlessly switch between base stations, ensuring a far better call and data services experience.”

The development comes after Standard Bank confirmed to TechCentral last month that it will launch an MVNO, becoming the second major bank in South Africa to do so.

TechCentral first reported in February that Standard Bank was building an MVNO, revealing at the time that it had hired former Virgin Mobile South Africa CEO Steve Bailey to its executive team.

Launching soon

Standard Bank spokesman Ross Linstrom said in an e-mailed response to questions from TechCentral: “Yes, we are launching an MVNO. We expect to launch soon.”

Linstrom said the bank was not able to provide additional information about its plans, such as the MVNO’s name, the launch date or which operator’s network it planned to use.

MVNOs piggyback on existing networks’ infrastructure, but typically provide their own backend billing and customer support. – © 2018 NewsCentral Media