SB Mobile: Standard Bank launches its MVNO

November 21, 2018 Siyabonga Mtangana

Standard Bank has taken the wraps off Standard Bank Mobile, its new virtual mobile network operator (MVNO), which will piggyback off the Cell C network.

The MVNO is available immediately to Standard Bank clients. Non-Standard Bank clients won’t be able to join the network.

The launch comes after TechCentral reported earlier this year that the bank planned to launch an MVNO, despite saying a few years ago that it had decided against the idea.

The new venture is headed by Steve Bailey, a former CEO of Virgin Mobile South Africa, who later went on to help launch a number of MVNOs in South Africa, including for brands such as Mr Price.

The “integrated” rather than standalone offering, rewards subscription customers with free airtime and data for doing their banking. Customers also earn free data every time they use their credit, cheque or debit cards.

The bank has done away with data bundles, with customers able to select that price that suits them with no expiry. Data pricing is from 5c/MB. Contracts are month to month, with no long-term lock-in.

Tiered rewards

Rewards are tiered so that every time a Standard Bank customer transacts, they get something back. 1MB of data is given back for every R10 and R100 airtime for a R39 monthly fee. UCount customers get 50 points automatically and free automatic rewards, depending on the tier.

Though Standard Bank has entered into the MVNO agreement with Cell C (and by extension will use MTN’s network to roam outside the cities), it said it remains open to other network providers in future, especially as it adds other services and expands the offering Africa.

SB Mobile plans to provide handsets in the first quarter of 2019 and to add broadband services, including fixed-LTE and fibre, soon thereafter. “The current service will provide a branded Sim card with a new number, while existing cell numbers can also be retained,” the bank said. — (c) 2018 NewsCentral Media