FNB Connect, the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) launched in June announced this week that it now has more than 100,000 active SIMs in service, a milestone even it didn’t expect to reach as quickly as it has.
“We didn’t expect to hit the 100 000 active SIMs mark before the end of the year but the strong organic uptake by customers is an indication that there’s a strong need for a transparent, flexible mobile service,” says Ravesh Ramlakan, FNB Connect CEO. Adding that 75% of the new SIMs are prepaid (and 25% postpaid) and that 40% of customers are between the ages of 26 and 35.
One of the packages FNB offers — and one it’s promoting the most vociferously — is called FNB Flexi. It’s a month-to-month contract that allows users to alter their data, voice and SMS allowances from one month to the next. Ramlakan says this product has had “a very positive response” and that most customers make at least one adjustment before settling on limits that best match their needs.
We’re not terribly surprised at FNB Connects announcement given the routine frustration we hear from readers when it comes to dealing with the incumbent operators, especially if a bill needs to be disputed or data or other bundles need to be added to a contract plan. If you bank with FNB being able to manage your SIM from the existing online banking platform is, comparatively, a cinch, and shouldn’t require enduring long phone calls or pan-pipe hold music.
Ramlakan says FNB Connect is ramping up its advertising and consumer awareness initiatives in coming weeks, so he expects to see the service chalk up its next 100,000 even more swiftly than the first.