The South African bank drops Cell C relationship and changes name from Standard Bank Mobile to Standard Bank Connect
Standard Bank has announced a new MVNO collaboration with telco MTN and has launched new voice and data packages. The bank originally introduced its MVNO offering in 2018 and has over 300,000 mobile customers, who benefit from bank fees being offered back in Airtime based on the products and services customers have with the bank.
In addition to ending its relationship with Cell C, the bank announced it was changing its telecom service name from Standard Bank Mobile to Standard Bank Connect and will introduce a new set of data and voice packages.
“We are excited to collaborate with MTN and the opportunity to provide our customers with a range of newly differentiated mobile plans. The transition will be gradual, where we invite our customers to join us on our pilot program, helping us to build meaningful services together and experiencing Standard Bank on MTN’s wide network,” said Standard Bank MVNO executive head Kartik Mistry (above).
“Consistently voted SA’s Best Network, MTN is delighted to partner with Standard Bank, a trusted brand in South Africa and across the African continent. Our aim is to create shared value by placing our partners at the centre of all we do whilst fulfilling our vision that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. To this end we are committed to providing a proven, quality digital network and affordable mobile and network solutions,” said MTN South Africa chief wholesale officer Quintus de Beer.
Two packages to be offered
Standard Bank offers two main types of connectivity packages: the Connected Circle and the Connected Gigs Plans. The Connected Circle Plans cater to customers seeking both voice and data connectivity with options like Connected Circle Starter, Lite, Plus and Pro. These plans provide access to unlimited calls to selected numbers within a subscriber’s community and include inclusive data, promoting flexibility and changing the way we connect.
For data-centric customers, the Connected Gigs Plans offer high-value data bundles at competitive prices. Customers can also purchase airtime bundles for voice and SMS usage on these plans.
The bank added that qualifying Connected Circle and Connected Gigs plans also include monthly discounts on tech accessories of up-to 50% with Standard Bank’s partnership with Dress Your Tech.
All plans are monthly. However, customers can choose to commit to their plan for 3, 6 or 12 months for added incentives. They feature auto top up which ensures continuous data access only when needed, with no expiry on topped-up data.
For a limited time, Standard Bank said customers can take up any plan for R1 and enjoy the full inclusive value of their plans till the first billing date. Plans can only be ordered online at this stage but will be available in selected branches soon.