Standard Bank is collaborating with MTN for a new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Standard Bank Connect, running on MTN’s network.

Formerly called Standard Bank Mobile, the new Standard Bank Connect MVNO will offer a new set of data and voice packages, as part of the bank’s telecommunication strategic direction.

Standard Bank introduced its MVNO offering in 2018 and currently has over 300 000 mobile customers, with bank fees offered back in airtime, based on the products and services customers have with the bank. 

“We are excited to collaborate with MTN and the opportunity to provide our customers with a range of newly differentiated mobile plans,” said Standard Bank Connect head Kartik Mistry, noting that transition will be gradual, with the bank inviting customers to join its pilot programme to build meaningful services.

“Our aim is to create shared value by placing our partners at the centre of all we do while 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, adding that MTN, which has been consistently voted South Africa's best network, is delighted to partner with Standard Bank.

Standard Bank, building on its play-to-connect communities, offers two main types of connectivity packages: the Connected Circle and the Connected Gigs Plans.

The Connected Circle Plans, aimed at customers seeking both voice and data connectivity with options like Connected Circle Starter, Lite, Plus and Pro, provide access to unlimited calls to selected numbers within the customer’s community and includes inclusive data, promoting flexibility and changing the way clients connect.

The Connected Gigs Plans, which are aimed at data-centric customers, offer high-value data bundles at competitive prices, with customers also able to purchase airtime bundles for voice and SMS use.

The plans offer month-to-month flexibility; however, customers can choose to commit to their plan for three, six or 12 months for added incentives.

Other features includes auto top-up, which will ensure continuous data access only when needed, with no expiration on topped-up data, and the R1 Promotion, which, for a limited time, will enable customers to join any plan for R1, gaining the full inclusive value of their plans until the first billing date.

Qualifying Connected Circle and Connected Gigs plans also include monthly discounts on technology accessories of up to 50% with Standard Bank’s partnership with Dress Your Tech.

While the plans can only be ordered online at this stage, Standard Bank aims to make the plans available in selected branches in the near future.

“Standard Bank Connect represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing our customers with end-to-end connectivity solutions that are tailored to offer more simplicity, more value and greater flexibility,” Mistry concluded.