MNP a non-issue for banks

By Damaria Senne for FNB

Johannesburg, 16 Nov 2006

Cellphone banking customers will continue to enjoy online services, even if they decide to move to another network, say Absa and First National Bank (FNB).

Christo Vrey, head of Absa Digital Channels, says the two versions of Absa cellphone banking - Internet-based cellphone banking and SMS-based cellphone banking - will remain available to customers regardless of which network operator they subscribe to.

Internet-based cellphone banking, which is available by using any WAP2.0-enabled handset, is available on all the mobile networks in SA, he says.

Alternatively, users can opt for SMS-based cellphone banking, which is only available on the Vodacom and MTN networks, he says.

Making the switch

Vrey says customers who use Absa's Internet-based cellphone banking will not have to change any settings on their handsets when porting to another mobile operator or service provider. Since the identifying telephone number will move with the customer, there is no need to change the customer's profile due to the change of their service provider or network operator.

Customers who use SMS-based cellphone banking will, however, need to install the SMS application onto their SIM card after porting to a new network, he says.

For FNB customers, mobile number portability is a non-issue, as FNB's cellphone banking services are offered across all networks, says Len Pienaar, CEO of FNB's Mobile and Transact Solutions.

Standard Bank and Nedbank had not responded by the time of publication. However, Standard Bank's Web site shows that its cellphone banking services are offered to Vodacom and MTN subscribers. Cell C users cannot partake as the service provider does not support the WIG banking platform, the site says.