The Absa Group says the response to its free Internet service offering has been incredible, with nearly 21 000 registered users having signed up since the launch on Monday.
"The response is beyond our wildest dreams," says Tasso Tsoukalas, GM of Absa Group Marketing. "We were hoping to attract 200 000 users in the first year, but it looks like we`ll get there a lot sooner. By the end of the first day we were heading for 10 000, and today a total of 20 879 people have registered for the service. We want to assure everyone that even with these numbers, we still have room for more."
Absa`s call centre has fielded 6 000 calls regarding information on the Internet service, while the banking group says its service and the technical helpdesk has guided 2 500 people through the process of registering and using the service.
"Despite pessimistic predictions from the naysayers, the South African public know a good thing when they see it. There are no strings attached to the offer, which is open to all South Africans and not just Absa clients."
Absa believes that the 20 879 registered users represents 3% of the current Internet service provider market share.
Those who are interested in the free service can pick up a free CD, containing all the software they need to get online from any Absa branch nationwide. Alternatively, they can download the program from the Absa Web site at www.absa.co.za.
"Providing free Internet access to all South Africans is just the beginning," says Santie Botha, group executive director in charge of Absa`s e-business. "Absa is moving into a new era of personalised financial services which goes far beyond the traditional."
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