South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB) has seen 145 per cent growth in data bundle purchases since 2012, reflecting a move towards data driven smart devices.
The group said the surge has been evident among all operators.
“We have the advantage of selling across the entire spectrum of mobile operators which gives us an overview of buying patterns in the prepaid mobile space,” said Ravesh Ramlakan, chief executive officer (CEO) of FNB Service Provider.
“We have found that the rise in data driven smart devices has had a direct impact on data purchases across all of the operators.”
The company said while airtime continues to be the bank’s strongest prepaid seller, data bundle sales have seen a sharp increase in the past three years.
“In 2012 data bundles sales were only six per cent of airtime sales. However, this figure is now at 12 per cent which is incredible growth in a short period of time,” said Ramlakan. “While our growth in prepaid airtime sales has also increased, it is at a steadier rate of around 15 per cent a year.”
“Smart devices are behind the upward trend in data bundle purchases, and in line with FNB’s own strategy to encourage digital banking.”
The company said 51 per cent of data purchases were made by women and 57 per cent of purchases were made via internet banking.
