Free ADSL data bundles: can ISPs compete?

I don't think FNB is trying to be a general ISP - I think they are just trying establish the least common denominator. If you look at their other initiatives (like the tablet promotion) it is all about trying to advance electronic channels. And it is a spectacular insightful long term strategy IMHO. Banks make, and will make a lot of money by merely being an electronic switch for movement of money. The rise of communication technology has created the banks as we know them today, and I am convinced it will play even more of a role going forward. Promotion of communication technology in the consumer space is promoting banking.
 
I agree with Johand - FNB are trying to attract their user base to use electronic, online means. They know the bandwidth eaters will not use their service as 5GB is not enough for much, so it is actually not a large amount of the user base that is really burning through the current cap as it is. What they do realise is the PR opportunity to use their bulk buying ability to get a better deal for their clients. They are also finding a way to use their data links after hours which are probably fairly dormant, hence the free Youtube and Facebook.

As Johand mentions as well, it is part of a very interesting overall strategy, the VOIP system is actually something that is often overlooked. It is underpinned by Connection Telecom and basically any VOIP to VOIP (any service with an agreement to CT) is free (there are some limits, but you really need to call a LOT to hit these and then the rates are still very good). Then they also do some mobile data via their APN (bulk buying power again) and you get more savings (OK those still need to come down a bit).

Some simple things to think about -
The bank has excess bandwidth after hours,
internet customers are better informed and cheaper than those that come in to the bank for normal banking (and happier),
VOIP means less Telkom lines and simpler PBX design (calls don't need to go via a specific physical Telkom PBX then rerouted across the country and therefore less Telkom lines are needed) as well as reduced call costs and incoming call revenue (interconnect revenue sharing),
mobile banking apps give more functionality and security at a lower cost to FNB (no USSD charges),
paving the way for the next steps (add video to VOIP for example).
 
Look at Absa many years ago.They were a bank that offered free email.They grew that to such an extent that eventually Vox/@lantic bought that business. I'm sure that ABSA probably gained many customers that way. Sign of the times looking for new ways to generate revenue streams. Good luck to FNB.
 
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I cannot believe this this will not make a dent in at least the "mom and pop" segment of the ISPs market segment. It just makes sense to cancel your normal ISP account and go for this if you are a FNB client (and meet the requirements) if you are a light surfer / e-mail type user.
 
Maybe if it were 5gigs per day. Definitely not 5gigs per month.
 
I do not have ADSL line, I just moved into a new house development area, Frustrated! I guess I will be stuck with with 8ta :) in the meantime.... Big ups to FNB, My bank for Life!
 
Looked yesterday and seems only Private Clients will benefit from the 5GB offer... or will this change?
 
This is like asking Starbucks if they fear going out of business because a bank also serves free coffee to their customers.
 
I find it extremely interesting that so many ISP's consider uncapped their core business... 2 years ago it was considered unsustainable, and a non-starter, and today its their main focus
 
Your right. Well done FNB, why would anyone who deposits R17k per month want to save a couple of bucks with free ADSL Data?

Well. This. Is. BS!

Source:
https://www.fnbconnect.co.za/adsl-rewards.shtml

Because if 5GB is sufficient for your needs, then taking it for free is always going to be better then paying for it. Just because you have cash doesn't mean you need waste it.

Not everybody needs more then 5GB a month.
 
Nah, I think the ISP's don't need to worry.

People in general are very reluctant to switch banks... (same goes with cellular providers etc).

The general South African's just too lazy to make the switch.
 
Your right. Well done FNB, why would anyone who deposits R17k per month want to save a couple of bucks with free ADSL Data?


Well. This. Is. BS!


Source:
https://www.fnbconnect.co.za/adsl-rewards.shtml

I think this is old/current offer that they had. New one starts 8.May and I could not find it anywhere on their web site.

As someone mentioned yesterday having 5GB account can satisfied many people, using internet mostly at work. For me will took offer because I'm FNB client and can be used as back-up.

Some ISP will lose some clients for sure to FNB, but as I see they are mostly concentration to uncapped users, their margins there are the biggest that is why WebAfrica can offer big ADSL line rental reduction if you take uncapped account
 
This is a good move by FNB, I know so many people that are dying to be connected.. (still using cellphones as modems). It's also a very good opportunity for the poorer folk to get connected. When you take all the costs involved in actually getting online, (read:TELKOM!! :whistle: )

FNB has just lightened the load for many. So paying for line rental is not that bad if you getting the data free, even though it's only 5GB (which is enough for the new comer to the interwebs)

Also, would be interesting to know if this 5GB will be as fast as line you have or is there a speed cap on it that I don't know about :confused:
 
So how does one, as an FNB cusotmer, get in on this? What are the requirements?
 
This is like asking Starbucks if they fear going out of business because a bank also serves free coffee to their customers.

Yeah, but if they could deliver the coffee to your home "instantly", like internet access - what are you going to choose?
Pay for starbucks or get free coffee? (Keeping in mind they also taste the same)

For people that use less than 5GB a day, this is a great initiative.

Go FNB! :)
 
Nah, I think the ISP's don't need to worry.

People in general are very reluctant to switch banks... (same goes with cellular providers etc).

The general South African's just too lazy to make the switch.

My GF switched to FNB a few days ago - she said it was super easy and didn't take much time.
They even moved all her accounts for her and everything - she said they treated her like a VIP when she walked in :p

She's really happy with the service and all the features FNB has (I loled, told her "you don't even have eBucks or the FNB App on your iPad yet")
 
I also moved over to FNB recently and got my free interwebz. Pity I can't get full speed on the account, overall pretty disappointed by the quality of the bandwidth, but hey it is free.
 
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