Large retailer launches mobile operator in South Africa

The Spar Group has launched Spar Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator promising to provide customers with affordable and competitive mobile services.

Spar said it was developed in partnership with megsApp, another MVNO that operates on MTN’s network.

It said Spar Mobile will enable customers to earn free data by doing their regular in-store shopping and purchasing promotional products or qualifying baskets.

Spar said it covers all promotional data costs, and the rewards could reduce customers’ monthly data costs by up to 50%.

The company said its onboarding process is seamless, with dedicated in-store sales agents available to assist customers in registering their new SIM cards.

Spar said SIMs cost “as little as R15 each” and are preloaded with 300MB data and R10 Airtime. eSIMs are also available.

Customers may port their number to Spar Mobile or choose a new number if they prefer.

Spar said customers will be able to top up their airtime, manage their accounts, and track their rewards in the extsing Spar app.

“The Spar Mobile offering is anchored on simplicity, affordability and trustworthiness, giving us a chance to create one-of-a-kind deals for our customers,”  said 

Spar group omnichannel executive Blake Raubenheimer said products from Spar’s Tops! liquor stores will also be linked to free data promotions.

“SPAR is well positioned to run and operate an MVNO,” said Raubenheimer.

“We are building the network by offering very competitive pricing that is simple and easy for customers to understand.”

Spar said South Africa’s airtime and data market is estimated at R100bn annually, with 86% of transactions being pre-paid.