FNB devices fly off shelves

Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00 Written by Bonnie Tubbs
More than 100 000 mobile devices have been snapped up in the space of a year, since big-four bank First National Bank (FNB) started offering its clients certain devices at discounted rates, payable over a 24-month period, interest-free.

said the deal was destined for success in light of the rapid increase in the use of smartphones and tablets in SA – evident in the numbers as there were an estimated eight million smartphones in circulation in SA then, and an estimated 10 million (about a fifth of the total population of citizens) now. ’s smartphone and tablet offer was introduced as part of the personal cheque account this time last year, as part of the bank’s strategy to drive cashless payments and digital banking. In February, ITWeb reported ’s device sales had exceeded the 35 000 mark in a four-month period – a growth pattern that has remained consistent, leading to the latest figure of 100 000 (an average of over 8 300 devices sold per month). Irlon Terblanche, CEO of Core Banking Solutions, commented: “Smartphones and tablets are becoming an integral part of our customers’ lives, and we are building a vibrant ecosystem centred on these devices.”