South Africa has a new mobile operator: Nedbank launches Nedbank Connect
South Africa has a new mobile operator as Nedbank officially launches Nedbank Connect, stepping into the telecommunications sector with its own mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). The move marks another significant step in the growing trend of banks diversifying into mobile services, offering customers more integrated digital and financial solutions.
Through Nedbank Connect South Africa, the bank joins other financial giants like Capitec and FNB, positioning itself in the competitive banking MVNO services space. Customers can now access affordable Nedbank prepaid data bundles, airtime rewards, and flexible plans directly through the Nedbank Money App and Online Banking platforms.
Nedbank Connect: A new era for mobile services
What is Nedbank Connect?
Nedbank Connect is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), meaning it provides mobile services without owning its own network infrastructure. Instead, it leverages MTN’s robust infrastructure to deliver connectivity. This partnership ensures reliable coverage and quality service while allowing Nedbank to focus on customer experience and financial integration.
The offering is currently exclusive to Nedbank customers, requiring new users to open a Nedbank account before accessing the service. By blending mobile and banking services, Nedbank Connect aims to provide a seamless ecosystem that rewards loyalty while keeping costs competitive.
Plans, bundles, and pricing
Prepaid and contract-style options
Nedbank Connect offers flexibility with four preset monthly plans, ranging from:
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3GB at R169 per month
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20GB at R499 per month
For those who prefer prepaid services, bundles start as low as R5 for 100MB and go up to R475 for 100GB. Customers can also choose eSIMs or physical SIMs, with delivery available at a once-off fee of R99.
Voice and social bundles
In addition to data, voice bundles are available starting from R10 for 50 minutes and scaling up to R250 for 1000 minutes. Social media bundles are priced at R30 for 1GB per app, covering WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
International roaming
For frequent travelers, Nedbank Connect includes international roaming bundles ranging from R100 to R5,000, covering both data and voice/SMS.
This extensive pricing structure positions Nedbank prepaid data bundles as competitive with existing players in the market.
Rewards and added benefits
One of the biggest differentiators for Nedbank Connect South Africa is its integration with the bank’s Greenbacks Rewards Program. Customers can:
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Earn airtime rewards based on their rewards level (up to R300).
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Convert Greenbacks into airtime or data.
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Receive R100 free airtime with every SIM activation.
In addition, customers benefit from:
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24/7 call centre support
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International roaming
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In-branch services for personal support
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Unlimited calls of up to 60 minutes each month
These features highlight how banking MVNO services are designed to enhance customer loyalty while offering extra value beyond traditional mobile packages.
Market context: The rise of banking MVNOs in South Africa
Competitors in the space
Nedbank Connect enters a market already shaped by Capitec Connect and FNB Connect, two strong players in South Africa’s banking MVNO services industry.
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Capitec Connect: Currently the largest with over 1.5 million subscribers by the end of 2024, adding around 180,000 subscribers monthly.
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FNB Connect: Formerly the leading player, now second to Capitec.
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Standard Bank: Partnered with MTN, although with a smaller footprint compared to Capitec and FNB.
By leveraging MTN’s infrastructure, Nedbank aligns itself with a strong and stable partner. MTN and Cell C remain the dominant MVNO enablers in South Africa, powering most banking-based mobile services.
Why banks are moving into telecoms
The launch of Nedbank Connect South Africa illustrates a broader strategy: banks are expanding beyond traditional financial products to provide everyday digital services. With mobile connectivity becoming essential for modern banking, offering Nedbank prepaid data bundles creates a stronger ecosystem where banking and mobile needs are seamlessly integrated.
This move reduces customer churn, increases engagement, and positions banks as all-in-one service providers.
Customer experience: Porting and activation
New users can port their existing number to Nedbank Connect in 24 to 48 hours, making it convenient for those who don’t want to lose their current number.
Activation is straightforward:
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Download the Nedbank Money App or log into Online Banking.
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Select a plan or prepaid option.
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Pay the once-off initiation fee.
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Request SIM delivery (R99) or activate an eSIM instantly.
Once activated, billing begins, and customers immediately gain access to rewards and services.
Industry impact and future outlook
The arrival of South Africa’s new mobile operator through Nedbank has several implications for the industry:
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Increased competition: More pressure on Capitec and FNB to innovate.
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Better pricing: Customers may benefit from reduced costs as banks compete for mobile subscribers.
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Integration of services: Expect more crossovers between financial rewards programs and mobile services.
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Expansion opportunities: With a broader public launch set for 15 September 2025, Nedbank could scale quickly.
By combining strong financial incentives with competitive Nedbank prepaid data bundles, the bank may attract both loyal clients and new sign-ups.
Conclusion
South Africa has a new mobile operator, and its name is Nedbank Connect. With affordable bundles, integrated rewards, and strong backing from MTN, Nedbank is ready to challenge existing players in the growing banking MVNO services market.
The launch not only benefits Nedbank customers but also reflects a wider trend in South Africa’s digital economy—where banks are becoming more than just financial institutions. They are now technology providers, connectivity enablers, and lifestyle partners.
As the new mobile operator 2025 era unfolds, customers will watch closely to see how Nedbank Connect competes with Capitec, FNB, and Standard Bank in reshaping the telecom landscape.
