South Africa’s FNB said to be mulling MVNO launch

South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB) is reportedly planning to launch mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services. According to MyBroadband, industry sources familiar with the matter have described FNB’s MVNO aspirations as an ‘open secret’, with the service expected to piggyback on Cell C’s network. Virginia Magapatona, FNB’s head of corporate communications, confirmed that ‘discussions’ were underway with South Africa’s mobile operators, although the executive noted that the company ‘will be in a position to formally announce any new services once launched’. Magapatona noted that FNB has the necessary licences to enter the market as a telecoms provider and already has the capabilities to provide voice and data services.