Standard Bank Connect, a mobile virtual network operator that serves more than 350,000 subscribers, launched an eSIM service for its mobile plans. The digital SIM technology embeds directly into compatible smartphones, allowing users to activate telecommunications services digitally and manage multiple carrier profiles on one device.
The operator, a subsidiary of the financial institution Standard Bank, currently restricts the feature to existing postpaid plans but intends to add prepaid options in a subsequent update.
The launch coincides with changing consumer hardware preferences in the South African mobile market. Industry data indicates a majority of mobile users in the region operate devices with multiple SIM profiles. The operator expects this hardware trend to support adoption rates for the new digital service over the next two years. The subsidiary rebranded from Standard Bank Mobile to Standard Bank Connect in June 2024.
“While eSIM technology is not new, delivering it through a trusted banking platform unlocks additional value for customers, from enhanced security and protection, to seamless integration with their financial and lifestyle needs,” said Kartik Mistry, executive head of Standard Bank Connect. “The continued shift toward multi-SIM usage underpins our expansion into eSIM. Our ambition is to see eSIM become a meaningful share of our customer base by the end of 2026.”
