Standard Bank launches an eSIM as Connect business surges

Standard Bank Connect has launched its own eSIM as part of its expansion plans, with it set to enable customers to manage multiple mobile plans on a single device.

The bank said this will all be available to customers without a physical SIM card, potentially widening its client base significantly. 

This new launch comes after the bank revealed that its Connect business serves over 350,000 subscribers and continues to deliver strong growth. 

It is all part of the bank’s plan to expand its Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) beyond traditional connectivity. 

In early 2025, Standard Bank Connect relaunched device financing on flexible terms, driving increased adoption of bundled mobile and digital services.

The bank said the eSIM service is available on existing mobile plans, with prepaid eSIM options set to follow soon. 

An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded directly into compatible smartphones and devices. It allows customers to activate mobile services digitally and store multiple profiles on a single device, making it easier to switch between numbers or plans.

“While eSIM technology is not new, delivering it through a trusted banking platform unlocks additional value for customers,” SB Connect executive head Kartik Mistry said. 

“This ranges from enhanced security and protection to seamless integration with their financial and lifestyle needs.” 

Mistry explained that by embedding connectivity into how customers bank and spend, the MVNO will be able to deliver services beyond traditional telecoms operations. 

Standard Bank said it launched the eSIM offering to meet growing demand for flexible mobile solutions as South Africans increasingly use multiple SIM cards. 

It noted that many consumers use multiple SIM cards to separate work and personal usage, optimise data costs, or improve network coverage. 

Industry estimates suggest that a large majority of mobile users in South Africa actively use more than one SIM.

“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,” Mistry said.