Pick n Pay rolls out major upgrades to mobile service and Smart Shopper rewards

Pick n Pay announced today that it has upgraded and advanced its Pick n Pay Mobile service by introducing a new mobile app.

This app incorporates features such as instant eSIM activation and the ability for consumers to self-RICA. 

Pick n Pay was the first Retail Mobile Network Operator (MVNO), launching its service with MTN in 2020.

The launch of Pick n Pay Mobile was made possible through a strategic partnership with Huge NXTGN, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Huge Group.

These new enhancements to the offering are expected to significantly improve consumers’ control over their connectivity services.

Customers can now sign up and activate their mobile number, with no physical SIM or store visit required.

The new app also has a “Build Your Own Plan” feature, which allows users to create their own mobile plans, selecting the amount of data, voice, and SMS they want each month. 

These plans are valid for 30 days and automatically renew unless cancelled, giving customers control over how they spend, with no lock-ins or hidden fees.

The retailer said these bundles have also been supersized to offer more data, airtime, and voice at more affordable prices.

“Customers want easy-to-use and flexible mobile plans that work for them,” said Deven Moodley, Executive Head: VAS, FS and Mobile at Pick n Pay. 

“The new app has been designed to provide an experience that puts convenience, control, and value in the customer’s hands.”

The app is also intended to make it easy for customers to top up airtime or data, track usage, and adjust plans as needed. For those preferring a physical SIM, these are still available in-store.

“Our new technology, particularly the app, is designed to remove typical barriers to signing up and staying connected,” Moodley said. 

“It also gives customers smarter, fresher and more flexible ways to manage their mobile needs and save.”

Smart Shopper rewards

Since launching in 2020, Pick n Pay Mobile has been popular with customers due to its free rewards linked to the Pick n Pay Smart Shopper loyalty programme. 

These rewards have also been enhanced. Now, Pick n Pay Mobile users automatically earn 1 MB of free data when reloading with a minimum of R20 of airtime or data for every R1 spent with Pick n Pay in-store.

The latest Pick n Pay Mobile update also introduced a new loyalty tier that rewards long-term app use. 

After six consecutive months of use, customers will earn 5% back on their monthly mobile spend, which increases to 10% after nine months. 

These rewards are in addition to Smart Shopper free data rewards. “This is real value that adds up over time, just for doing what you’re already doing,” says Moodley.

 “We’re delighted to have been in a position to assist Pick ‘n Pay in bringing their next-generation proposition to market,” said Jason Harmsen, Managing Director of Huge NXTGN. 

“Huge NXTGN’s purpose is to empower businesses of all sizes to harness the power of embedded connectivity services and to remove the friction and cost typically associated with launching mobile services.” 

“Our partnership with Pick ‘n Pay is a great example of this vision put into practice, as it allows Pick n Pay to combine their trusted consumer reach with our open-access, next-generation platform to offer a more agile, tailored and innovative mobile experience that integrates into their customers’ lives.”

Moodley said Pick n Pay Mobile was launched to give customers a more rewarding and accessible way to stay connected. 

“These latest enhancements to Pick n Pay Mobile are a big step in our journey to offer the most compelling mobile offer,” he said.