In a ground-breaking partnership between pay-TV operator TopTV and South Africa’s most innovative bank, FNB, the TopTV prepaid payment option is now available to all FNB customers.
This innovative addition to the current prepaid options available to FNB customers comprises a number of different pricing packages, ranging from the basic Variety option at R109.00 for 30 days, to the Ultimate package including the Indian bouquet, Top Star, at R348.00 for 30 days. Special 15-day TopTV Prepaid options, exclusive to FNB customers, are also available for just R59.50 for the Variety package and R144.50 for the Ultimate package.
The service is available to all FNB account holders via the prepaid menu using either cellphone or internet banking. In order to purchase TopTV Prepaid, all a customer needs to do is select the TopTV Prepaid option, type in the TopTV Smartcard number and select a package. The package amount is deducted automatically from the customer’s account and the TopTV subscription is immediately activated to enjoy its wide selection of top quality, local and international programming.
Says Eddie Mbalo, interim CEO of TopTV: “The launch of the TopTV Prepaid option in mid-August was a first for pay-TV in South Africa, and in line with our strategy to innovate as the market disruptor. Primarily because of its successful uptake, ease of use, convenience and instant access to the TopTV service, this product initiative is gaining significant ground. One of our objectives in launching prepaid was to lure our lapsed or dormant subscribers back to the TopTV service –and this strategy is working.
‘But, we understand that, as with the launch of any new product, the challenge is to keep it fresh, appealing and top of mind. The partnership with FNB has created just such an opportunity. FNB was looking to strengthen its customer offering of prepaid services, and we are currently concluding negotiations with other key retailers wanting to be part of the success of TopTV Prepaid. The result is a perfect match for both companies, and we are very excited about the prospects for TopTV Prepaid going forward.’
FNB was named recently as the Most Innovative Bank of the Year for 2012 in the BAI-Finacle Global Banking Innovation Awards. The partnership with TopTV has created an opportunity to enhance its prepaid offering and become the first bank in South Africa to offer pay-TV as a prepaid service.
Another recent addition to the TopTV Prepaid offering is Top Star. The Indian bouquet of channels on the TopTV platform can be purchased in conjunction with either the Variety or Ultimate packages, but not as a stand-alone option.
