Technology integrated with great minds and ideas results to better competitive levels and success.Equity bank is one of the major banks In Kenya capturing both low,middle and high income earners and enterprises.On a busy day,the long queues in the Bank branches suggest more customers,rather than slow workers or unreliable Systems.However its important to note that the Bank actually captures and has the biggest share of the Low level income citizens,making it a favorite to both the Youth,aged and small medium enterprises.
Safari com is the biggest Telecommunication Company In Kenya,capturing 85% of all mobile phone operators,followed by Air tel and Orange scrambling for the remains.however the Company’s biggest profit revenue comes from M pesa transactions,besides data bundle sale and airtime.The recent move by Equity Bank to introduce thin sim cards with dual sim capability was seen as an open threat to the Company.The Company moved to Parliament on Friday to oppose this proposal by Equity Bank.
So how do Equity’s Thin Slim Cards Work?
The Slim Sim Card enables mobile transactions easier and faster without any need for dual sim phones.The old sim card is actually layered over with a 0.11 mm thick material that kinda gets attached or married to the old sim card enabling dual sim capability.
For Equity Bank customers,they need not migrate to the mobile virtual Network Operator(MVNO),or carry around two mobile phone handsets. Safaricom move to stop this new technology might prove unfruitful as Equity Bank got the MVNO Licence in April this year.Like any Dual sim phone the user can simply make calls,send texts,or choose a default sim card.
The Move to give out the Sim cards free of charge is yet another determining factor of its acceleration into the market. The Sim card technology is obviously set to spark new price wars,promotions,and new strategies by top giant mobile phone operators with safari com ,the largest openly and harshly rejecting this move.The Technology simplifies mobile banking and money transfer transactions but is set to drastically reduce the charges consumers have to pay everyday when sending money or better yet receiving.
The Sim Cards which are expected to display a (0763***)prefix are expected to not only roll out freedom but also empower people financially and technologically though the ICT Department in Kenya.
With Safari-com being the giant in the Telecommunication market and Equity a favourite in the Banking industry the Duel is expected to raise dust that wont settle down any sooner.Its not quite clear if Safari com allegations about the Security of its clients being jeopardized,or whether it just cant face up the expected competition and level play ground with other mobile network service providers.
