First National Bank's internet service provider, FNB Connect, on Monday announced it would offer all mobile calls at 99 cents per minute until February 2010.

The bank pointed to the interconnect rate reduction negotiations among the major cellular network operators and governments calls to reduce rates as a motivating factor.

First National Bank CEO Michael Jordaan said: "FNB Connect has heeded the calls of both the South African government and the average consumer for a review on call rates charged to consumers. As consumer champions, and in living up to our brand promise of 'helpfulness', we are taking the lead by offering all FNB customers on ConnectChat and ConnectXtra mobile calls at 99c per minute.

"With immediate effect, all FNB ConnectChat and ConnectXtra clients, as well as those who sign up for any of these packages, will have the ability to save on their calls by accessing this benefit," Jordaan added.

FNB's usual rates of R1.59 on ConnectXtra and R1.79 on ConnectChat would be amended to 99 cents with immediate effect and extends to calls on any mobile number in South Africa, the group said.

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