A new short code dialling 5550 and subscription service was officially launched yesterday between the South Pacific Business Development Bank (SPBD) and Vodafone Fiji with NewNet.

This was in efforts to take communication and customer service up a notch.

The subscription channel (text SPBD SUB to 777) will offer helpful financial tips and advice SPBD clients as part of their financial literacy programme.

South Pacific Business Development Bank, general manager, Elrico Munoz, said: “We are delighted to announce that SPDB clients will now have access to information, lodge a complaint and make a suggestion all possible through the phone.

“Also the subscription channel will allow our clients to also subscribe to the channel allowing subscribers to regularly receive financial tips, business tips, SPBD updates and even reminders.”

In order to ensure the service is consistent, some measures have been put into place.

Mr Munoz explained: “All the text messages will be recorded in an undetermined profile so that SPBD can process the message and take appropriate measures.

“In this case they will get faster service and call at mobile to mobile rates.  This way, SPBD will be able to connect with their clients to provide them stronger information and updates.

Other Service

“A work in progress is our Information on Demand service – our information on their loan balance and loan maturity dates by just texting a USSD code *550#.”

Vodafone, Head of Corporate Affairs and eCommerce, Shailendra, Prasad said: “Vodafone is proud to be the network provider for an organidation that aims to empower women from disadvantaged communities.”

Other services that will be available through the short code dialing include balance check enquiries and a medium to register complaints so that it could be formally recorded and tracked for faster resolution.

The voice short code and subscription service is available to all Vodafone and Inkk users.

Feedback:  rachael.nath@fijisun.com.fj