Earlier this year, we first heard news from Revolut and then Nubank launching mobile services. At the time, it just seemed like a story about cross marketing and selling. Both neobanks have large audiences, and selling a mobile plan would likely make some ancillary money.

A few years ago, things were happening in the reverse direction – it seemed the big US telephony companies were all interested in getting into banking. A few offerings were launched but not much really came of it.

But it feels like something is different now. Both Revolut and Nubank partnered with Gigs, which has been referred to as the Stripe of mobile. As co-founder and CEO Hermann Frank said in TechCrunch, these firms are working to “create an ecosystem where banking acts as a hub for multiple value-added services.”

“Bundling mobile plans represents a powerful lever for neobanks to turn irregular users into monthly paying subscribers, encourage upgrades to premium features, and create an ecosystem where banking acts as a hub for multiple value-added services,” he said.

Hermann joins us on the Tearsheet Podcast. We explore how traditional phone plans, once mere commodities, are transforming into extensible platforms for innovation. Hermann shares insights on how programmable connectivity enables neobanks to create sticky, world-class digital experiences that surpass the limitations of conventional telecom services.

Hermann Frank is our guest on the Tearsheet Podcast.