Nubank Expands into Mobile Services with NuCel, Transforming Connectivity in Brazil
NuCel by Nubank is more than a mobile service; it’s a shift in how digital finance and telecommunications coexist. As Nubank continues to redefine industry standards, NuCel adds a fresh layer of connectivity and financial innovation, transforming everyday interactions for Brazilian consumers.
October 29, 2024 – São Paulo, Brazil
Nubank, Latin America’s most prominent digital bank and the largest outside of Asia, is expanding its ecosystem by launching NuCel, a mobile phone service tailored for Brazilian consumers. This move marks Nubank’s first step beyond financial services, aiming to deliver a seamless, flexible, and customer-centric mobile experience.
What is NuCel?
NuCel is designed to streamline mobile connectivity, offering three flexible, no-commitment plans tailored to the needs of the Brazilian market. The service provides options for 15GB, 20GB, and 35GB at competitive prices (starting at R$45/month), with payments facilitated through the Nu credit card. As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), NuCel operates over a vast coverage area, reaching 93% of Brazil with reliable 5G performance. Initially available on eSIM-only devices, NuCel will roll out gradually, allowing users to sign up for updates via the Nubank app.
Exclusive Benefits within the Nubank Ecosystem
As part of the Nubank ecosystem, NuCel users receive unique advantages, including “Caixinhas Turbo,” a savings feature that returns 120% of Brazil’s CDI on deposits up to R$10,000 for a one-year term. Premium members (Ultravioleta and Nubank+ customers) will automatically receive extra data if they reach their plan’s monthly limit, ensuring a seamless mobile experience. In addition, all NuCel plans include:
- Unlimited calling for both local and long-distance communications.
- Unlimited access to WhatsApp, supporting messaging, voice, and video calls.
- Unlimited usage of the Nubank app, enhancing account accessibility and control.
To further enhance user experience, NuCel dynamically suggests plan adjustments based on individual usage, providing real-time adaptability for customers.
Why NuCel Matters: Simplifying Mobile Services in Brazil
NuCel promises transparency, affordability, and a simplified approach to mobile services. Designed as a fully digital service, NuCel reflects Nubank’s commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions. "We developed NuCel to offer flexibility, transparency, and the autonomy only a digital platform can provide," stated Livia Chanes, CEO of Nubank Brazil. She also noted that NuCel is only the beginning of Nubank’s journey to integrate essential services within a comprehensive ecosystem, focusing on empowering customers through a cohesive digital experience.
Nubank: A Visionary Journey in Fintech
Founded in 2013 by David Vélez, Cristina Junqueira, and Edward Wible, Nubank set out to challenge Brazil's traditional banking sector. From its early days, Nubank offered a fee-free credit card and a streamlined mobile banking app, quickly attracting users frustrated with complex, fee-laden banking services. By 2024, Nubank’s user base surpassed 80 million across Latin America, reflecting the company's mission to democratize financial services.
Nubank’s rapid growth has earned it significant investor interest, culminating in a valuation of over $45 billion as of its most recent funding rounds. With financial backing from influential investors like Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and DST Global, Nubank continues to push boundaries within the fintech industry, becoming a notable contender in global markets.
What’s Next for Nubank?
The introduction of NuCel underscores Nubank’s vision of becoming an all-encompassing digital platform, serving as a one-stop solution for financial and lifestyle needs. The integration of telecommunication services could set the stage for future innovations, allowing Nubank to further entrench itself in the daily lives of its users.