Rudolph Muller MyBroadband | 19 March, 2010MTN cuts its out-of-bundle data prices by up to 84%; Launches ‘1 day uncapped’ product

MTN revealed that they are set to slash their Out-Of-Bundle (OOB) data rates on their broadband data bundles by up to 84%.

The company is also introducing two new data products aimed at the lower end of the market:  A ‘1 day unlimited’ service and a time based data product.

MTN SA head Karel Pienaar explains that these price reductions were made possible by the company’s continual telecoms infrastructure development in South Africa, and that consumers can expect more of the same as the company’s projects start to come online.

MTN is actively extending its 3G and 2G radio networks, using the latest technologies to ensure they stay ahead of the mobile broadband curve.  The cellular provider is also rolling out metropolitan, national and international fibre infrastructure to serve its future data needs.

New OOB pricing

MTN said that they continue to listen to customers’ requirements, and hence developed these flexible and more affordable value propositions to cater for most of their clients’ requests.

While the data bundle pricing remains unchanged, the new Out-Of-Bundle pricing promises significant savings to the MTN broadband subscriber who finds that they frequently exceed their monthly usage limits.

The following tables provide an overview of the old and new pricing:

New products

MTN also launched two new services aimed to increase connectivity in the lower end of the market.

The first product is a ‘1 day unlimited’ service priced at R50 per day.  The 1-Day Unlimited data bundle lasts for only 24 hours once activated, and essentially provides the user with uncapped access during that day.

A fair use policy of 150MB will however apply after which a speed rate limit of 128Kbps will be applied for the remainder of the 24 hours.

This service should not only appeal to lower market segments, but also to travelers who may want to avoid Wi-Fi hotspot charges which can cost up to R60 per hour.

MTN will further launch a ‘90 minutes data bundle’ priced at R25 – equating to 27c per minute.  The 90 minutes bundle is rate limited to 128Kbps by default and is valid for 30 days with 90 minutes of Internet browsing with an additional 30-day carryover of unused minutes of data.

Per second billing will apply to these bundles.

This time-based service is aimed at the market segment which is not familiar with data based bundles, and feels more comfortable with a time-based billing structure.

The new out-of-bundle prices will kick in on 28 March while the new ‘1 day unlimited’, time-based data bundles and the new 75MB and 300MB packages will be launched on 4 April.

If you need an affordable wireless broadband solution then look at  iBurst  or ADSL.

Call Computer Wiz today- we know broadband.

Computer Wiz
Tel: 0861114731
Cell: 084 585 8885
Fax: 0865242436
email: sales@computerwiz.co.za
www.computerwiz.co.za

Vox Telecom has joined MWeb by announcing the introduction of uncapped ADSL services; Best pricing in the market

The cost of broadband services in South Africa is finally being driven down by competition, despite Telkom still holding a monopoly over the internet market.

Today, Vox Telecom has joined MWeb by announcing the introduction of uncapped ADSL services for our consumers.

“We are revamping all our broadband solutions to cater for the widest spectrum of users, ranging from people who are extremely price-sensitive to those looking for the very highest quality experience.

Our consumer-oriented @lantic internet service provider is ready to launch its new broadband offering, while Vox Datapro and Vox Telepreneur are busy revamping their ranges.

Vox Telecom/@lantic will be launching bundled ADSL offerings which include both ADSL access and an uncapped ISP account.  Vox’s pricing is even more aggressive that MWEB’s pricing:

1. Uncapped All-inclusive 384kbps: R339
2. Uncapped All-inclusive 512kbps: R589
3. Uncapped All-inclusive 4096kbps: R889

This move will give our customers unlimited access to the internet for a fixed monthly fee, with no sudden and frustrating cut-off when they reach the caps that were previously in place.

With Vox Datapro the accent will be on quality and flexibility for corporate customers. The package being created by Vox Telepreneur will create a simplified, uncapped offering designed for small businesses and consumers, and sold through our network of more than 4,000 dealers.

MWeb must be applauded for making some heavy investments in infrastructure, which have allowed it to offer uncapped bandwidth to the market. Yet the degree to which Vox, MWeb and every other player in the market can cut their tariffs is frustratingly highly constrained by Telkom.

Telkom still owns the local loop – that last mile of copper wire that reaches into residential and business premises. Despite years of promises from the industry regulator, Icasa, the local loop has still not been freed up for all service providers to use.

That means ISPs still pay heavily for the right to use a facility that was funded by taxpayers in the first place. Since access to the local loop can account for up to 90% of the fees ISPs charge their customers, further significant price cuts can only be unleashed when the regulator finally delivers on its promise to unbundle the local loop.

Uncapped internet access is the way the market has to go. It’s what consumers want and expect and it’s what they do overseas. But it’s ridiculous that ISPs are providing these price reductions while Telkom, which has all the infrastructure and is clearly in the best position to drive down prices, is happy to let the private sector lead the way. Imagine the cost cuts that would ensue if South Africa really enjoyed full competition in the market.

The message to our telecommunications regulator is clear: nothing is more effective than letting the free market determine pricing. It is imperative that Icasa’s plans to liberate the industry are accelerated, since local loop unbundling and number portability will let us unlock further price cuts.”

Vox Telecom uncapped

Douglas Reed is the Managing Director of Vox Telecom

Call Computer Wiz today and we will provide you with the required uncapped  adsl broadband solution which is either  a shaped or unshaped uncapped adsl broadband solution.

All inclusive means that you pay your ISP for the rental of the adsl port and the data in this case the uncapped adsl broadband solution.

As mentioned before, should you not have a Telkom line, we can still offer you an uncapped throttled broadband via iBurst.

Reg Fridey

Computer Wiz
Tel: 0861114731
Cell: 084 585 8885
Fax: 0865242436
email: sales@computerwiz.co.za
www.computerwiz.co.za