Latest BlackBerry vs Android vs iPhone stats on Vodacom network

[rpm]

Latest BlackBerry vs Android vs iPhone stats

BlackBerry remains strong, but Android is gaining momentum in the South African market

[jannievanzyl]

Important to remember that the Android number represents a fair number of different devices while the iPhone number is just that.

[entrepr]

Let the BB numbers stay strong at least until my contract runs out

[Madhawk]

2.4 million BlackBerry smartphones on the Vodacom network!

It's going to take a looooooooooooong time before BlackBerry dies in SA.

[Paul Hjul]

What would be interesting to look at is how long it took to get to the current 2.5 million subscribers. 6 and a half years ago Vodacom customer care and billing didn't know anything about BB and the pricing was significantly higher. 2.4 million people over 6 years is a growth of 400k a year but that's deftly not been the case and I suspect a mil or so were acquired in a 9 month period around 2010. The growth data is probably a good place to look at exit times.

[Frikkenator]

What would be interesting to look at is how long it took to get to the current 2.5 million subscribers. 6 and a half years ago Vodacom customer care and billing didn't know anything about BB and the pricing was significantly higher. 2.4 million people over 6 years is a growth of 400k a year but that's deftly not been the case and I suspect a mil or so were acquired in a 9 month period around 2010. The growth data is probably a good place to look at exit times.

I tend to agree, I think this picture is going to change quite drastically over the next 6-9months.

BB's growth is down by two thirds over the past 3 months as opposed to the 3 months before that, and 3/4 down from what it was between Nov 2011 and Jan 2012. In short, in the last 3 months they've sold 1/7 of the BBs they sold in the 6 months preceding that.

My prediction: Over the next 6 months BB will slow down even more, if not actually decline. Android will almost double, and the iPhone will grow a bit on the back of the iPhone 5 release. (From the previous results we've seen a spike in growth between Oct and Jan, which is what I'm banking on).

It would be cool if the other networks released their stats as well.

[MR.C]

South Africa is sms crazy. That's why BB is so popular. The massive growth started when RIM released the 8520. The large numbers are also due to popularity especially amongst the youth, getting a used 8520 for R800 and pay R59 and message all your friends which includes pictures is a great deal, even if you use a cheapie for your calls only and pre-paid on BB.

[air]

In real numbers, BB has added 100K, whereas Android has added 50K. Agree fully with Mr.C, until there is an affordable/viable alternative BB will enjoy cult like status - BB international may be suffering, but in '3rd world' like countries, it is thriving due to its relative affordability/functionality.

[Nether]

Important to remember that the Android number represents a fair number of different devices while the iPhone number is just that.

That doesn't count in its favour. Just imagine if you could get different vendors and devices with iOS on them, you'd sure get a lot of phones and competition would be great.

And before you say but its to get unity from iOS, I believe you'll get the same problem as Android once the new iP5 comes.

Its screen rez and size will probably make headaches for consumers and developers, just like Android does.

[BruceA]

I'm suprised that the iPhone shows any growth at all, considering Vodacom don't acknowledge its existence on their website, and never display it in their stores (that I've seen). Vodacom only push the phones that give them the biggest return, and the majority of customers see this as an endorcement.

I'll be interested to see how the iPhone does on Cell C - I see they're even advertising it on TV!

[MR.C]

I'm suprised that the iPhone shows any growth at all, considering Vodacom don't acknowledge its existence on their website, and never display it in their stores (that I've seen). Vodacom only push the phones that give them the biggest return, and the majority of customers see this as an endorcement.

I'll be interested to see how the iPhone does on Cell C - I see they're even advertising it on TV!

iPhones are not in all vc stores because you have to apply/register to sell iPhones, not as it is with other handsets.

[OGroteKoning]

Important to remember that the Android number represents a fair number of different devices while the iPhone number is just that.

If they decide to make iOS open source, then other handset manufacturers "might" bite and implement it, but they choose to keep it closed and without having lower end phones, I reckon that android will keep on growing.

[])ragon_\/oid]

BIS is clearly the only reason why sheep people still get Blackberries (ok, and they want to say "I have a Blackberry as well" to their friends). Kill off BIS, or give a BIS like service for Android, and Android will dominate in South Africa.

[DarkStreet]

The graph makes sense: BB is the cheaper option and has the largest following. Second is Android and lastly the more costly iPhone.

ok, and they want to say "I have a Blackberry as well" to their friends

I'm sure the "cool status" associated with BBs has long gone because these days anybody and their dog has a BB.

It's going to take a looooooooooooong time before BlackBerry dies in SA.

If BB goes under BIS goes with it and that time will be shortened drastically

[TJ99]

That doesn't count in its favour. Just imagine if you could get different vendors and devices with iOS on them, you'd sure get a lot of phones and competition would be great.

Nah, one company crippling their phones with stupid software and treating their customers like naughty 5-year olds is enough, thanks.