Comparing CellC and MTN Top Up

[Bivesh]

I've prepared some numbers so that we can compare the voice costs on the current Cell C and MTN packages.
There's a few contracts:
The Cell C contracts include more smss and data. They also include data. I'm comparing voice minutes to keep it simple.

Cell C don't include a phone in the cost, whereas MTN's do - if you sign up for a 2 year contract.
So, in general, the Cell C contracts would offer a lower cost, and the difference can be used to fund a phone.

In all but the first comparison, anytime 50 vs. straight up 30, the mtn package had more included minutes than cell c's, so we had to calculate the cost of increasing the minutes to match mtn's. That value is reflected on the 6th column.

The last column is the monthly difference multiplied by 24. this reflects the value a cell c user may use to fund for their own phone. If you believe mtn's phone on offer exceeds the last column, you may consider taking their package. With MTN, the out of bundle minute costs exceed cell c's - so it's best for mtn customers to keep withing their included minutes.

MTN Packages	Monthly Subscription	Inclusive SMSs	Estimated Inclusive Minutes	CellC Packages	Total cost to equal MTN minutes	difference per month over 2 years
MTN AnyTime 50	50	25	21	Straight Up 30	30	480
MTN AnyTime 100	100	25	43	Straight Up 30	43	1357
MTN AnyTime 200	200	25	86	Straight Up 50	87	2713
MTN AnyTime 350	350	50	179	Straight Up 100	179	4092
MTN AnyTime 500	500	50	256	Straight Up 200	256	5846
MTN AnyTime 750	750	100	468	Straight Up 400	469	6750
MTN AnyTime 1200	1200	100	750	Straight Up 400	750	10800
MTN AnyTime 1500	1500	200	1000	Straight Up 800	1000	12000

I hope this makes choosing between these packages easier.

[oronte]

It actually depends on the user - if you want a good new phone at the lowest price then the MTN deals will typically be much better since they're subsidised in the contract (hence the call rates are much higher). If minutes/data are a priority and you don't mind paying extra for your phone then the Cell C deal works much better.