Can we really expect more data deals from Cell C when ...

[kingdong]

Many of us here interacted directly with past Cell C, CEO Lars Reichelt, who left the company suddenly in mid-July 2011 for family reasons. He was pro-consumer and actually listened to his client base, problem-solving with us. He single-handedly shook up the cellular data pricing monopolies in August 2010 with price-busting promotions that put Cell C on a leading data track.

Then CIO, Ron Reddick, left the company abruptly, just about 4 months ago. Last week the executive Head of Marketing Simon Camerer up and left too. Camerer, who held the position of Head of Marketing for Cell C since March 2004.

The latest bomb-shell is that Cell C has confirmed the company's Head of Sales and Distribution, Sue Kennedy has tendered her resignation.

So, who's left at the helm of the ship that once sailed gallantly into the feared and uncharted waters of affordable internet and much loved by the people?

It is now widely known that Vodacom's former CEO Alan Knott-Craig it looking to commandeer Cel C in the near future, as soon as his two year restraint of trade with Vodacom contract expires in March. Let us not forget this is the same guy who kept Vodacom's internet fees the highest in the market during his captaincy. Is this a situation where the fox will be put in charge of the chicken coup?

Has Cell C lost it's course, rudderless and drifting closer towards to the rocks? Or will the winds of consumerism and innovation fill it's sails again and allow it to manoeuvre out of the present doldrums, captained by an out-of-the-box thinker and doer?

Only time will tell.

 

[Praeses]

Maybe they all left because of the wonderful promotion...probably lost tons of money in the process?

 

[intel8080]

I don't know but I can tell you that lots and lots of poor people switch over to cellc. Their free calls to other cellc phones when recharging is very very tempting. As soon as my wife's siht MTN contract finishes in may, my entire family will be on cellc.

 

[Dion Disco]

This statement was made at a braai tonight, please correct if wrong.

Vodacom out of bundle rate of R2 per meg is still the same as when A Knott Graig was there - can it be ?

 

[sajunky]

Cell-C came with technology jump from 2G to the level well ahead of competitors and shocking pricing. The big sharks quietly improved technology, but took hold on prices hoping Cell-C rollout will be technical flop. It didn't happen.
When 8ta came, it followed big sharks strategy, but results were disappointing, now is changing - competing with Cell-C on data promotions.
I think Cell-C was going to continue with data promotions, but they assessed situation. They made first move, there are followers, it is obvious that others cannot ignore it, they must make a move. It actually happens. MTN so called "uncapped", Vodacom 20Gig R499 and preparing to revise their bundle options. Cell-C R50 recharge was a "wait and see what happens" strategy. Actually no much happened and Cell-C still has not decided what to do in long term. I need to point out that their accounting system (first expiry first out) allows many options, they can react quick and accurate.