Cellular operators say South Africans aren't interested in subsidised network-locked smartphones

Daniel Puchert

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Yes because when you screw them over with poor quality, expensive expiring bundles and other BS they move, and they don't want your network locked shyte.

But some have short memories I see. Back in the 1990s when your cartel got started, you used to lock phones to networks like nobody's business. Even the Nokia 5110 I had was network locked, but, I got that sorted
 
Yes because when you screw them over with poor quality, expensive expiring bundles and other BS they move, and they don't want your network locked shyte.

But some have short memories I see. Back in the 1990s when your cartel got started, you used to lock phones to networks like nobody's business. Even the Nokia 5110 I had was network locked, but, I got that sorted

I remember those days, I also had a newish mid-range Nokia and a new firmware was released for it that promised all sorts of improvements. Back in those days you had to download the firmware image and connect your phone to a PC. I would get error after error trying to install the new firmware. Eventually phoned a Vodacom shop who CONFIRMED they could flash phones. Got to the shop only to be told that they don't flash manufacturer images, only Vodacom images and mine was up to date. Vodacom had to first investigate the new changes (ie. add as much bloatware and other isht) to see if the phone would still function on the network.

The phone never did receive that update or any others....
 
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iPhone and Android smartphone subsidies and network locking in South Africa

South Africa's cellular operators don't believe their customers are interested in subsidised high-end devices that are restricted to just one network, even if only for a temporary period.

This strategy is used by mobile networks in some other countries to make premium devices more affordable.

iPhone and Android smartphone subsidies and network locking in South Africa

South Africa's cellular operators don't believe their customers are interested in subsidised high-end devices that are restricted to just one network, even if only for a temporary period.

This strategy is used by mobile networks in some other countries to make premium devices more affordable.

If you leave your phones unlocked, and provide a quality service your clients will not move. Networks lock the phones because they are all to well aware how crappy their overpriced service is, and they need all the help they can get, to retain customers.
 
I believe I save a lot more than a lousy "subsidy" by paying my phone outright, and then using wifi and/or a cheap prepaid provider for WhatsApp calls instead,,, Not to mention that the voice quality is just so much better...
 
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