MTN Contract or Prepaid?

[wmurray]

This is a general question not specific to MTN currently I am with Vodacom but MTN seems more dependable in my area.

My contract is up, I have bought a Iphone 6 cash so I am not concerned with upgrading, currently I use around R1700 a month on my contract. This month cost me just over R2500.

In a recent discussion with a Vodacom call centre agent he recommended I move my line to prepaid as I can save a fair amount every month, he was very convincing so hence my question.

Who to go with? I am leaning towards the MTN Sky package at R999 prepaid and then loading a Afrihost data bundle on the sim, I shoudl be all in at R1200 with unlimited calls and a couple gb of data.

Any recommendations? I may be travelling across the border, is prepaid limiting for roaming?

 

[whatwhat]

Prepaid is limited on roaming, especially to non-African countries.

You can get the list of countries that support roaming here -> https://www.mtn.co.za/everyday_services/RoamingInternational/Pages/UsingPhonesAbroad.aspx

If there isn't a dot under the prepaid column, you don't get anything if on a prepaid number (not even SMS roaming)

As for Afrihost, rather go with Axxess as they offer data rollover. They can also only provision a sim that is on contract. That said, the MTN prepaid does have OneTime bundles where you buy 6 or 12 month bundles (ie xxx amount of GB/MB per month for a once off fee) that are very close to the AH/Axxess pricing.

Prepaid is a fantastic option if you don't need the roaming. Once they have better prepaid roaming there is no reason for a contract.

 

[Chevron]

This is a general question not specific to MTN currently I am with Vodacom but MTN seems more dependable in my area.

My contract is up, I have bought a Iphone 6 cash so I am not concerned with upgrading, currently I use around R1700 a month on my contract. This month cost me just over R2500.

In a recent discussion with a Vodacom call centre agent he recommended I move my line to prepaid as I can save a fair amount every month, he was very convincing so hence my question.

Who to go with? I am leaning towards the MTN Sky package at R999 prepaid and then loading a Afrihost data bundle on the sim, I shoudl be all in at R1200 with unlimited calls and a couple gb of data.

Any recommendations? I may be travelling across the border, is prepaid limiting for roaming?

For that usage you should get the MTN Sky contract. Unlimited calls for like R1299 a month if you don't take a phone.

Also you get unlimited SMS and like 10GBs of data.



https://shop.mtn.co.za/crs/siteInfo...readcrumb=Contracts&siteInformation=contracts

 

[Chevron]

In a recent discussion with a Vodacom call centre agent he recommended I move my line to prepaid as I can save a fair amount every month, he was very convincing so hence my question.

Who to go with? I am leaning towards the MTN Sky package at R999 prepaid and then loading a Afrihost data bundle on the sim, I shoudl be all in at R1200 with unlimited calls and a couple gb of data.

Sky already comes with 10GBs of data.

https://www.mtn.co.za/pages/website_legal.aspx?termsID=352

 

[wmurray]

Sky already comes with 10GBs of data.

https://www.mtn.co.za/pages/website_legal.aspx?termsID=352

That is for contract packages I believe, MTN quoted 1gb data on the MTN Sky 30day prepaid package hence me considering an alternative for data as MTN seem expensive for prepaid data.

I really dont want to be tied up to a contract anymore, all service providers seem to lack on the customer services department and after sales service so I would prefer having the option to port my number when needed.

The roaming is a potential problem though, I suppose I could move across to a contract at anytime should the roaming become a need.

Thank for the input

 

[wmurray]

I see that MTN does offer International calling etc... on normal prepaid packages, I suppose I can simply load normal prepaid to enable international roaming when I am overseas rather the the Sky bundle that does not offer international roaming?

 

[cavedog]

I can not comment on the roaming part because I never used it but I can say it might not be wise to take a "unlimited" calls package with any of the service providers.

These unlimited calls packages including the sky unlimited package does not include calls to 086 and other 'special' numbers.

Should you for example have to call a insurance company on a 086 number you will get billed extra for that.

I think prepaid is the way to go if the roaming is not a problem. On MTN prepaid with the 79c a minute to any network any time and calling 086 is also 79c charged from your airtime. You get free on net calls with MTN WoW bonus daily so that is a benefit you won't get with a contract

Just some advice here. You won't save s**t on Vodacom prepaid. It is expensive and their 79c rate is just only a promo and their data is expensive.

Your best bet is:

1. MTN prepaid on MTN pay per second price plan.
2. Telkom prepaid internet staterpack on sim sonke price plan
3. Cellc prepaid on 66c per minute price plan
3. Virgin Mobile prepaid on 1,2 Free minute price plan

Cellc is the cheapest with prepaid calls now on that price plan. Not the best data speeds I would go as far as to say the slowest of all networks in general. Charge premium rated rates to 086 and 0800 numbers! Has a price increase happening end of January 2015

1 more thing that makes prepaid nice is that you can switch providers every 60days and keep your number so you are never really locked to a provider.

 

[maumau]

Good advice there Cavedog, nicely summarised. Tks

 

[wmurray]

Than @Cavedog that is the type of information I am looking for

 

[whatwhat]

The only option is MTN.

Cell C is too flaky in data and voice, and Telkom Mobile seem to be having a lot of issues as well on the voice part.

 

[cavedog]

Than @Cavedog that is the type of information I am looking for

Cool I am very obsessed if I can put it like that when it comes to mobile networks. I make it my business to research prices and promo's so when it comes to prices and value for money I know my stuff.

You won't be making a financial mistake when going prepaid. You just need to weigh up the options and how it will suit you in terms of roaming and coverage because I can't comment on that.