Uncapped mobile data contracts - This is what operators say

Hanno Labuschagne

Hanno Labuschagne

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Uncapped mobile data contracts - This is what operators say

Rain recently launched its Uncapped 4G for Phones bundle, which provides customers with unlimited 4G data at R379 per month on a month-to-month contract.

However, this contract with some restrictions. You can only stream in up to 360p, you cannot use your phone as a hotspot, and the bundle only works on 4G phones.

This bundle is a step up from Rain's famous 19-hour uncapped bundles, which cost R250 per month and give users access to uncapped data except between 18:00 and 23:00.
 
What are they going to use as a reason to cry about when more spectrum is released?
Our networks are going to hold out on giving real data allowances for as long as possible, its so much easier to rake in money with the current meager offerings.
 

What Is 4G LTE?​

Short for “Long Term Evolution”, 4G LTE is similar to the "S" series of iPhones. It is an improvement over its predecessor, but not substantial enough to qualify as a new generation. Think of 4G LTE as "3G S". It is a clever workaround that allows cellular networks to advertise 4G speeds, without reaching the minimum standards set by the ITU-R.

While 4G LTE is a major improvement over 3G speeds, it is technically not 4G. However, most cellular carriers now advertise their networks as 4G LTE, because it sounds the same as 4G (or even better). In some cases, your phone may even display 4G LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced), which is even closer to proper 4G. This is the cutting edge of consumer cell phone technology.

4G Vs. LTE.​

In laymans terms, the difference between 4G and LTE is that 4G is faster than LTE. The reason for this is that 4G meets the technical standards designated for it whereas LTE data transfer speed standard is merely a stopgap measure standard devised until actual 4G speed is realized.

Can the average consumer tell the difference between 4G and LTE? In most cases, the download speed is comparable unless you reside in a major city. As cellular carriers continue to update their LTE networks, they have closed the gap between LTE and "real 4G". This is especially true with LTE-A, which is currently the fastest option available."

So as always here in South Africa and the world, us as consumers as getting screwed, while the cell guys are making a fortune.

And for the love of Cthulhu, why this constant desire to provide the latest technological speeds, but subject us to decade old billing standards based off their standpoint that bandwidth is as scant a resource such as water on the moon.

Why not cap 4G LTE at 10meg speeds, but TRUE uncapped data usage. For say R600 per month. AND let us hotspot the device?
This is logical and goes waaaaay back to when ADSL started here in SA, and we begged Telkom to offer an ADSL data uncapped - but speed capped at 4 meg/s - product for R600 to R900 per month.

Implement such a solution and you can sign up most of the population.
 
We need disruption in the wireless space the way we had Vumatel/Openserve in the fixed line space. Rain is a Vodacom puppet, according to their annual financials and integrated report. Rats pushed back their eSIM support under Vodacom's suggestion.
 
I recon the networks are spending more money on billing on data usage, than it would cost to simply provide uncapped packages.

1mbit = R200pm
2mbit = R300pm
5mbit = R400pm
10mbit = R600pm
Etc.

Get rid of the entire billing infrastructure.

But they won't, because they make far too much money from background data usage and OOB.
 
MTN said it currently offers the MTN Sky Black plan, which is a mobile plan that includes uncapped data.
Click to expand...
At R1999 per month for 24 months, MTN must be looking for the sky up its arse. Also reminds me of a TV series called Dark Skies.

Cell C explained that its product offerings are informed by consumer insights into market demands. Currently, she said that Cell C customers see value in buying fixed value bundles at the right prices.
Click to expand...
That sounds a bit arse about face, surely it is Cell C that should have insights into what consumers need?

Is Cell C identifying as female today, or was Cell C's gender assumed?

“This may include uncapped bundles in the future as well as single URL bundles to enjoy specific content services,” said Cell C.
Click to expand...
Like cellc.co.za, I'm sure that will be very popular. The trend should be to move away from data bundles that restrict usage to specific service (like WhatsApp only bundles), allow people to do more instead of less.

“Another option is to relook the pricing of our portfolio of large bundles as we get incremental capacity through additional spectrum.”
Click to expand...
Has Cell C abandoned its plans to become an MVNO on a competing network (why would Cell C need more spectrum as a super lousy MVNO)?

Presumably Telkom has locked itself away in its safe place and will only reply to MyBB in 2021.
 
I don't get this whole Uncapped 4G for Phones bundle, even at its current R299 a month. No tethering, crippled streaming - how much data are people using on this? Surely Telkom's R249 for 20gb or R359 for 40gb would be a better deal?
 
Saffer mobile ISPs have latched onto something that Government is useless at, and is conveniently sticking to that. I would have done the same if I was making so much money.
 
Rain is basically a budget sub-brand of Vodacon with service so bad they ask their clients to cancel when you attempt to contact retentions. Teething pains aside they sold out.
 
Sapphiron said:
I recon the networks are spending more money on billing on data usage, than it would cost to simply provide uncapped packages.

1mbit = R200pm
2mbit = R300pm
5mbit = R400pm
10mbit = R600pm
Etc.

Get rid of the entire billing infrastructure.

But they won't, because they make far too much money from background data usage and OOB.
Click to expand...

Till you get some guy taking them to court or wherever for fake advertising cause he is paying R600 and only getting 5mbps as his house because there are trees/tall building in the way or he is just too far from the nearest tower. Mobile data is just not suitable for that model except maybe the lowest speeds.
 
A year ago in Malaysia I got mobile uncapped, no restrictions, for 30MYR, approx 100ZAR at that time.
 
markings said:
A year ago in Malaysia I got herpes from a street hooker I hired for the evening for 30MYR, approx 100ZAR at that time.
Click to expand...

Their wireless infrastructure is many years ahead of ours; mostly because our Minister of Telecoms is an ANC muppet with no agenda other than wanting to extend her term
 
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