Vodacom CEO explains why mobile data expires

[jannievanzyl]

The same way it doesn't take a network specialist to note that something is off when over a dozen networks have switched off 2G in countries with a lot more infrastructure to accommodate yet Vodacom can't seem to manage it.

All I can say is that we're clearly not that clever and can do with your expertise. I've explained at length why it's not so easy but you just refuse to accept my explanations.

We desperately need you to come fix this for us.

 

[Johnatan56]

There's your business opportunity then. Bring them in and sell them to the local market.

Seriously. You should give it a shot. There's a market opportunity of 20 million or more for 4G phones.

I have no interest in selling hardware, thought you as Vodacom would be looking into it as it's part of your business strategy.
I was just giving an example in regards to what you're saying being a bit off/outdated, which is weird considering that you're the CTO of Vodacom, so I'd have thought e.g. drops in pricing for more advanced phones that you can sell would be one of the things you'd get your PA/researches to inform you of.

 

[ekske1]

What Shameel was talking about is pricing, not expiry.

Data bundles expire because it's a service, not a physical product.

Milk, petrol, etc. are all physical products and don't expire. Once you bought it, you take it home and consume it at your leasure.

Access to a data network is a service, just like you pay for access to a gym, DSTV, etc.

I've been saying on this forum for many years, the first person that can turn data into a physical product you can buy and take home for later consumption will win the Nobel prize for Physics.

Actually milk does expire

All I can say is that we're clearly not that clever and can do with your expertise. I've explained at length why it's not so easy but you just refuse to accept my explanations. We desperately need you to come fix this for us.

Wonder how many smart readers and alike devices rsa got stuck on 2G...

 

[RedViking]

People don't get it. If data doesn't expire it will be MUCH more expensive. These thieves rely on people not using all the data to keep the price average and profit high. I don't care if data expires, but they CAN bring the price down and lower their proffits.

 

[jannievanzyl]

Actually milk does expire

Yes, wiseass, you know what I mean.

Wonder how many smart readers and alike devices rsa got stuck on 2G...

It's a HUGE problem. We have literally millions of 4G-capable devices (in 4G-coverage) camping on 3G. We've been trying to get these users to move to 4G as it'll clearly give a better experience but they keep on switching back to 3G. You'l notice we've launched a number of campaigns to explain why they should switch to 4G.

 

[jannievanzyl]

I have no interest in selling hardware, thought you as Vodacom would be looking into it as it's part of your business strategy.
I was just giving an example in regards to what you're saying being a bit off/outdated, which is weird considering that you're the CTO of Vodacom, so I'd have thought e.g. drops in pricing for more advanced phones that you can sell would be one of the things you'd get your PA/researches to inform you of.

It's kinda Economics-101 that the cheaper the handset, the more service you'll sell, right?

So, why would MNOs - around the world - NOT try and bring down handset prices?

 

[Johnatan56]

It's kinda Economics-101 that the cheaper the handset, the more service you'll sell, right?

So, why would MNOs - around the world - NOT try and bring down handset prices?

If you're asking US and EU, it's because in those countries they earn substantially more money.
If you're asking in regards to India, well, https://www.91mobiles.com/list-of-phones/volte-phones-in-india

Which is about R300.
For AT&T US: https://www.att.com/cellphones/att/cingular-flip-2.html#sku=sku8360423 which has VoLTE support, though that's at about R900 currently.

So I am really unsure of what point you're trying to make.
In regards to finding the equivalent on the Vodacom site, I gave up.
Especially after this:

4GB RAM, seriously? It's storage or maybe ROM, with the where it says ROM being RAM. This is your own, branded product on your own web page.
No VoLTE support, yet 90*12 = 1080, which matches the price of the AT&T device.

 

[Swa]

With all the might of the Vodafone group, we've not managed to get a 3G or 4G phone at the same price points.

You agree it's beneficial to everyone, right? Get everyone onto 4G and everyone - especially the MNOs - benefit.

So why would the MNOs not do it?

It does beg the question now doesn't it? Drive down the price of a R200 phone but can't do so for a R1000 one.

All I can say is that we're clearly not that clever and can do with your expertise. I've explained at length why it's not so easy but you just refuse to accept my explanations.

We desperately need you to come fix this for us.

We're going around in circles.

Yes, wiseass, you know what I mean.

It's a HUGE problem. We have literally millions of 4G-capable devices (in 4G-coverage) camping on 3G. We've been trying to get these users to move to 4G as it'll clearly give a better experience but they keep on switching back to 3G. You'l notice we've launched a number of campaigns to explain why they should switch to 4G.

Maybe campaigns aren't the problem. No reason to move to poor coverage when the price is the same. I was on 2G only for some time and even now it seems to default to 2G or there's bad 3G. You may think the 4G coverage is there but it may not be the case. It's the same situation I was explaining just yesterday to someone that claimed there's no money to be made from Linux gaming. Problem is most are not using Linux because of poor support, and most publishers aren't catering for Linux because of perceived poor demand. It's a situation that isn't going to change until there's good support and only one party can change that.

Either give some more value for money or better support. There's currently no reason for using poorly covered 4G when the coverage for 3G is better. I also see devices are a bit lacking in the forcing 4G department.

 

[whatwhat]

Why not just do what VodaFone in Aus did and and say goodbye to 2G - https://www.vodafone.com.au/red-wire/goodbye-to-2g

While it is a noble gesture to keep people connected with 2G, the reality is you cannot hold back a country's technology path because of people that cannot afford a R300 phone. Just turn off the network and give all those 2G people a MTN sim - make it their problem to sort out.

/sarcasm

 

[jannievanzyl]

While it is a noble gesture to keep people connected with 2G, the reality is you cannot hold back a country's technology path because of people that cannot afford a R300 phone. Just turn off the network and give all those 2G people a MTN sim - make it their problem to sort out.

/sarcasm

Man, so with you on that one.
.
Suspect government will have a different view, unfortunately.
.
BTW, this is one of the huge advantages Rain's got. None of those historic/regulatory shackles. Nice to start in the game with a pure IP, LTE network and no obligations.

/now they must just figure out a small block of spectrum is not infinite in capacity.

 

[Mrlepen]

The way you defend Vodacom they must give you bonus December is coming boss bonus season.

Man, so with you on that one.
.
Suspect government will have a different view, unfortunately.
.
BTW, this is one of the huge advantages Rain's got. None of those historic/regulatory shackles. Nice to start in the game with a pure IP, LTE network and no obligations.

/now they must just figure out a small block of spectrum is not infinite in capacity.

 

[BeerIsNotGood...]

What Shameel was talking about is pricing, not expiry.

Data bundles expire because it's a service, not a physical product.

Milk, petrol, etc. are all physical products and don't expire. Once you bought it, you take it home and consume it at your leasure.

Access to a data network is a service, just like you pay for access to a gym, DSTV, etc.

I've been saying on this forum for many years, the first person that can turn data into a physical product you can buy and take home for later consumption will win the Nobel prize for Physics.

Because giving the option to pay more for non expiry data is just rocket science

 

[Swa]

Man, so with you on that one.
.
Suspect government will have a different view, unfortunately.
.
BTW, this is one of the huge advantages Rain's got. None of those historic/regulatory shackles. Nice to start in the game with a pure IP, LTE network and no obligations.

/now they must just figure out a small block of spectrum is not infinite in capacity.

Unsustainable?

 

[jannievanzyl]

Unsustainable?

Uncapped? - yes - if they want to grow.

They'll have to relook at the commercial constructs, likely more realistic FUPs. Or get lots more money or lots more spectrum.

 

[jannievanzyl]

Because giving the option to pay more for non expiry data is just rocket science

I actually built a product like that a few years ago. Not sure if it's still around.

Any validity or roll-over period is possible. It's just a matter of the commercials.

Most people are used to monthly fees, thus it's the default in nearly any service-based product. You get paid monthly and you buy your services per month.

 

[ArtyLoop]

I actually built a product like that a few years ago. Not sure if it's still around.

Any validity or roll-over period is possible. It's just a matter of the commercials.

Most people are used to monthly fees, thus it's the default in nearly any service-based product. You get paid monthly and you buy your services per month.

Of course it is... its a matter of the corporate greed.
Easier to just make stuff expire, so that the plebs can spend more money which they don't actually have in a deadpan economic environment, and the cycle ensures a new Mercedes and bonus. Other companies don't let data expire.. yet they seem to be a sustainable business. Good lord I am glad I am not a Vodacom subscriber.

 

[Swa]

Uncapped? - yes - if they want to grow.

They'll have to relook at the commercial constructs, likely more realistic FUPs. Or get lots more money or lots more spectrum.

LOL

I actually built a product like that a few years ago. Not sure if it's still around.

Any validity or roll-over period is possible. It's just a matter of the commercials.

Most people are used to monthly fees, thus it's the default in nearly any service-based product. You get paid monthly and you buy your services per month.

You'll have to refresh my memory, can't remember anything from Vodacom that didn't expire. Extending rollover doesn't count.

 

[Thor]

I have this funny feeling that telkom mobile will be the first Telco to pioneer this space with a none expiry data plan and prepared bundles.

 

[Swa]

I have this funny feeling that telkom mobile will be the first Telco to pioneer this space with a none expiry data plan and prepared bundles.

For once I agree with you. Either them or Cell C.

 

[Mrlepen]

Vodacom is like the ruling party don't like change and honesty