Vodacom to Cell-C calls "Off Net" ???

[VC-1]

I have always wondered about this strange phenomenon with the RSA cellular network operators, particularly Vodacom and Cell – C relationship. If the definition of “Roaming” means that the caller is using another network other than his own, accordingly Cell- C is “Roaming” on the Vodacom network in areas where they have no coverage.

Now to my 1st question: Why does a Vodacom customer using his/her own network to call someone on Cell-C have to pay “Off Net” call charges when Cell-C is “Roaming” on the Vodacom Network?

My 2nd question: Why does a Vodacom customer using his/her own network to call someone on Virgin Active have to pay “Off Net” call charges when Virgin Active is “Roaming” on the Cell-C Network who intern is “Roaming” on Vodacom’s network?

I can fully understand why Vodacom calling MTN have to pay “Off net” charges as MTN has it’s own network of towers as opposed to Cell-C having limited coverage and Virgin Active having none.

Having tried Vodacom for an intelligent answer without the “Smoke and Mirror” type of reply lets put this one to the forum.

 

[drukkie]

Howzit...
1.Although the subscriber is roaming on the vodacom network, Cellc still has to pay interconnect fees. These fees are very high (Vodacom and MTN are coining it because 80% of cellc calls are to these operators) but cellc is fighting with ICASA to lower these cost to increase competitiveness.

2.Same rule applies here...

As for the Virgin to CellC calls...These guys are struggling to get market share in a very competitive and highly regulated industry...they prob need to make some money too?

Hope this clears up things.