Why cellphone companies suck

[TheCynick]

It's quite a simple thing, but I have never considered it before...now I see what ICASA and others are on about.

I'm out of contract with my provider, and have migrated downward to a package that has a rate of R135 per month. But I can get the same package at a rate of R49 per month...if I sign another 24 month contract. Now I know all of you out there are screaming "wait a few months until number portability arrives", but quite frankly the R86 difference per month is a useful way to cross-subsidise my ADSL at home (it pays most of the usless Telkom voice line rental, for example).

Cell C could say "here, sign up for value chat" but it costs the same as the above package, and there are no inclusive minutes.

It's utterly, utterly perverse. And wrong in so many ways.

 

[andres101]

worst is that you will sign up for this contract and then in two months time you can get the same contract for even less.

 

[mancombseepgood]

Always better to shop around at contract end... they must all whistle for your business - don't take any quick "upgrades" they offer... let it finish, then see who whistles the loudest... as for number portability - I think one of the quickest things in the world is the speed at which people get your new cell number.

 

[TheCynick]

Always better to shop around at contract end... they must all whistle for your business - don't take any quick "upgrades" they offer... let it finish, then see who whistles the loudest... as for number portability - I think one of the quickest things in the world is the speed at which people get your new cell number.

Agreed. I have fought (and ultimately lost) a battle to do the whole MTN "change providers, keep your number thing" and will now leave on a point of principle. Rowr.