MTN launches 3G Service
MTN sees their new 3G service as a firm competitor in the broadband arena. One of their main aims is to connect the masses and deliver these services at a low cost.
MTN’s focus lies heavily on connecting through handsets as most subscribers already have handsets and it makes sense to use a medium that the user is familiar with.
There are four 3G enabled handsets: the Nokia 6680, Motorola V975, Samsung Z130 and Sony Ericsson Z800i and both pre- and postpaid subscribers can connect to the network with the 3G compliant handsets.
MTN currently offer 1Gig for R499 per month. One megabyte of data will cost R2 but by loading any one of the bolt-on bundles subscribers can pay as little as R0.49 per megabyte.
This pricing may deter most the high capacity users.
MTN have chosen a ‘pay for what you use’ package as opposed to an ‘all you can eat’ strategy as this will allow MTN to provide the maximum speed to all subscribers at all times. It will also work out to be more cost effective.
Videocalls will be free for the first 3 months and thereafter the cost is R2.00 for postpaid and R3.00 for prepaid subscribers. Unfortunately, users will not be able as yet to make videocalls between the 3G and MTN network.
Customers have the opportunity to upgrade their handsets and can opt for various bolt-on data bundles. There is also the CorporateMobility package tailored to meet the needs of the corporate and SME segments.
Phumlanie Moholi, Chief Technical Officer of MTN South Africa, stated that “ MTN remains committed to providing its customers with a seamless broadband experience by further investing in its network and developing tailor-made wireless broadband solutions for customers in both rural and urban areas.”
MTN’s 3G service will initially be available in Johannesburg, Midrand, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.
MTN plans to hold trials for their HSDPA network in the second half of the year but were unable to provide specifics regarding the launch of this service.
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