Vodacom chases MTN’s speedy data
Vodacom is aggressively driving mobile-data connections with the latest move of offering a free upgraded high-speed internet service to existing subscribers for three months.
Vodacom’s move follows that of rival MTN, which last week also announced that it would offer higher-speed data at selected locations in metropolitan areas at no extra charge.
Vodacom said yesterday this move would allow customers to access the fastest mobile broadband connection through which they hoped to attract new data customers.
The cellphone network operator’s customers who have devices such as the Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem, will be able to add the new service – high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) 3.6 megabits per second (Mbps) – to existing data tariff packages.
HSDPA is a third generation (3G) mobile telephony protocol which offers increased data transfer speeds and capacity.
Arthur Goldstuck, managing director of research firm World Wide Worx, said the expected move by operators was unlikely to “shift the market” but would improve services for existing customers and also be a motivation for people who were considering buying 3G/HSDPA cards.
Rudolf Muller, of consumer activist group MyADSL, said it was encouraging that both MTN and Vodacom were providing consumers with services matching that of world leading telecoms companies. However, the cost might result in many users opting for the slower 1.8 Mbps option, he said.
“Our current broadband market is still very price sensitive, and … price remains the number one consideration among consumers when selecting a broadband service,” said Muller.
Business Report
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