The battle for bits and bytes
Broadband in South Africa has become a battleground where telecoms operators are pushing hard to gain market share in a competitive environment.
Most of South Africa’s middle class are already enjoying Internet access at work and at home, and unsurprisingly the operators are increasingly focusing on the lower end of the market to boost broadband numbers.
In the latest bid to attract new data customers, Vodacom, MTN and even Telkom are punting affordable ways to get connected.
Vodacom launched its WebBox device last week which is aimed at the ‘unconnected.’ Vodacom’s WebBox, which retails for R749, includes a 2GB SD Card, a Prepaid SIM card and 100MB of data valid for the first 3 months.
Not to be outdone, MTN is set to launch a device which has similar functionality. According to industry sources MTN will launch a rebranded Kayak phone which uses the Opera Mobile browser, promising the same browsing experience as a desktop browser, including Flash content.
Both the Vodacom and MTN devices can be used on a television, removing the need for a screen and computer and hence reducing the barrier of entry to use the Internet.
Telkom in turn is aggressively punting its Telkom SIMPLE broadband service which is bundled with a 3G modem.
The Telkom SIMPLE service offers subscribers DSL384 access, analogue line rental, free installation and ADSL modem, some free calls, a free 8.ta 3G modem and 500MB of once-off data for R349 per month.
Cell C, which shook up the local broadband market when it launched its promotional HSPA+ offerings in September last year, continues to offer subscribers the following packages:
- For R1,499 you will get a modem capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and 2GB of data every month for a period of 12 months.
- For R2,999 you will get a modem capable of speeds of up to 21.6Mbps and 5GB of data every month for a period of 12 months.
Cell C also made it clear that their aim is to get as many South Africans connected to the Internet as possible, and with plans of covering 97% of the population by the end of 2011, Cell C is starting to have a real impact on the local broadband landscape.
The battle for bits and bytes << Comments and views
Loading ...