New Vodacom wholesale service on the cards

Vodacom said that it supports the wholesale mobile data model, and is developing a new commercial proposition in this arena.

In recent months, Afrihost and MWEB launched their own mobile data products, using wholesale data products from MTN and Cell C respectively.

Vodacom is widely seen as having the best mobile data network in the country, and with its superior quality it raised questions as to why ISPs like MWEB and Afrihost did not use Vodacom.

Industry speculation suggests that Vodacom is a difficult company to negotiate with when trying to reach a mutually beneficial deal.

Another industry player said that Vodacom has the view that a competitive wholesale data product would compete against its own products.

However, Vodacom disputed this view. “We’re supportive of the wholesale model and are developing a new commercial proposition,” said Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman.

It is not clear when this new product will be launched or the value it will offer service providers.

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