Telkom has recently launched its ‘3G Festive Deals’, slashing the price of its 3G\/HSDPA modems in a move which is likely aimed at improving the take-up of its mobile data products. Telkom launched its ‘Do 3G on the move’ service in late 2008, and despite undercutting Vodacom and MTN on price it has only signed up around 9,000 subscribers to date.<\/p>\n
The modems on offer are a combination of older and new generation Huawei devices, and this festive season sale is likely aimed at introducing consumers to Telkom’s new HSPA mobile network. Telkom’s Huawei based 3G network is 7.2 Mbps HSDPA and HSUPA capable, and outperformed both Vodacom and MTN’s mobile broadband services in recent testing. <\/p>\n
Telkom has reduced the price of its Huawei E220 modem from R1,268.14 to R581.23, and is offering this modem to 24 month contract subscribers at R29.58 per month. Telkom has reduced the price of its Huawei E960 Gateway from R2,324.92 to R929.97 – or R47.33 per month on a 24 month contract.<\/p>\n
Telkom is also offering the new Huawei E180 modem, which is HSDPA and HSUPA capable, at R 823.11 per month, down from the usual R 1843.49. This device is available on a 24 month contract at R 41.89 per month.<\/p>\n
Telkom has recently said that it will have a strong focus on mobile services going forward, and the company has already shown that it is willing to compete on price. Telkom CEO Reuben September has also indicated that consumers can expect a bundled ‘fixed\/mobile’ broadband offering from the company, something which is likely to provide a better value proposition than the loose standing components.<\/p>\n