{"id":232725,"date":"2017-10-24T17:04:11","date_gmt":"2017-10-24T15:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/?p=232725"},"modified":"2017-10-25T11:52:04","modified_gmt":"2017-10-25T09:52:04","slug":"well-done-telkom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/cellular\/232725-well-done-telkom.html","title":{"rendered":"Well done Telkom"},"content":{"rendered":"

Out-of-bundle data charges are extremely expensive compared to in-bundle data rates.<\/p>\n

The high charges can quickly deplete a user’s airtime if not noticed, and a new bundle not loaded.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, most mobile\u00a0operators warn you via SMS when your data is running low – so you can prevent digging into your airtime balance.<\/p>\n

However, notifications don’t always arrive quick enough – and sometimes not at all.<\/p>\n

This leads to an obvious question: Can I turn off out-of-bundle charges by default on my cell number? The answer in most cases is no.<\/p>\n

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Telkom<\/h3>\n

By default, Telkom blocks your mobile data usage to prevent you from running into out-of-bundle charges.<\/p>\n

Once your mobile data is depleted, you will not be able to access the Internet and will be redirected to the Telkom website.<\/p>\n

Users are prompted to purchase a mobile data bundle or continue browsing and incur out-of-bundle charges.<\/p>\n

The provider will also periodically notify you via SMS as your mobile data is depleted.<\/p>\n

Telkom contract and prepaid customers are charged 29c per MB for out-of-bundle usage.<\/p>\n

\"Telkom<\/a><\/p>\n

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MTN<\/h3>\n

Update – MTN has provided comment.<\/b><\/p>\n

MTN said it notifies users when they have\u00a0consumed 50% and 90% of their data bundle.<\/p>\n

It also informs customers to\u00a0purchase data to avoid being charged out-of-bundle rates when they have depleted their bundle.<\/p>\n

MTN said it did test a cut-off solution for when a data bundle is depleted, but certain customers who were cut off in-session were unhappy.<\/p>\n

“It would not be appropriate to deny a customer access to data and we have to respect an individual\u2019s right to choose,” said MTN.<\/p>\n

“We respect this free choice by empowering our customers with information and education regarding their data usage.”<\/p>\n

MTN prepaid and standard contract customers are charged 99c per MB for OOB data usage. Contract customers with add-on bundles are charged 50c per MB.<\/p>\n

\"MTN<\/a><\/p>\n

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Vodacom<\/h3>\n

Vodacom said it notifies users when they are using airtime on out-of-bundle charges, based on their profile.<\/p>\n

“All customers receive the first out-of-bundle trigger, which is set at R10 spend,” said Vodacom.<\/p>\n

Vodacom said it will not block out-of-bundle usage by default, but does offer call limits to customers.<\/p>\n

These are:<\/p>\n