Comments on: It’s official! MTN gets the iPhone

By: Sean_O

Sean_O — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 07:52:22 +0000

Went to the launch lastnight, not much has changed. it looks the same. With all the problems with the software and hardware, SA might just be the perfect dumping ground for this overated device and die hard iPhone users. Do not be suprised if there is a additional user manual on how to hold the device to make a call. It seems one would be better off purchasing the Nokia N8 or the Samsung galaxy or Wave 8500 with their 1 GB processor and awesome screen resolution. There are much better smart phones out there than the iPhone.

By: Seano

Seano — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:49:02 +0000

Spoke to MTN staff today. Just some insight:
I have 2 ProCall 150 packages with them, that I’ve had for 4 years each. Both are ready to be upgraded, which I’ve held back for 3 months coz of the rumors of the iPhone 4 on MTN. I needed an iPhone so badly that last year I bought one cash from Vodacom, and shoved one of my MTN simcards straight in it.
Anyway.. I explained all of this to the MTN rep, and asked if I could get put on a “waiting list/pre-order” doc to be called for my upgrade, as a loyal customer wanting to do 2 upgrades. He then tells me that there’s no way he can do it. His supervisor, over-hearing the convo, comes by and says.. “Right his name in the book”, and leaves. So he does this, and then says “But there’s no guarantee we will call you”.
I asked about pricing, he has no idea. I ask about launch, guess what he says..?
“It’s launching in September but you wont be able to use it until November or December, because we havent yet tested the micro-sim card”. You have GOT to be kidding me. I hope this dude is either dumb, or high. For his sake. Because if MTN launches a phone that cannot be used, moreover a freakin expensive phone that cannot be used, it’ll be a fail of epic proportions.
Expect R389ish p/m on a 16GB model, maybe closer to R500 for the 32GB model.

By: Gerhard

Gerhard — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:21:09 +0000

Hopefully the iPhone will be more affordable now that Vodacom lost its exclusivity.

By: LG

LG — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Finally! I have the unlocked 2G iphone….and due for an upgrade with MTN….wish they wld hurry the f up and offer it already! My crcked 2G fone works better on mtn than my friends 3G with Vodacom. But all the providers offer crap service by default

By: aslam levy

aslam levy — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:15:25 +0000

I think Vodacoms experience in having the phone for 2 years on their network will give them a slight advantage.

Interested to see who is first to Market though…

By: adiel

adiel — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:55:34 +0000

iPhone4 announced in June, here in September
iPad announced in Jan, here in ??????

Core owns distribution rights for Apple products in SA from what I understand, but NOT the iPhone. Is that right?

By: Leticia

Leticia — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:22:35 +0000

I won’t get an iPhone again. It’s a nice toy to play with but not worth the price. I ended up using my Nokia E72 more and passing the phone to my 5 year old daughter. It only makes sense to get an iPod touch and a real phone with good call quality.

By: alan

alan — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:08:21 +0000

The antenna is only a problem if you have bad reception like AT&T in the US. You’ll not even notice it in SA.

By: nicolascallegari

nicolascallegari — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:58:42 +0000

@craig – I left MTN because they were an arrogant bunch of morons who didn’t value my business or understand the notion of customer service. But I’ve learned that they’re no different to Vodacom or Virgin Mobile either so now it’s just down to price. If MTN can undercut Vodacom, I’ll port my number.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:52:33 +0000

The question is… which network will best cope with the iPhone4′s little antenna problem.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:32:58 +0000

This is a very good reason to move back to MTN. I originally left because Vodacom had the iPhone but they don’t actually have a network that can support calls or data