Vodacom debuts uncapped call plan

The operator’s new top-end “Red” package offers unlimited calls and text messages. By Duncan McLeod.

Added by Editor on 1 March 2013.
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Shameel Joosub

Shameel Joosub

Vodacom has unveiled its first contract tariff plan that offers subscribers unlimited phone calls and text messages for a fixed monthly fee.

The new product forms part of a new portfolio called “Red”. The unlimited plan, called Red VIP, provides limitless anytime calls to any network, limitless text messages and 1,5GB of monthly data on a 24-month contract for R1 999/month.

At the same time, the mobile operator, South Africa’s largest by subscriber numbers, has introduced the Red Advantage and Red Premium contract plans. Both offer limitless text messages, while the former includes 700 anytime minutes and 700MB of data per month and the latter 1 200 anytime minutes and 1,2GB of data per month. The plans include the “latest and greatest” smartphones, Vodacom says.

The operator’s unlimited calling plan comes just months after smaller rival 8ta introduced its own promotion offering unlimited calls for a fixed monthly fee.

8ta offers a Sim-only unlimited calling plan for R1 199/month; customers wanting a smartphone — a Samsung Galaxy S3 was the only option at launch — pay R1 499/month. Unlike Vodacom’s Red VIP, 8ta’s offers, which also tie in customers to a 24-month contract, do not include bundled SMS and data.

At the same time, Vodacom has lifted the lid on refreshed “Smart” plan contract offerings, which include subsidised smartphones.

These start at R199/month for 75 anytime monthly minutes, 150 text messages and 75MB of data on the “Smart S” plan. At the top end, the “Smart XL” plan provides 400 anytime minutes, 800 text messages and 400MB of data for R699/month.

In the first two months, consumers are offered double the bundled data. Before the end of this initial period, Vodacom will contact them to tell them if they are on the right plan. The company will also offer to buy back users’ current devices, helping reduce any cost associated with their next upgrade.

The Red plans offer dedicated support through a “24/7 Red Crew” and offer 5GB of free online backup space and storage, supplied by Vodacom parent Vodafone.

Vodacom group CEO Shameel Joosub says the new contract tariff plans represent a “fundamental change” in the operator’s pricing.

“The world is moving from voice to data and we need plans that reflect this move to data,” Joosub says. “Let’s give plans that integrate voice, SMS and data and give big bundles of [these].”

Customers on other Vodacom contracts are entitled to move to the new Smart plans.  — (c) 2013 NewsCentral Media

Share this article

  • http://twitter.com/AlanAlston Alan Alston

    The world has already moved from voice to data.

    Offering unlimited voice & SMS (with a smidgen of data) at this point in time sounds almost immediately anachronistic – the offer should be unlimited data, and then as much voice and text as you use, if you use any at all..

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=767064553 Gregg Stirton

    I’m pretty sure that the same package in the UK would set you back around 40-50 quid at most.

  • http://twitter.com/dearworld_mh matome harry kgatle

    somebody feels me on this point. i mean its just another way for them to pretend to care

  • http://www.facebook.com/CReaMCoNTRoL Skye Ariel Renauld

    Just got back from Israel where unlimited calls, texts, internet, and an entry level smart phone (LG net One) will set you back roughly R200 a month.

  • http://twitter.com/scrookson Sean Crookson

    Ironically, a voice call on a digital network is already data. I think what he means is a move to internet telephony services, such as Skype.

  • Greg Mahlknecht

    Shameel Joosub pretty much admits exactly that in the article.. he says because people aren’t using voice, they can have as much as they want. That’s like an all you can eat buffet with tons of broccoli and goat ears, but only 1.5 slices of juicy bandwidth – er – beef.

    While these announcements from all the providers are nice, they really are gutless and offer discounts to a few percent of the user base. We need far more fundamental changes in pricing. As far as I’m concerned, the price war hasn’t started yet. They’re still standing on the edges of the battlefield hurling insults at each other.

  • Danie

    Here in Namibia there is a new package that gives you unlimited call, sms and data for
    N$600/m, provided you take the uncapped 3G dongle for N$400/m as well. N$1 = R1

  • TrueBiker

    The problem about greed is that you forget to look at the current trends of the world. Get with the times Vodacom and don’t waste our time with your PR unless you are actually going to offer something more current.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527737873 Vusi Sibiya

    Well put… at least it will do something to appease the contract subscribers somewhat. If we are on the verge of an all out price war then some small players need to seriously consider non- aggression treaties or an alliance to ensure survival.

  • dun

    Ridiculous offer. With cheaper data packages and VoIP smartphone applications I can call unlimited anyway for much cheaper than R1999 a month.

  • AG

    You would have to have your cell phone strapped to your ear, talk for 15 hours a day to make this offer worth while. I will just wait for cell c to make this offer look as stupid as it is.

  • MelcolmX

    Check ATT in US! $79 subscription 20mps voice and data iPhone 5up to 5 devices, as usual the SA trend lets see how many suckers are out there we can ream!

  • MelcolmX

    Just common sense! the more people that use iPhones! the more free calling you have that will definitely reverse the extortionists mentality out there! Use your iPhone anywhere on the planet! “Let it Bleed”

  • TPM2

    start leading and stop following other csp’s,,,,i am sure that people will move away from mtn and vodacom when their contracts end,,,,I moved to Cellc prepaid after more than 10 years on contract with vodacom.

  • http://twitter.com/clinteidelman Clinton Eidelman

    Hear hear Alan!

  • http://www.facebook.com/balushi.sekele Sekele Balushi

    10 times more? What is sa csps using that the rest of the world not using? R their equipment more expensive? This is bull

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