8ta, South Africa’s newest mobile operator, today launched a low cost mobile broadband data offering, for entry level Internet users at an event held in Soweto, Johannesburg.
8ta customers may now purchase a ‘Go Big’ 10GB (Gigabyte) data bundle at R199 per month with the option of an additional 10GB midnight surfer (12am – 5am) data bundle at R100 per month. In total, Internet users can purchase 20GB of data for R299.
“This is the lowest mobile broadband rate available in South Africa,” says Amith Maharaj, Managing Executive for Telkom Mobile.
“Most people are using data with about 40% of people using it at home, 25% at work and 35% on the move,” says Maharaj.
Maharaj says online video is becoming a key download component and is driving the demand for data.
The new data offering will be available from 26 June 2011 at all 8ta stores around the country.
Internet barriers
Maharaj is confident that the new data offering will break SA’s Internet usage barriers.
“Customers are complaining about pricing and the relevance of technology products. Most people don’t understand what data is- especially the entry-level users.
The plan is to get people to experience the power of the Internet,” says Maharaj.
National rollout
Speaking after the launch, Maharaj said 8ta plans to showcase its new flagship stores and continue investing in Soweto.
About 4000 local store owners in Soweto have been trained on 8ta products and their shops have been branded with the 8ta logo.
Bontle Moeng – ITNewsAfrica Online Editor
….and it’s on contract!. It’s as good as grabbing one of their Blackberry “deals!” – slick marketing. I’m starting to think maybe data doesn’t cost these network operators nothing.. more like same network to network calls. They r just giving us a hard time while making money out of it (.)!
Would like more info on your latest pre- paid offering for R1800.00 once off.