Vodacom launches prepaid offering for BlackBerry

VODACOM and Research In Motion (RIM) have launched the first prepaid offering for BlackBerry Internet Service in South Africa, affording customers the benefit of being in control of their monthly spend with an unlimited plan while enjoying the flexibility of a prepaid service option.

According to Vodacom’s chief communications officer, Dot Field, the prepaid service option enables customers to purchase a BlackBerry smart-phone and pay a fixed monthly subscription 30 days in advance by purchasing an electronic Vodacom recharge voucher for BlackBerry Internet Service.

“The subscription of only R59.00 per month entitles subscribers to send and receive unlimited email, as well as use data applications like Vodafone SatNav, Yahoo! Messenger and Facebook for BlackBerry Smart-phones, without incurring any additional data charges” said Field in a statement released on Monday.

Subscribers will also enjoy unlimited internet browsing from their BlackBerry smart-phones, as well as direct access to Vodafone live!, opening a world of information and entertainment services. For example, they can pass the time waiting for their next flight with a game of Texas Hold’em or tackle a brain-teasing puzzle while in line at the coffee shop.

Shameel Joosub, managing director, Vodacom South Africa, said: “The Vodacom Prepaid service for BlackBerry smart-phones will provide customers with the full benefits of a BlackBerry smart-phone without being tied into a contract or having to go through a credit vetting process.

“This is an ideal option for students or small business owners who would like to be able to utilise the unique features of the BlackBerry solution, including unlimited 24/7 access to email, while having complete control over their budgets,” said Joosub.

“The BlackBerry solution is a proven, best-in-class mobility tool that is popular with both business people and consumers around the world,” said Deon Liebenberg, regional director for Sub Sahara Africa at RIM.

“We are pleased to be working with Vodacom to extend the reach of the BlackBerry solution to an even wider audience in South Africa.”