In South Africa, Telkom Mobile today announced the launch of SIM-SONKE pre-paid tariff. The product is designed as a low-tariff offering for improved access to mobile connectivity for those living in high-density communities in urban areas.

SIM-SONKE, a per second prepaid tariff plan available exclusively on the Telkom Mobile Network. Consumers will pay 29 cents per minute on per second billing for calls to any Telkom Mobile SIM number and 75 cents per minute to any SA mobile and national land line numbers (Telkom and Neotel).
“I see this as part of fixing the mobile business… we are really rebasing the mobile proposition. The mobile team has done well. With products like these, we will greater penetration, customer adoption and acceptance. Mobile is an important part of the Telkom family,” said Sipho Maseko, Telkom Group CEO.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between mobile and fixed line business drivers.
Subscribers will be able to make free unlimited calls to other SIM-SONKE subscribers from 9pm to 6am extending the night time benefit window.
South Africans are currently grappling with a high cost of living; consumers are now paying the highest they have ever paid for petrol, which has a direct effect on public transport and food prices. Add to that the planned introduction of e-tolls in Gauteng and high telephony costs and consumers are buckling under the weight.
Attila Vitai, Telkom Mobile Managing Director said: “As the mobile division on the country’s oldest and largest telecommunications company, we believe we have a responsibility to drive the affordable telephony agenda. By introducing the SIM-SONKE pre-paid product we are able to offer a dramatically low call rate and leave the South African consumer with a little extra in their pocket.”
The launch of SIM-SONKE follows on the introduction of the pre-paid Unlimited Voice offer. As with unlimited voice this is the first prepaid voice offer of its kind in the country. “True to our strategy to shake up the voice market, we are introducing a no frills offering to address consumers’ needs for affordable voice connectivity.”
Vitai continues to say that Telkom Mobile is excited about this offering and believes that it will make a real difference in cash-strapped consumers’ lives.
Telkom Mobile is able to make this offer so attractive is the fact that it is only available on the Telkom Mobile Network. By implementing a low cost model Telkom Mobile is able to pass cost savings on to the consumer.
The SIM-SOKNE starter pack, which costs R0.99 and is available at Telkom stores and participating Shoprite Checkers stores, has two SIM cards enabling the buyer to keep one and give the other to a person that they call a lot. By sharing SIM cards and encouraging others in their personal networks to also join SIM-SONKE, customers can unearth the benefits that SIM-SONKE offers such as the free unlimited calls to other SIM-SONKE numbers.
Chris Tredger, Online Editor