MTN's latest smartphone Internet services offering has been met with scepticism and disapproval by volume-driven mobile Internet users, who are always on the lookout for the best data deals on offer.
Yesterday, MTN announced an addition to its portfolio of mobile data products - flat-rated smartphone data packages, which the cellular operator says are similar to the BlackBerry Internet services (BIS) and are targeted at entry-level smartphone users.
BIS has proven popular in SA, and other emerging markets, due to the once-off monthly payment of R59 that allows BlackBerry users to browse the Web, connect to social media and other applications and access e-mail via their device, without limitations.
MTN's latest deals, which range from R29 to R49 per service, which can be once-off or recurring monthly, all carry a 75MB fair-use limit. The company says it has teamed up with Apple, Nokia and Opera Mini to “encourage optimal usage of the smartphone functionality”, including social networking and Internet browsing.
The four deals include the Nokia Smartphone Pro and MTN Smartphone Pro Service, both for R49 and subject to 50c out-of-fair-use rates; the MTN Social Networking Service for R29, with a 65c out-of-fair-use rate; and the MTN Opera Mini Internet Service for R35, with a 50c out-of-fair-use rate.
Chief marketing officer of MTN SA Serame Taukobong says the services were introduced following an increased demand for smartphones. “As such, MTN has introduced services designed for specific smartphone functions... This means that customers get BlackBerry BIS benefits with any smartphone, allowing MTN customers to make their social circles bigger.”
Dastardly deal?
Sentiments expressed via online forums, however, are full of frustration and misgiving, rather than gratitude for the new Internet services deals, with some calling MTN's latest deal “a joke”.
One smartphone user posted: “Anyone seen this. What a joke! These bundles are beyond useless. I can easily use 75MB in a day. April fools came early this year! (sic)” Some question how these services can be compared to flat-rate, uncapped BIS, considering they carry fair-use rates, while others assert that the deal is “just more of the same” and an “overpriced” ruse.
In response, MTN says the offer allows smartphone users to “mix and match services to cater for any communication requirement” and the company's aim is to offer more intuitive services that are easy to understand. In addition, says MTN, customers using the smartphone service will be connected to the highest Internet speed available, depending on their device and the network capacity and capability.
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