Second cellphone operator MTN's new international roaming tariffs - for both voice and data - have come into effect.
This follows an announcement at the beginning of last month that the operator would launch cheaper rates for certain African countries.
MTN says the reduction of rates reflects its commitment to promoting cost-efficient communications. “One of the biggest challenges to consumers when they travel abroad is the cost of roaming services and an overwhelming phone bill when they return back home,” says Serame Taukobong, chief marketing officer at MTN SA.
Taukobong says MTN SA has worked “tirelessly with Europe and Southern African Development Community operators to provide cheaper and more convenient roaming options throughout these regions.
In 2011, says MTN, more than five-and-a-half million South Africans departed from the country by air, land and sea. “This figure is expected to increase year-on-year, which means that the demand for roaming services will continue to soar.”
MTN says its customers in Africa will not be charged for receiving calls, while roaming in the MTN SEA region and they are able to recharge using foreign currency, while using their South African MTN SIM card seamlessly. Reduced call rates apply to MTN PayAsYouGo and TopUP subscribers, while contract customers now get reduced call and data rates.
MTN's announcement of imminent reduced roaming costs on 4 April followed closely after Vodacom announced new flat rate fees and a reduction of over 70% in roaming data fees for six African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Roaming recommendations
MTN says subscribers should contact their service provider to activate roaming on their cellphone, at least two weeks prior to departure. “A deposit may or may not be required depending on your price plan and payment history. Note that PayAsYouGo and TopUp customers do not need to activate roaming as it is active by default.”
The operator also advises customers that, if they want to use the Internet while roaming, it is important to make sure the country visited has an MTN roaming partner with data services. “If you are going to use the Internet, please note that MTN charges for data roaming in increments of 25KB.”
TopUp and PayAsYouGo customers cannot use GPRS/3G services while roaming.
For the full list of countries, and the new discounted rates and structures, visit www.mtn.co.za.
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