Mobile operator Cell C has urged fast food franchise Nando's to offer “Speedchicken” in response to a controversial spoof advert on the operator's recent “Customer Experience Officer” campaign.
Earlier this year, the operator unveiled a new corporate identity, which involved an advertising campaign to promote its new HSPA+ network. Cell C appointed South African comedian Trevor Noah as its brand ambassador.
The operator's bold move came under fire as some customers felt “set up” by the entire campaign, arguing that Cell C was making a joke out of its customers' complaints.
Shortly after the unveiling of the new corporate identity, Cell C's new logo got provisionally rejected by the registrar of trademarks.
Most recently, the operator's reference to its 4Gs network has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. The authority found the term to be misleading in relation to network technicalities; however, Cell C argued that it was meant to be used as a marketing term: “4 great speed and 4 great service”.
Hoping to ride in the limelight of this controversy, the new Nando's advert pokes fun at the operator's campaign, by introducing a “Chicken Experience Officer” responsible for ensuring that Nando's keeps up service levels and delivers quality food.
The fast food franchise also poked fun at Cell C's recent 4Gs debacle by introducing its 5Gs special, which offers “5 great sauces”.
In response, Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt is arranging for the delivery of two of its new 21.6Mbps USB speedsticks with 60GB of data to the marketing director and CEO of Nando's.
"I trust that the Nando's executives will enjoy their new super-fast Internet connection and that they will consider adding 'Speedchicken' to their menu,” he suggests.
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