As Vodacom announced a free swap for its 3G subscribers who wish to upgrade to high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) cards, a nationwide shortage of HSDPA cards throughout Vodashop outlets has been revealed.
The manager of the Woodmead Vodashop says her branch has a waiting list for HSDPA cards of about 30 people, while Sandton City has 20 waiting, according to the manager.
In the Western Cape, 30 people are waiting for cards to be upgraded at the TygerValley Vodashop. "We have had probably another 30 who want the cards but have not put their name on the list because they are not willing to wait," says the branch manager.
The Century City Canal Walk Vodashop manager has "over 20 people waiting for cards". None of the managers that ITWeb spoke to wished to be named.
All outlets contacted say the pattern is repeated throughout stores in SA.
However, Vodaworld Midrand sales consultant Kyle Smith says his branch still has HSDPA cards available. "We currently have 291 in stock - we are the only store in the whole of Gauteng that has stock, as far as I know."
While a source at Vodacom says the next shipment of cards should arrive by the middle of next week, the company declined to comment officially on the shortages at the time of publication.
Related story:
Vodacom cuts 3G prices
Related press release:
Vodacom announces free 3G HSDPA upgrades
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