Fixed-line operator Telkom has restructured its consumer fixed-line voice portfolio in what it says is a bid to “focus on simplicity, value and affordability”.
As of yesterday, says Telkom, a number of services are free of charge to postpaid voice customers, including basic voicemail, the “RingBack” feature, SpeedCall, Three-Way Calling and UrgentCall.
Telkom currently offers the CallCatcher feature, which provides an alternative to standalone products such as Call Answer, IdentiCall and WaitingCall. The CallCatcher option bundles these three value-added services in a single option.
The operator says Telkom Closer existing and new customers will now receive CallCatcher as part of their package. However, non-Closer (analogue line) postpaid customers will receive CallCatcher for a monthly subscription of R10.
Telkom's consumer division MD, Manelisa Mavuso, says the streamlining of voice products is not only aimed at creating a simpler portfolio to the company's customers, but is also intended to make the system easier for Telkom to manage.
“It is important to note that no systems, platforms or any other infrastructure will be discontinued - the focus is simply on creating value to our existing and potential customers,” adds Mavuso.
Closer calling
Telkom says it has also instituted a number of enhancements on its three Closer calling plans.
“Closer customers now have the option of adding more minutes to their monthly packages. Previously, Closer plans included free minutes to fixed Telkom numbers only. Now, for R80 more a month including VAT, customers can receive an additional 60 anytime minutes for calls to mobile and other fixed-line networks.”
In another change, a 10% discount on international calls to the top 30 fixed destinations has been extended to Closer 1 and 2 customers.
“Closer 3 customers have already been enjoying this discount for some time. The discount applies to popular destinations such as Australia, Botswana, China, France, Germany, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, New Zealand, Pakistan, the UK, the US, Zambia and Zimbabwe.”
The telco's annual report for the 2011 financial year shows declining fixed-line revenues and shrinking profits. Profit from continuing operations in 2010 was R3.3 billion and in 2011 it was R2.4 billion.
Telkom's revenue also declined by R2 billion. Its net profit decreased from R5.691 billion in 2007 to R2.23 billion in 2011.
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