Build a dream cellular contract/package

N

Neo

New member
So guys and gals,

Let's say you were pulling the strings at some of these big cellular service providers; what sort of package would you think is desperately needed in the industry? What sort of package/contract deal would make you excited about mobile services again?

I remember back in the day it all revolved around how many SMS's you got per month...but tech has moved on.
 
Neo said:
So guys and gals,

Let's say you were pulling the strings at some of these big cellular service providers; what sort of package would you think is desperately needed in the industry? What sort of package/contract deal would make you excited about mobile services again?

I remember back in the day it all revolved around how many SMS's you got per month...but tech has moved on.
Click to expand...

/Rant

NO SMS's.
Seriously.

We have Whatsapp and BBM, why do we get SMS's bundled with our talktime and data? I pay R119 a month for a phone, 30Mb data, 30sms and 30 mins any network talk time, I now have 100+ sms's that I will never use (I buy R15 airtime and convert it into 100Mb of data and it gives me extra talk time and SMS's).

Other than that, I would opt for Data only contracts or data contracts at a much cheaper rate, ditch call time/talk time, sms and give extra data.
 
Apparently MTN and CellC have Build-your-own websites...haven't seen them but rumour has it their unusable.

This of course assumes you can actual login to MTNs website...which will require divine intervention as I discovered today:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/573505-MTN-website-is-a-piece-of

I actually kinda like MTN's model: Fixed amount of ZAR and you can use them for whatever you like. After the above experience though...MTN isn't happening again.

Mostly I'd just like a clean split between device and everything else...kinda bring your own device type thing.

Glordit said:
NO SMS's.
Click to expand...
Nooit. I find myself relying more on SMSs these days. Whatsapp is crap and BBM isn't popular enough.

e.g. Whatsapp someone saying I'm running a couple mins late. She gets the message 4 hrs later. I can't have crap tech causing me those kinds of unnecessary problems.
 
Okay great stuff :)

But let's say you could literally create NEW types of packages or changes flexibilities on your cellular contracts - what would you like? It's a bit of a vague question, I agree - but I would love to get feedback from you guys. Cellular contracts and products used to be exciting back in the day, what can be done to bring back the excitement?
 
Dunno if this is the type of thing you are interested in: Providers need to allow users to sign for a lower tier contract when upgrade time comes. Please note that I'm saying "sign", not "move to immediately". Let me explain:

Currently it works like this: If you want to move to a lower contract, you can do it immediately and pay penalties or wait until after your contract expires on month 24.

It should work like this: When month 20 comes along (upgrade time) you must be allowed to sign for a lower contract and receive the handset applicable to that new contract. You keep paying your normal subscription fee until month 24 after which the lower rate applies.

I have no idea why it doesn't work like this already. The cell company get their customers to sign themselves away for another 24 months without losing money (the customer keeps paying the higher rate until month 24 comes along) and the customer gets a brand new handset at upgrade time already, even if they are moving to a lower contract.
 
W000t! Thanks Mister 44 - that's an excellent suggestion. Stuff like that is exactly what I'm looking for. C'mon peeps, keep those suggestions coming in!
 
"free" data for app updates/installs 'cause this is generally what eats my data bundle (when not using WiFi) and higher, more real world data bundles. 50MB per month is just ridiculous, as is 150MB per month. What I mean by real world is 250MB say at fulll 3G/LTE speeds and whatever after that free of charge, but throttled.
 
HavocXphere said:
Apparently MTN and CellC have Build-your-own websites...haven't seen them but rumour has it their unusable.

This of course assumes you can actual login to MTNs website...which will require divine intervention as I discovered today:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/573505-MTN-website-is-a-piece-of

I actually kinda like MTN's model: Fixed amount of ZAR and you can use them for whatever you like. After the above experience though...MTN isn't happening again.

Mostly I'd just like a clean split between device and everything else...kinda bring your own device type thing.


Nooit. I find myself relying more on SMSs these days. Whatsapp is crap and BBM isn't popular enough.

e.g. Whatsapp someone saying I'm running a couple mins late. She gets the message 4 hrs later. I can't have crap tech causing me those kinds of unnecessary problems.
Click to expand...

The build your own contract is nothing exciting, it just lets you choose pre-determined talk packages with a phone of your choice.

The options start at R30 (30 sms, 30mb data and 30 mins any talk time) and can go up to about R400, where the amount you pay equals the sms's data and talktime you receive (if I recall correctly) then you add in the phone and it gives you the total amount payable over 3, 6, 12 or 24 months.

Also interesting to note, that the topup is more expensive than the open contract.
 
Thanks guys :) Your feedback is really appreciated and, who knows, the comments you make here could potentially turn into reality one day!
 
What do you guys think about bundles that would allow you to download/update apps from the Apple App store or the Android store at seriously reduced rates? Also, what about bundles that cater specifically to youtube content?
 
Neo said:
What do you guys think about bundles that would allow you to download/update apps from the Apple App store or the Android store at seriously reduced rates? Also, what about bundles that cater specifically to youtube content?
Click to expand...

Why not just provide more data free, and let me choose how to use it, instead of having tons of free minutes and smses?

I have 1200 free minutes on my contract atm, whilst I hit my data 'cap' every single month. In the day and age of smartphones, this lack of focus on data is bizarre.

Also, and this is probably a pipe dream, but some more transparency on the actual ultimate cost of the handset would be great. I'm not going to get a fancy contract if, in the end, it turns out that my handset costs two or three times more than it would if I bought it cash.
 
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