Instant communication, regardless of where we are, has become an extremely important part of business, and cellphones are integral to this. Part of this ever-developing technology is the emergence of the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). This is a wireless communications service provider that piggybacks on an existing wireless network infrastructure to provide services to its customers.
There are currently three MVNOs in South Africa: Red Bull Mobile, Mr Price Mobile and Meandyoumobile. According to Brett Howell, CEO of the latter company, there is space for more. “With the recent tariff hike announcements, I think a no-frills streamlined cellphone deal is going to become very popular,” he says.
New arrival
Meandyoumobile is the ‘new kid on the block’, having had its official launch only last month. “Local mobile users
have been conditioned to believe in the perceived benefits of the mobile contract, only to be locked in for 24 months while paying more than they expected,” says Howell.
“Big mobile networks often use outdated business models that limit consumer freedom and impose hidden costs, such as handset costs, that subsidise their massive overheads. And now users are expected to absorb the recent unforeseen mobile tariff hikes.”
A quick and easy solution
Meandyoumobile is a simcard-only MVNO and operates on the Cell C network. Signing up online was incredibly easy: in just a few minutes I was finished and waiting for the courier company to deliver the sim card. What really impressed me was how quick and easy the RICA registration was.
This was in contrast with my previous experience: I had tried to buy a sim card for a member of staff and had only my driver’s licence on me. I simply gave up. Online registration is a few simple steps and allows you to upload a digital copy of your ID book or even upload a selfie of you holding the book.
Using an MVNO is certainly worth considering, especially if you want to supply employees with phones.
