David Shpashak
So how do you go about getting a new phone? Find out from your service provider what deals they are offering.
Because you already have a subscriber identification module (SIM) card and the reconnection fee is absorbed by the networks, you won’t have to pay for either of these otherwise hidden costs of buying a cellphone.
The most pricey handset on the market is the Nokia 9000 Communicator, which is really a computer in a cellphone. But at an unsubsidised price of about R4 400 directly from Nokia (or R500 subsidised) this little personal assistant is too rich for most people’s blood.
The next best thing is either the new Nokia 6110 (R2 800, unsubsidised, for the sexy little replacement for the 2110i with the ultimate gadget-grabber: multiple ringing options) or Motorola’s swish little StarTac 70 (you know, that model on the beach wearing only that teeny-weeny bikini and her sand-outlined phone mark). You’ll get the latter (phone, not model) for about R2 200 without a subsidy.
For those with a more restrained budget or the growing band of unfortunates whose (uninsured) phones were stolen, the lower end of the market is dominated by the Phillips Spark and the Alcatel One Touch Easy. These go for about R1 400, or free with a new contract.
Another area to consider is the variety of packages on offer. Initially, the industry launched just two options: business time, with pricey per-minute call costs and monthly rentals; or family time, with very expensive call costs and low monthly rentals.
Both networks have now developed a variety of packages for different markets. MTN has Pinnacle, Pulse and Performer, and Vodacom offers Business, Family, Frequent and Weekender, and Talk 100, 200, 500 and 1 000.
The packages range from top-end business deals (with services from stock exchange quotes and faxes to Computicket and a road- mapping service); to middle-range (less service, less free time); to those for the average user.