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Johannesburg - Technology group Altron’s announcement that it plans to sell mobile service provider Autopage’s subscriber base has drawn a mix of responses from Fin24 users.
Autopage sells mobile services for all South African mobile networks.
READ MORE: Altron seeks selling Autopage subscriber base
Altron said on Tuesday that it is “at an advanced stage of negotiations regarding the potential disposal of Altech Autopage’s GSM subscriber bases”.
Key reasons for the possible sale include what Altron says are “the impacts of the ongoing mobile termination rate reductions, as well as continued industry and consumer deflationary pressures”.
Altron, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), is expected to reveal more about the possible Autopage closure.
Fin24 reached out to Altron for comment on the possible Autopage sale, and the company gave this statement.
“Please note that Altech Autopage is at an advanced stage of negotiations regarding the potential disposal of its GSM subscriber bases, and that until such time as negotiations are concluded, it is business as usual for Altech Autopage and its subscribers. There will be no changes to customer contracts or the services that they receive and Altech Autopage will be in contact with its customers at the appropriate time should the sale negotiations be successful,” said Altech Autopage.
If Autopage does sell its subscriber base, it could follow in the footsteps of Nashua Mobile.
READ MORE: What now for Autopage customers
Last year, after receiving approval from competition regulators, Nashua Mobile shut its doors. Subscribers on Nashua Mobile were moved to other networks such as MTN and Vodacom. Meanwhile, Nashua Mobile’s Cell C subscriber base was given to Autopage.
Fin24 users, though, have had mixed responses to the possible imminent closure of Autopage.
“I have been an Autopage client since October 1999 with the same number ever since,” said Fin24 user Jean-Pierre Palmer-Pilgrim.
“I have been tempted to move to other providers on numerous occasions, but the hassle of a new number or contract is maybe not worth it. Autopage has never been the cheapest provider out there, this might just change for us as clients who have been (sucked in) with Autopage for so many years,” wrote Palmer-Pilgren to Fin24.
Fin24 user Allen said Autopage’s possible closure is no surprise.
“No. Not worried. Prices at Autopage are high, service, especially at Autopage outlets is poor. So not surprised,” Allen said.
Fin24 user Salome has expressed unhappiness over the possible sale of Autopage’s subscriber base.
“I have been an Autopage customer for nearly 20 years and have nearly R10 000 in credit built up over the years with Autopage!!!! Plus I have just signed another 2 year contract with them!!! It worries me as I am not sure if I am going to then lose my credit with them and what happens then to my contract?”
“Are we just sheep that can be bought and sold like they please?!! We are starting a business and have been marketing under my current number now it gets sold off and changed to whatever they please. Not happy. Not happy at all,” wrote Salome.
An anonymous Fin24 user, who has been with Autopage for 18 years, is concerned by the move by Altron.
“Autopage really did care for its user and the dealer has been very good. A corporate office and we use one for another handset takes months to sort out issues many times not at all with no consequences,” the user wrote.
Another Fin24 user Cliff said problems were experienced when Nashua Mobile closed down last year and that he fears this could happen with Autopage as well.
“Four members of my family had contracts with Nashua when they closed down. Caused them insurmountable problems and ended up having to enter into new contracts at great expense. Hope this will not be the case with Altech,” Cliff wrote.
Other Fin24 users have said the service at Autopage has not been up to their standards.
Fin24 user Anthony Reznik asked: “The services I have received from Autopage have not only been shocking and unacceptable, but border on gross incompetence. Are they not just 'moving the deck chairs on the Titanic'?
Fin24 user Mark wrote: “With the service provided by Auto Page it is no wonder they are going out of business. I am not worried as the new service it can only be an improvement.”
And finally Fin24 user Rober said, “I was a Nashua customer and was moved to Autopage. Not great service so hopefully get a better deal this time!”
