Telkom makes push for FreeMe by killing contract offerings

Johannesburg - Fixed and mobile operator Telkom has removed numerous contract options in efforts to drive customers toward its FreeMe offering. 

The company killed its SmartSaver and Unlimited plans from its website, with FreeMe TopUp, FreeMe Family and the various FreeMe bundle options available under its mobile contract offering.

Telkom’s FreeMe for mobile offers customers packages with 1GB, 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB or unlimited data, ranging from R99 to R999. 

The higher-end packages also offer free instant messaging, calls to any network, free SMSs and free WhatsApp messaging and calls. 

• READ: ‘Cheap’ FreeMe packages help boost Telkom’s earnings

Shortly after the launch of FreeMe, rival network Vodacom augmented already-existing offerings to provide more data and fewer SMSs to existing Smart, Smart Top Up, and RED package customers.  

Cell C responded to FreeMe by slashing its data packages with five competitive packages as part of its Connector plans.

Telkom's results for the six months ending September 2016 showed that FreeMe contracts helped boost earnings, with the company recording a 20% increase in profit for the first time ever for its mobile business.