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Cape Town – Apple’s new iPhone has been officially available in SA for nearly a week and continues to elicit strong opinions in light of pricing.
Cell C is offering aggressive contracts for the iPhone 6s, and Fin24 users weighed in on whether the offer of R449 per month would convince them to switch to the junior network operator.
“Yes I am convinced,” wrote Fin24 user Ray simply.
“I don't have to think twice. Tomorrow I'm going to enquire about the deal... this is unbelievable,” added Sibusiso.
But Cell C has work to do in terms of the perception of its network, as far as Fin24 users are concerned.
“My only concern with Cell C is the coverage. MTN’s network is fast, but also not available in most lower class communities, eg Tembisa, Ebony, ie east of Midrand. Plus, MTN is soooo expensive! So if I can get proof that Cell C data coverage is not problematic, I’m definitely switching,” wrote Fin24 user Lucas.
“No! I would rather pay a little more at Vodacom for better service,” echoed Annemathii.
READ: Cheaper smartphones match high end devices
For Fin24 user Cedric who has an iPhone, the Cell C deal came at the right time.
“It may not be a case of switching... I think they just convinced me to stay! Lol. I was about to move to another network (already cancelled my contract that's due for an upgrade).
“But we are yet to find out what MTN will charge for the new iPhones. It will obviously have better benefits (data and SMSes) than the Cell C deal, but at what cost?
“Though Telkom offered the iPhone 6 and 6 plus at a very good price, unfortunately that's not true about the new iPhones.
“Please note: There is no 32GB variant of the iPhone (16, 64 and 128GB).”
Dries would have none of Cell C, suggesting that he was willing to pay more for the new iPhone.
“I switched from Vodacom more than two years ago and got the iPhone 5.
“I regretted being on Cell C's network almost immediately due to dropped calls, almost non-existent 3G (never mind 4G) coverage which left me unable to use all the awesome new features the new iPhone had to offer.
“I got a new Vodacom contract a few months later out of sheer frustration. I will not put myself though another two years of that.
“I am willing to pay the R100 - R300 more a month that Vodacom might ask as I know that I will be on a superior network and be able to enjoy the new iPhone 6s or 6s Plus and all its features.
“And I know I am not alone. Some of my friends have even said that yes, they will get the deal with Cell C but ditch the SIM and put in their existing prepaid card.”
Some complained that iPhone stock was not available on launch day and vented their frustration.
“Yesterday with the launch of the new S models of the iPhone 6 & 6 Plus, Cell C and Telkom was offline the entire day at the iStore. Their own stores had no stock.
“Unbelievable. They could have killed their opposition because of the subsidised contract prices and a well-planned marketing plan, but missed out, because no contracts could be processed,” fumed Fin24 user Paul.
For others though, the iPhone isn’t a strong enough draw card, regardless of network.
“Don't like iPhone and don't like Cell C, so no it won't [switch],” wrote Fin24 user Steven from his BlackBerry 10 device.
