SA cellphone contracts ‘designed to confuse’

Johannesburg - Fin24 users have expressed their cynicism over why South Africa is said to have over 10 000 combinations of phone contracts and add-on bundles.

On Friday, Fin24 reported that measuring company Tariffic said in a report that the South African cellular market is “incredibly complex”.

READ MORE: SA has 'over 10 000' cellphone contract combinations

“Most people are spending far more than they should on costly cellphone contracts that generally don’t suit their needs,” read the report.

“Between Vodacom, Cell C, MTN and Telkom, there are over 10 000 different combinations of cellphone contracts and add-on bundles and it’s almost impossible for ordinary South African cellphone users to choose the contracts and bundles that actually suit their needs… or their pockets,” the report added.

Fin24 subsequently reached out to major networks including Vodacom, Cell C and MTN to get their views on the subject.

All these companies said they undertake to make their contracts understandable. They also said that more contract options provide consumers with greater choice.

Fin24 then asked readers whether they think the SA cellphone market is confusing or if it does offer choice.

Most readers answered that the current market is confusing.

Fin24 user George Flack-Davison wrote, “Confusing. Hence refuse to buy a contract and remain on pre-paid. Simply, I see exactly what I spend and nothing extra”.

Another Fin24 user Gideon wrote that SA’s cellphone contract market is “way confusing”.

In the comments section on the story, Fin24 users also expressed their displeasure at the cellphone contract market.

Fin24 user Lew Skannen wrote: “Simply too much - all designed in a way to confuse and con the consumer”.

Fin24 user Donovan Dunn also said: “9 870 of the options are pointless or a rip off”.

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