Data is undeniably one of the most valuable resources in the modern world. Its importance cannot be overstated, and it continues to grow exponentially, shaping our lives, businesses, and society at large. However, this data-driven revolution goes hand-in-hand with the need for people to have access to mobile data.
Having mobile data is essential because it ensures that data is not only accessible but also available on the go. This mobility empowers individuals, businesses, and governments to harness the power of data in real-time, fostering efficiency, innovation, and connectivity.
Mobile data allows people to access information, collaborate, and stay connected in an increasingly fast-paced world. It enables remote work, facilitates emergency communication, and brings education and healthcare to underserved areas.
A hyper-connected world
In today’s hyper-connected world, mobile data can be seen as the fuel that powers smartphones and other mobile devices. It enables users to access the internet, use applications, and communicate with the world at a touch. This is why understanding how mobile data works is key to managing data usage effectively.
In essence, mobile data is the amount of information users can transmit and receive over cellular networks. It is measured in gigabytes (GB) and is normally provided in a range of plans offered by network operators. All plans come with different data allowances that determine how much data the subscriber can use within a set period.
Not all plans are equal
It’s important to realise, however, that all data offerings are not created equally. For instance, MTN recently debuted its SuperFlex mobile plan, that it says offers unlimited voice minutes and SMS messages with a customisable data allocation from R299 per month.
It is an online, SIM-only, month-to-month tariff plan that claims to bring simplicity, customisation, and flexibility to MTN users, with no paperwork, contract lock-in, or credit checks. It also offers unlimited calls and SMSs, although data is limited and capped, and customers have to choose between 10 GB, 15 GB or 20 GB.
Once this allotted pre-determined fixed data allocation has been finished customers will have to top-up with more data or go out of bundle on data usage which is then being charged for and could become expensive.
Moreover, devices are not bundled with this offer in mobile deals and needs to be purchased outright in full which is unaffordable for many mobile users.
Infinite data
Telkom, on the other hand, introduced Telkom Infinite, a mid-tier, post-paid product that sets itself above all other offerings by promising truly unlimited mobile data for internet connectivity.
Telkom’s Infinite product is a contract offer too, so there are no limitations in terms of existing numbers. Any current Telkom mobile customer is able to migrate to Infinite as well as any new customer. Customers can take any Telkom mobile deal bundled with the latest smartphone of choice over 24-months or 36 months, where the device charge is then subsidised and spread over the contract period.
It is important to note that Telkom’s Infinite plans are not only available in a contract with a phone, but customers are also able to take a month-to-month SIM only offer which is not subject to a contract.
Truly unlimited connectivity
Telkom Infinite’s major selling point though, is its truly unlimited data. As the leading telecommunications provider in South Africa, Telkom acknowledges the ‘Gig Economy’, and alongside this, the ever-growing demand for data. This supersedes the demand for voice calls, which is why the company has tailored its offerings in this way – it understands the demands of its customers.
In today’s world if a user has data, they can still make calls via a slew of different platforms, including WhatsApp, Teams, Skype or Zoom. The day where the traditional phone call was the only means of communication are long gone, which is why Infinite addresses this demand for data, and gives users the peace of mind that they will never run out of data on their smartphones, and will always be connected.
Infinite is structured so that users get a predetermined amount of monthly premium data, which allows them to do anything they wish online – even streaming their favourite shows in full HD. Once this premium data allocation has been depleted, they still have access to unlimited data (data in Infinite is not limited or capped) so there will be no need for them to top-up with additional data bundles.
However, while Infinite has been specifically tailored for smartphone use, unlimited data will be at a slower speed of up to 1.5Mbps, which is still more than fast enough for web surfing, YouTube streaming, messaging, chatting on social media platforms, e-mailing, calling and more.
In addition, because part of Telkom’s ethos is catering to all its customers, Infinite also offers 6,000 Telkom to Telkom minutes, 300 all-network minutes, and unlimited SMSes in its Infinite packages too.
The data lead
Telkom prides itself on the fact that it has always been data lead, offering affordable data to customers since its inception. We understand how critical affordable data is in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era, and as the world moves towards using more and more data as devices, people, and sensors grow increasingly connected.
Having a smartphone with always available data – anywhere and anytime is the key to unlocking this potential, and being an active participant in today’s digital world.
For more information on Telkom Infinite packages or to order please visit www.telkom.co.za