Underserviced markets get smart with SharpTalk

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"We are changing the game of cellular accessibility and affordability in the South African market and making smartphones available to everyone; this collaboration with Virgin Mobile will ensure this happens," says Vincent Raseroka, deputy CEO of EHL.

The service is designed for customers wanting competitive voice and data rates and, at a low 95c per minute rate on per second billing or 95c per megabyte, out of bundle, they get it. Calls from Virgin to Virgin are an even lower 50c per minute. Therefore, no matter what customers pay per month, or how they pay, the rates remain the same. There are no hidden charges or complicated pricing rules. Customers can easily recharge anywhere, including at EHL stores, and can select affordable SMS or data bundles on their handsets.

"The risk scoring is carried out differently to that of the mainstream cellular providers and the affordability criteria is more accessible than with these providers. Customers will be able to buy the phone, in addition to any other EHL purchases, on credit over 24 or 36 months and their monthly airtime, data and Virgin to Virgin minutes over 24 months."

Available on Top Up, the service enables customers to control their cellular spend, while offering great value and, by offering low data rates and competitive bundles, customers will be able to access the Internet and enjoy even greater browsing and web-based activity.

"During our research, we noted that in Africa, 52% of new Internet users first access the Internet on their phones," says Anton Landman, CEO of Virgin Mobile South Africa. "By offering simple straight-forward rates on Top Up options, coupled with the ability to purchase a smartphone on credit through our partner, we are bringing great value and Internet access to South Africans who have not enjoyed such access."

"The cellular market today is about more than voice, or making a call," continues Raseroka. "The consumers also want internet connectivity and as many of them don't have access to a computer with such connectivity, they can only do this via a smartphone. For many the cost of such phones has been an issue, but this provision of finance has made smartphone ownership possible for all South Africans."

Affordability example

"The BlackBerry Curve™ 9320 at R199 over 36 months with R50 included airtime, 100 Virgin to Virgin minutes, 50Mb of data and BlackBerry social & email BIS monthly for 24 months, is an example of how affordable the deals are," adds Landman.

These Top Up packages will automatically receive 100 Virgin-to-Virgin minutes and 50Mb of data each month for 24 months, free caller ID and itemised billing, regardless of their package. All major smartphone brands such as Blackberry, Samsung, Nokia, iPhone and LG will be available - offering full functionality from email to Internet browsing, video, music etc.

EHL and Virgin Mobile have partnered with Allied Mobile Communications to provide all handsets and other devices as well as logistics services for this initiative. The company is a specialist in supplying cellular and related devices and end to end supply chain management to the retail industry both in South Africa and in the rest of Africa. "We are delighted to be associated with two excellent brands in the industry," said CEO Francois van Eyssen.

Ellerines and Beares Club customers will also receive additional free top-up value with every R20 or more recharge performed at any participating EHL brand. SharpTalk is available exclusively now in 772 Ellerines, Savells Fairdeal, Towntalk and Beares stores countrywide.