Capitec launches prepaid data and airtime service, offering R45 per Gigabyte

Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie | image supplied

At R4.50 per 100mb or R45 per Gigabyte, Capitec Connect data is on average 50% below the normal market price, and the rates remain flat whether clients buy small or large quantities. The data also never expires provided the Sim is used at least once in six months.

Gerrie Fourie, chief executive officer of Capitec, says, “South Africans have been complaining about the cost of data. It’s expensive and complicated. Bundle pricing, off-peak and peak rates, and the fact that your data expired are all things that make no sense.”

The prepaid solution, a partnership with Cell C, seeks to bring digital inclusivity. “Our vision is to bring connectivity to all. We want to help create opportunity for everyone to be able to connect with access to affordable data and digital banking anywhere, anytime,” says Fourie.

Capitec Connect is here!

Low prepaid prices, at flat rates with no expiry! R45/GB, 90c/minute & 25c/SMS... Get your SIM in branch now. https://t.co/Y7624aao3s#DataHasFallen #CapitecConnect pic.twitter.com/RhFPJCKkqL

— Capitec (@CapitecBankSA) September 26, 2022

“It is through partnerships such as the one between Capitec and Cell C that we can make a major difference in bridging the digital divide that still exists in our country and we’re very pleased to be part of the solution that enables South Africans to access a digital lifestyle that can truly change their world,” says Cell C chief executive officer, Douglas Craigie Stevenson.

Two of South Africa’s most common hashtags have long been #DataMustFall and #DataAsseblief, demonstrating the nation’s cry for the lowering of exorbitant data costs.

Regulations proposed in 2017 by Icasa and the National Consumer Commissioner advocated for data to remain valid for at least three years. These proposed regulations were later removed from the charter and replaced with more lenient provisions.

Sim cards are available to clients at all Capitec branches and clients can get up to five Sim cards linked to their profile, which makes it easy to give access to data and airtime to family members.

Once the Sim is activated, data, minutes, SMS' and airtime can be topped up on the Capitec banking app, using *120*3279# or internet banking. Calls are charged at the flat rate of 90c per minute, while SMS' cost 25c. Airtime never expires, provided the Sim is used once every six months.