Melon Mobile invites customers to a two-week free trial, 5GB data included

Switching network providers is a risky business, especially in South Africa. There’s never really a surefire way to test a network without first trying it for yourself, no matter what your family members or coworkers might say. Melon Mobile, the self-proclaimed first fully digital mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in SA, wants to put its money where its mouth is, inviting South Africans to a two-week-long free trial to put it through its paces.

“In a move that challenges the traditional business model, Melon Mobile is offering a 14-day free trial with 5GB Data plus unlimited Calls & Texts, allowing consumers to take their service for a test drive with no pressure or obligation,” a press release reads.

Get this through your Melon

It’s a frankly genius idea, and we’re amazed South Africa’s mainstays haven’t yet attempted it. But that’s just it. Vodacom, Telkom, and all the other household names are mainstays. Melon, being a plucky MVNO with a point to prove and nothing to lose, can afford to be offbeat if it means taking a whole lot of new customers under its wing.

“Mobile offerings have not really evolved at the same pace as technology. We think that needs to change, because the world around us has changed. We believe in our offering so much that we’re asking all South Africans to put us to the test. We want everyone to experience the freedom, control, and value that our digital journey offers, without any constraints of physical stores,” says Calvin Collett, Melon’s founder and CEO.

Like any free trial, you’ll want your fingers ready before you’re billed after the trial is up. In the case of Melon, customers on the free trial will automatically be placed on the R200/m 5GB Unlimited Plan. Even if you would rather stick around with Vodacom or something similar long-term, there’s no harm in nabbing the trial’s 5GB of free data and unlimited calling powers for a rainy day.

“This is not the last time we are going to shake things up,” gloats Collett.

Anyone interested in claiming Melon’s free trial can do so by visiting the company’s site here.

Unless you’re already a Melon customer entertaining the network’s paid-for plans, that is. Stuff’s resident Melon Mobile user attempted to claim the free trial, before being told by the company’s customer service “If you are [an] existing Melon Mobile customer you do not qualify for the 14-day free trial.” Ah, well.