Vumatel is rolling out a brand-new fibre package that’ll live to serve South Africa’s low-income communities with high-speed internet at an unbeatable price – R100/m. Going by the name Vuma Key, the package enjoys its official launch today in select townships around the country.
The package leapfrogs many “affordable” internet service providers (ISPs) offerings to become the most affordable in the country. “While some competitors advertise a R99 price point,” announced Vumatel, “these are based on a 7-day recharge, where Vuma Key offers uninterrupted service for 30 days.”
Beam me up, Scotty
Vumatel, whose presence in any township is recognisable by its lines of gaudy black wooden beams, is rolling out the program after a promising 2023 trial in select parts of Alexandria and all of Kayamnandi. Vumatel reckons the offering is 34% cheaper than its closest competitor, evening out to roughly R3.30 per day. Only four devices are allowed per household, whittling that down to just 83c a day.
“While Vuma Key is not a pay-per-day service, its straightforward monthly prepaid payment makes it a more convenient and cost-effective solution. Users enjoy unlimited access without the need for daily admin, with just a single recharge required monthly,” says Ewald van der Westhuizen, Vumatel’s chief commercial officer.
In a bid to make the package as hassle-free as possible, Vuma offers installation entirely for free, as well as making the product an easy one to pay for. EasyPay at the tills of select stores such as Pick ‘n Pay, Boxer, PEP, and Shoprite is an option, as are the convenient pay services like Kazang, available at many small spazas.
Finally, Capitec customers can “recharge” via the Capitec mobile app. “This flexible model makes the service accessible in communities with limited access to banking facilities,” adds van der Westhuizen.
The keys to information
The product is naturally designed for low-income communities, specifically those earning less than R5,000 per month. Installation and router are free, and though accounts will be cancelled after 3 months of inactivity, subscribers will not charged late payment or reconnection fees.
Vuma Key will enjoy speeds of 10- and 5Mbps download and upload speeds – somewhat slower than Vuma Reach, the company’s speedier and pricier package, but while those offerings have a potential market of 4.8 million, Vuma Key’s is 10 million.
Vuma Key also distinguishes itself from other affordable fibre packages with its ability to connect to multiple devices. Altogether this marks another push by Vumatel in their mission to provide affordable internet connectivity to underserved, high-density communities. Along with the Vuma Key programme, the ISP’s Fibre to Schools programme will provide all schools along the Vuma Key vicinity with a free 1Gbps line, ensuring fast internet for learners in this area.