Last week, local wireless internet service provider, Rain, announced the launch of its own 4G mobile network and the introduction of a new product to go with it – Rain One. As a result, new customers no longer have the option to only opt for a SIM card and uncapped 4G data to use on the go.
Instead, they will need to subscribe to the operator’s new package that combines an uncapped 5G home package with two 4G SIM cards for use on its new mobile network, with varying “levels” of monthly data, minutes and SMSes.
Out with the old
Rain’s old uncapped 4G packages are no longer available on its website. Previously, the three options offered slightly different perks and came with different prices. The most expensive plan, for R500/m, gave subscribers a 4G-enabled SIM card for use in “any device”, speeds of “up to 10Mbps”, and unlimited data whenever they needed it.
Read More: Rain unveils its own 4G mobile network and the launch of rainOne
The R320/m package limited the use of the SIM to 4G-enabled phones only and disallowed hot-spotting. The R265/m plan might have cost less but users could only use their ‘unlimited’ data during off-peak hours or pay R50/GB during peak hours.
Thankfully, customers who had already signed up for these plans before the recent changes came into effect do have the option to keep everything as-is, but, depending on your setup, converting to Rain One might be worth it.
If you already get your home internet from the old R500/m plan, then switching to Rain One means your maximum speed will be increased to 30Mbps from the previous 10Mbps. You’ll also get two ‘free’ SIM cards that will be loaded with 2GB of data, 60 minutes for voice calls, and 100 SMSes per month. If that won’t get you through the month, there is the option to ‘level up’ for an extra R75 per level.
Rain’s new direction cuts potential new customers out
Unfortunately, Rain One doesn’t seem so appealing if you aren’t interested in the 5G/4G home internet aspect and just wanted a second SIM card for data on the go. You’ll essentially be paying R560/m for 4GB of data, 120 minutes, and 200 SMSes. That’s a little tough for most new customers to justify.
Source: MyBroadband
