Category: <span>Mobile</span>

The Cambridge Dictionary defines affordability as “the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy.” In South Africa, affordability is driving a fast-growing trend — the rise of pre-owned smartphones. From high-end Android and iPhone models to budget-friendly devices, pre-owned options allow more people to access cutting-edge technology at a fraction...

WhatsApp did something its founders said it would never do: it’s putting advertisements inside the app. It ends WhatsApp’s decade-plus run of offering an ad-free messaging and calling experience. Meta, which acquired WhatsApp in 2014, attempted to justify the decision by saying ads will be sequestered to its “Updates” tab, where you’ll see some sponsored status...

South African companies continue to lead the continent in brand value. All of the top 10 most valuable African brands are South African, with MTN topping the list at $2.9bn. MTN has maintained its position as Africa’s most valuable brand since Brand Finance began its study of broader African brands in 2020—despite economic volatility and...

MTN South Africa said it will offer 1.2 million of its prepaid customers 4G smartphones for as little as 99 rand ($5.42) to support digital adoption for low-income households, as the country gears up to switch off 2G and 3G technologies. The initiative will be executed in three phases, starting this month until the end of...

While there is immense opportunity for mobile network operators (MNO) in Africa, the reality is that they are under pressure to keep costs as low as possible in order to remain competitive. However, relying on old, inefficient back-end systems is holding many of them back, leading to unnecessary wastage and spiraling costs. Modernising their systems,...

In a story that gets to the core of a successful digital transformation journey, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, Cell C, embarked on a journey to modernise its legacy business support systems (BSS).  BSS comprises the components a telecommunications service provider uses to run its business operations – in other words, to serve...

A Cameroon appeals court has ordered the release of South African mobile operator MTN’s bank accounts in the country, which were seized in 2022 over a loan dispute with a Cameroonian businessman, MTN said. A court order froze MTN Group’s Cameroon accounts containing 14 billion CFA francs ($23.20m) in September 2022. The seizure threatened the...

The Springboks and MTN have ended their sponsorship agreement after eight successful years. Springboks are the reigning world champions, having won the RWC a record four times, two of those in 2019 and 2023 – under the MTN sponsorship. Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby said: “I’d like to thank MTN most sincerely for their...

Knowband, a leading provider of plugins and add-ons for online stores like PrestaShop, OpenCart, WooCommerce and Magento announced a new approach to building mobile apps for online stores. As mobile shopping continues to grow rapidly, with recent studies showing a 200% increase in mobile buying, businesses are now quickly moving toward mobile-friendly options. Therefore, Knowband’s Mobile...

Melon Mobile, South Africa’s mobile network disruptor, is shaking up business telecoms with Melon Business—a fully digital, flexible mobile solution designed for companies that refuse to be tied down.   For too long, South African businesses have had to navigate rigid contracts, complex admin, and one-size-fits-all mobile plans that don’t match their evolving needs. Melon Business...