MTN vs VodaCom (Pros & Cons) – from External Experience Perspective
This article specifically addresses the service of MTN and VodaCom in South Africa. The internet has made it so easy to learn about anything from anywhere such that one can know what to go for incase the need to choose arises. Additional to this, I and many other neighboring nationals do have reason to travel to South Africa and get mobile connection while in South Africa. Yes, South Africa is a key player in sustaining the economy of several neighboring nations.
In the case of Swaziland, we must acknowledge that as much as MTN is the sole service provider and are counterparts with MTN South African, their service in the two different markets cannot be compared.
Common Features that Don’t Matter
- Connectivity cost is almost at zero cost for whatever network you choose when you get into South Africa. I have almost always had to buy a new South African SIM card when I travel there and it doesn’t really bother me because of the ignorable cost it takes.
- Coverage is not a concern at all. Both service providers offer a good coverage service that really never influences one to prefer one service provider over the other.
- Internet connection is no concern at all. Both service providers will give good service that leaves you with no reason to compare.
- Ringtones, photo/image, game download and installation (see advantage for VodaCom).
I won’t cover the disadvantages because it goes without saying that an advantage to one is surely a disadvantage to the other.
MTN Advantage
SIM cards have no password, as soon as you insert the SIM card into your phone; you are ready to make your first. Does it therefore mean MTN is less concerned about SIM card access ristrictions? Be the judge!
VodaCom Advantage
Not only have I noticed special added benefits exclusive to VodaCom customers on TV, but also on the internet. I agree that these are some of the marketing gimmicks that companies use to have a competitive advantage over the other.
There is a service that only VodaCom can use to locate, select and download ‘international’ music and wall papers. This means that only a person that has a Vodacom phone/SIM card is able to use or subscribe to this service. This service is billed at R30 every month and the user is given 1 week free when he /she subscribes They get 60 items a month to download – any items they choose from the WAP site The user gets the item advertised free when they sign up.
This service is available online at this link.


This post has 5 comments
March 30th, 2009
February 7th, 2010
Im sorry, but this article is useless.
The information provided here is completely useless and I cant actually believe anyone would post this and consider it a decent discussion…
What a waste of bandwidth.
February 7th, 2010
So people do want to know about these service providers! Back then (see the date) I thought the above did matter and now I agree it may not be of substance anymore. I promise to do further research into these and give some more. So, do come back.
April 28th, 2010
uselesss a waste of time and effort!!! :
May 2nd, 2010
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