Cellphone OTT services - BCM residents speak out

Buffalo City residents are not happy with MTN and Vodacom’s desire to charge over-the-top (OTT) services such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook.

The Dispatch asked them – is it fair that Vodacom and MTN want to charge you for using OTT services? Would they consider changing networks?

MICHAEL BEYER: These service providers are being unfair as it would make the costs of using these OTT services expensive. Vodacom and MTN already charge exorbitant rates, especially for data.

SINOVUYO CANDA: The proposal would add to an already stretched budget for consumers. I would consider moving to a network that offers these services for free but I would look at the services it offers, because it would not make sense to move only to end up paying more.

DAVID NEL: I don’t agree with the networks. I believe these social networks allow people to communicate and if the fee for using the OTT services was increased, it would deprive people who cannot afford airtime. These people tend to rely on these services for communication, socialising and even dealing with emergency situations. I think it’s beneficial and essential as it is.

PETER CHIWAYA: The costs of making phone calls and sending SMSs are high as it is. I don’t think its okay because they are charging us too much for SMSs and phone calls. They don’t have to charge us too much for WhatsApp.

KHOSI RHANI: I believe allowing these networks to charge would be unfair to people as the networks already charge us when we use airtime for other services like phone calls and data. It will make customers run away from those networks.