MTN vs. Cell C: Papa’s got a brand new hater

MTN's latest radio ads go head-to-head with Cell C's "papa's got a brand new pack" campaign, insinuating that Cell C's new pricing structure is inferior - but without mentioning any names.

July 11, 2012 10 Comments
MTN vs. Cell C: Papa’s got a brand new hater

MTN’s latest radio ads go head-to-head with Cell C’s “papa’s got a brand new pack” campaign, insinuating that rival Cell C’s new pricing structure is inferior – but not mentioning any names.

Along with its new 99c For Real pricing restructure, Cell C launched an ad campaign boasting the 99c anytime, anywhere fees. “Forget about the special discounts and restricted access ramble-jamble, you’re going to get on Cell C’s 99c For Real and only pay for the seconds you use,” the ad says.

At the launch of Cell C’s new pricing structure, MTN responded, saying that its MTN Zone Mahala offering has “the most attractive rates” and “are applicable at various times of the day which allows customers flexibility for when they would like to call,” MTN said.

“The new pricing announced by competitors would in fact be uncompetitive based on our customers’ current usage.”

Not sitting down on the matter, MTN has now launched a new radio ad campaign featuring Cell C’s “papa”, effectively calling the competing cellular operator out, and openly dismissing its product as inferior.

You can view the second and third ads here.

The packages

Cell C’s new pricing structure introduces a flat rate of 99c, slashing off-net and peak call tariffs to 99c per minute, and at the same time, cuts the rate of MMS messaging to 99c per message and giving customers data at 99c per MB.

This means that customers can phone who they want, when they want and not have to worry about peak or off-peak times, to which network the call is being made or which zone they are in.

The package MTN punts in its radio ad, MTN Zone Mahala, is a promotional package available only to MTN Zone customers on prepaid and pay as you go.

According to MTN, “[the] MTN Zone price plan consistently offers customers free calls through MTN’s unique offerings of Mahala Thursdays, Mahala Nights, Mahala Weekends and Mahala Day time rates.”

Under the terms of the MTN Mahala Thursday promotion, Pre-paid and Top Up customers are given 50% free airtime on their recharge value when they recharge on Thursdays.

Subscribers must recharge with at least R10, but recharges are cumulative. International calls, roaming calls, calls to other networks, premium rated calls, video calls and MMS services are excluded.

Responding to MTN’s adverts, Cell C CEO, Alan Knott-Craig simply quipped, “It’s nice that someone else is paying for our advertising.”

Related articles

Cell C slashes prepaid voice and data prices

MTN laughs off Vodacom, Cell C prepaid price cuts

Cell C Straight Up vs Vodacom Smart Plans

MTN launches Thursday discount promotion

Tags: 99c For Real, Cell C, Headline, MTN, MTN Mahala, MTN Zone, Radio ad
Join the Conversation ( 10 comments)
  • Chocolatebadger

    HAHA FAIL XD. It only applies MTN to MTN. Cell C is a tariff and not a promo which means Cell C’s 99c applies to calling any network, not just Cell C. MTN YOU SUCK

  • CarelezzPhlyBoyOhsoMazing

    I’m not surprised. It’s not the first time. And MTN is not close to being competitve. I don’t see much of the benefits of this MTN Zone. I’m really getting tired of MTN. They’ve never given us free minutes or something that shows love and care to their customers

  • kolaval

    What the hell is an ‘inferior’ pricing structure?

  • http://www.InTheCube.co.za/ Saajid – InTheCube.co.za

    Cool adverts from #MTN. I loll’ed. Very creative, SERIOUSLY, except they’re lies. MTN – how about bringing this creativity to your pricing structure and products. I’ll take papa’s brand new pack thank you. Can’t wait for Cell C’s rebuttal to these ads. Will be interesting! MTN you suck!

  • eXpZA

    MTN = Edge everywhere.
    Cell C = HSDPA everywhere.

    As a MTN customer for 4 years, I was on EDGE most of the time. Same locations with Cell C = HSDPA.

    So MTN can talk smack all they want – they have an inferior product.

  • cool_gi

    Mtn have been punting their promo of MTN ZONES but i have used it! and it is a total FLOP!
    most of the time the discount they offer you is based on a full rate, so u just end up paying normal prices!!
    surely they cant be that ignorant at mtn to to try n lie to the public with silly offerings

  • Big_D

    I agree 100% with eXpZA, and have that exact same problem, hardly any 3g and if i get it it’s of poor signal strength so i end up reverting back to edge, been a MTN customer for 6 years, but i’m definitely moving to Cell C when my contracts are up for renewal, purely for the fact that i can now enjoy a call rate of 99c to any network any time and not be ripped off by MTN’s R1,80 call charge which is rediculous in my opinion, then with the added benefit of enjoying HSDPA+ at home where I dont even get MTN 3G!

    MTN you wont me missed in my eyes!

  • Craig

    Do MTN and Vodacom still not get it. I am an educated man , but to try and understand all the terms , conditions , specials etc. All I want is a simple package where I know what I am paying. I am busy applying for a CEll C corporate account today – will be moving all our contracts over as they come to an end with MTN

  • comm 300

    I’ve had enough of arrogant MTN.They offer the polished turd syndrome, making it sound like something really special. Bye Bye.

  • Wayne Evans

    Ive been with Vodacom on 2 year contracts for 12 years. I spend between 2 and 3 grand a month. When I asked Altech Autopage why Im being penalised to the effect of 54 cents a minute for being a loyal contract customer they couldnt answer me. Bye Bye Vodacom. Im going Cell C. Ill happily put up with the slightly inferior coverage (if that is even the case) . Vote with your feet people. Its cheaper in the long run to pay cash for your phone and take the better deals. If you are mesmerised by the “free” bling phone and have to have it today – go ahead. If you act in haste you will repent at leisure. Look, Im not an Oxford scholar, but Im not an idiot either. Knott-Craig is not cutting costs because of some newly found desire to help the people. He’s a businessman. But 99c is 99c. Vodacom will see my back within a month.

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