Uncertain about the future of Cell C Control Chat

[StarPhoenix]

With the announcement of Cell C's Straight Up Topup plans, I have been wondering whether these will supplant Control Chat, or just add to Cell C's range of contract offerings. I have submitted a number of queries to Cell C, but have not had any response from them.

Do any of you perhaps know what Cell C has in mind?

Thank you

[StarBound]

No idea. I just use pre-paid with them and find them on par with vodacom (they use voda towers).

[StarPhoenix]

I contacted a local Cell C outlet today to find out whether I am eligible for my upgrade yet.

The good news is that I am, but the bad is that Cell C have done away with Control Chat, so if I wanted to continue having a top-up account, I would have to migrate to a Straight Up Top Up contract.....Not ideal for me, as what I need most is the facility to send many smses, answer calls, and make the occasional call.

I may return to being a pay-as-you-go customer, or jump ship to another service provider who cab give me what best suits the way I use my handset.

Well now I know.

[Tribble]

Don't upgrade an keep your current contract - they cannot force you or take what you have away from you

[StarPhoenix]

Don't upgrade an keep your current contract - they cannot force you or take what you have away from you

At least not for 3 months. The contract expires then. ControlChat has been phased out.

[THE_STIG]

Why not just go cell c pay as you go. They do that whole 99c for real thing

Rates are as follows:

99c per minute(to any network)
50c per sms(to any network)
99c per mb(out of bundle)
99c per MMS

This is far better than certain other networks that charge in excess of R2 per min and R2 per mb

[StarBound]

I'm happy with Cell C as a voice com provider. MTN is a no go. Vodacom I have not used in the last few years other than 3G for my ipad.

I'm much happier to pay for my phone and stay on a prepaid.

[THE_STIG]

Same. I used to have MTN but they are an utter rip off so I ported to cell - c where my airtime lasts far longer. Also I find the service on pre paid to be better, getting data bundles and such is a piece of cake. Its not so easy with a contract

[Tribble]

It doesn't matter if your contract expires - you can just continue on the same rates

[StarBound]

Nope. I believe once the contract expires its over and done with unless they renew automaticly which they can't in this case since the service no longer exists.

[DeathStrike]

Ah cell c when can I get into bed with ye oh devil.

So sick of mtn. Contract only expires in April

[Tribble]

I have MTN and am very happy with it.

Long before all the cool phones came out - I had an MTN package that was rather cheap. My contract had expired but they just kept it going. They did everything in their power to make me upgrade - eventually they got me with the Blackberry. But I went for 2 years on a package that had been discontinued. A contract doesn't just end after two years - it then becomes a month by month thing. They cannot cut you off if you choose not to sign a new one.

[Stuart]

But if you are not locked into a contract and they no longer offer you the product you wish to use, they may well tell you to change your contract or disconnect you. I don't see that they will service you on a product they don't offer.

I must check what my wife is on. I think she is also on a Control Chat and her contract only expires in April next year.

[THE_STIG]

I have MTN and am very happy with it.

Long before all the cool phones came out - I had an MTN package that was rather cheap. My contract had expired but they just kept it going. They did everything in their power to make me upgrade - eventually they got me with the Blackberry. But I went for 2 years on a package that had been discontinued. A contract doesn't just end after two years - it then becomes a month by month thing. They cannot cut you off if you choose not to sign a new one.

Ah but they are no longer cheap, just have a look at the prices of calls on your bill

[DeathStrike]

What the stig said. Data calls sms all way too expensive. When I dial 808 they tell me that I will be charged R2 /MB for data used out of bundle. And they stopped the 2GB special so I no longer buy data. Not worth it for me at R 389 for 2GB.

[Stuart]

I lied. My wife is not on a Control Chat.

As you were, then.

[StarPhoenix]

Why not just go cell c pay as you go. They do that whole 99c for real thing

Rates are as follows:

99c per minute(to any network)
50c per sms(to any network)
99c per mb(out of bundle)
99c per MMS

This is far better than certain other networks that charge in excess of R2 per min and R2 per mb

That is one of the things I am considering....that or downgrading to Straight Up Top Up 30, and bolting on extra sms messages.

So far, the old Nokia 1280 my mother gave me has lasted much longer than my Samsung Star did. Hope it continues that way.

[THE_STIG]

Samsung star was not a very well made thing it seems, my mom had one. Touch screen barely worked by the time the contract was up, along a host of other issues.

I cant knock Nokia for reliability, yes they are horrendously boring and they decided no to hop aboard the andriod boat but at least they wont die on you....

I would till rather go pre - paid, if like me you dont spend all day on the phone I think it works out cheaper. And data bundles and such are easy to load