MTN the only network with disappearing airtime – report

However, MyBroadband connected each of the devices to the same WiFi and turned the mobile data usage option off.

All settings, such as WiFi assist or dynamic network switching, were also disabled to ensure the phones operated on the WiFi only.

On the day of the test the SIM cards had the following airtime balances:

1. Vodacom – R12
2. MTN – R10
3. Telkom – R10
4. Cell C – R10

The airtime balances were recorded regularly throughout the experiment, and each device remained powered, with its mobile data switched off for 11 days.

To everyone’s surprise, the only airtime balance that decreased over the days was the MTN SIM card.

The MTN SIM was the only SIM receiving daily SMSs warning that it was using out-of-bundle data despite the mobile data option being disabled.

After 11 days, the airtime balance on the MTN SIM decreased to R6.38 by July 17 and R4.60 by July 21.

MTN commented that in 30 days, it would change its tariffs, as it was unaware that other networks did not charge for LTE.

“These charges only occur when an LTE device, containing an LTE SIM card, is in an LTE-coverage area. This affects less than 3% of our customer base, and does not occur during any 3G or Edge data sessions.

“As a matter of priority, we are going to adjust our tariffs and align our data charging in LTE with our competitors. This will be implemented within the next 30 days,” MTN told MyBroadband.

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