Local mobile operator Telecel has just sent a message to its subscribers announcing that it will be stopping its Mega Bonus offer and other promotions until further notice.
The message reads,
"Dear customer due to a regulatory directive, we have stopped mega bonus and other promotions, until further notice. Apologies for the inconvenience caused"
The Mega Bonus is one of the most recognisable promotions in local telecoms and is Telecel’s signature offering having been around for over 6 years (remember the Mega Juice card).
Telecel and its competing mobile network operators have offered subscribers discounts on voice, SMS and broadband services through promotions that last for extensive periods due to continued renewal.
These promotions and bonuses have provided subscribers with a cushion against the high cost of mobile telecoms services. They are, however, subject to approval from the telecoms regulator, POTRAZ as they contradict gazetted tariffs.
A few days ago, another mobile operator, Econet, also announced that it would be terminating some of its promotions after failing to get regulatory approval to continue them. Just like the Telecel suspension, there was no explanation for POTRAZ’s directive.
If Telecel’s promo and bonus suspensions are also followed by NetOnes suspension of its years old Dollar a Day promo this could be POTRAZ applying a fair set of rules to all operators.
- Techzim