Rain’s recent launch of a standalone 4G SIM offering has been met with disappointment due to its limited value proposition. The new package, priced at R165 per month, includes 2GB of data, 60 minutes, and 100 SMS messages.
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Compared to other mobile providers, Rain’s offering is significantly less competitive. AirMobile offers a 2GB data-only package for R60 and a 10GB package for R150. For those seeking a bundled package with 2GB of data and voice minutes, AirMobile and Telkom offer more affordable options.
Even when compared to MTN’s Superflex plan, which offers 10GB of data, unlimited calls, and SMS for R299, Rain’s product falls short. While MTN’s plan is 81% more expensive, it provides 400% more data and unlimited calls, offering a much better value proposition.
Furthermore, Rain’s network performance is among the worst in South Africa, according to MyBroadband Insights. Its average download speed of 21Mbps is significantly slower than MTN and Vodacom, which offer speeds of 82Mbps and 80Mbps, respectively.
Rain’s voice-over-LTE calling is also limited, as it is not supported on all phones. This means users may need a custom dialer to make voice calls.
When questioned about the competitiveness of its new mobile product, Rain failed to provide a compelling argument. The company’s decision to discontinue its unlimited data products further highlights its struggles in the market.
Rain’s previous stance on unlimited data offerings was challenged by Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub, who warned of potential network capacity constraints. Rain’s recent move to introduce a limited data package suggests that Joosub’s prediction was accurate.
Overall, Rain’s new mobile offering lacks a strong value proposition and faces significant challenges in a competitive market. Its limited data, network performance issues, and compatibility limitations make it a less attractive choice for South African consumers.
