Vodacom has partnered with search engine giant, Google to introduce the Play Store data bundle package that will allow Vodacom users to browse the store, download and update their Android applications without worrying about large data costs that often come with these actions.
This partnership makes Vodacom the first mobile operator globally to offer such a service.
Vodacom’s Group Digital and Fixed Officer, Zunaid Mahomed, said, “Vodacom prides itself on being a leading digital telco that strives to offer innovative services, solutions and continuous value for all our customers. We’re extremely proud to be the first telco in the world to offer Google Play Store bundles, enabling our customers to connect to the apps they love on the Google Play Store on the Vodacom network.”
He added, “As we continue our pricing transformation journey, we have set our sights on reducing the barriers to access the Google Play Store by introducing bundles that will simplify the process for consumers and translate to savings in data spend in the process. Our goal is to play an active role in enabling customers to fully optimise their smartphone use and connect today for a better tomorrow.”
Vodacom will also be partnering with Google’s Loon to launch its own network of internet balloons in Mozambique’s two northernmost provinces, Cabo Delgado and Niassa.
Google most recently successfully launched Loon’s floating internet base stations in Kenya. Kenya’s IT Cabinet Secretary demonstrated their capabilities by video calling the country’s president.
The balloons are launched from the United States, from where they go come to rest just below the ozone layer.
Users are not required to have any specialized equipment to connect to the towers. Their devices will automatically connect to the balloon towers as they would to any other ordinary cell towers.
These base stations provide 4G LTE network coverage, supporting data, voice, SMS and USSD. This is revolutionary technology as it is set to finally connect people in remote areas into the digital economy. Eventually it will promote financial inclusion, as people in these regions gain access to mobile and online banking services.