fringsters listen up. CellC just announced their new 21Mbps mobile broadband rates.

The rates are as follows:

• Prepaid: R2,999 gets you a modem capable of 21.6Mbps & 5GB of data monthly for a period of 12 months.
• Contract: 21Mbps connection with 5GB of data per month for R299 per month

At only 5c per MB, this is not only the cheapest mobile broadband available in South Africa, but also the fastest. It’s going to be interesting to see how the other networks respond.

At those rates you can make an hour long (60min) fring video call for only R3.00 just think of the possibilities.

So what are you waiting for why not make the jump before they change their minds. You may want to check if your area has 21Mbps coverage before making any rush choices, the coverage footprint is still rather small.

Great news for fringsters on the Cell C network:

Earlier this year Cell C announced that it “has signed a R2.9bn deal with the Chinese telecom equipment provider ZTE Corporation” this came shortly after announcing that the firm would be spending R5bn to upgrade it’s network to 4G in 2010.

Cell C has now also revealed that the “Nokia Siemens Networks was appointed as the second vendor in its network expansion and upgrade plans.” The network rollout has started, and will be launch as soon as Cell C feels it has enough high quality coverage nationwide.

With the recent MTN, Vodacom and now Cell C network upgrade in South Africa, the bandwidth war is heating up nicely and Mobile internet is slowly starting to become cheaper. Things are shaping up nicely for internet users and fringsters in this land and I can’t wait for the day when mobile broadband rates can compare with landline rates.

Breaking news from South Africa:

“From Wednesday, anyone buying a pre-paid SIM card in South Africa must provide proof of address and identification, according to a new law.”

“The compulsory registration of all SIM cards in use, in terms of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) will come into effect from 1 July 2009.”

Existing Vodacom, MTN and CellC contract customers will have 18months to register “subscribers that fail to comply with RICA within the specified time period will be deactivated”.

The new law also only allows for in person registration and no telephonic registrations will be allowed. You will also need to have the following with you when registering.

*Cellphone number
*Full names and surname
*ID number or passport number.
*Physical address.

Note: Not sure how this will affect tourists purchasing pre-paid simcards during the 2010 world cup soccer but I think you would be able to use your passport and accommodation info when purchasing.

“Cell C customers can register at all Cell C franchise stores or at stores where they see a RICA sign. Alternatively, they contact Cell C’s contact centre on 140 (free of charge) from a Cell C cellphone or 084 140 from any other phone for more information on RICA.

MTN customers can register at all MTN’s services centres across the country and in the event customer need guidance and clarity the MTN customer care number is 173, free from an MTN cellphone or 083 173 from any other phone, for prepaid subscribers.

Vodacom customers can register their SIM cards at any Vodacom outlets or they can contact their Customer Care Centre on 111, free from a Vodacom cellphone, or 082 111 from any other phone to find the nearest RICA agent where they can register their SIM card.” Mybroadband.co.za