Cellphone contracts for blacklisted people in South Africa are not always the same as a mobile phone agreement for people with a clear credit history. Being able to communicate via mobile phone is essential but if you have had financial troubles what blacklisted cellphone deals are available?
Most people these days own a mobile phone. Communication via phone calls, sms, social media like Facebook and WhatsApp is a big part of our everyday lives. However this is just one of the many things that we rely on our cellphones for.
We also use them to browse the internet. We reply to emails, view and share photographs and videos, play and download music, take and store photographs and contact information. As well as play games on and keep up to date on the news.
We use our cellphones as alarms, diaries, birthday calendars, calculators and memo pads. Official documents, companies and doctors offices ask for cellphone numbers as contact references. And for business a phone is essential.
Their uses are almost infinite and most people would admit that they could not live without their cellphone.
The Costs of a Cellphone in South Africa
In order to get a cellphone and everything that comes with it there are several costs which can be quite steep.
The cellphone device itself.
Cellphones, depending on their make and what functions they have and whether they are first or second hand, can cost anything from a few hundred to a few thousand rand.
This information on cellphone specials might interest you.
The sim card.
You will also have to buy a sim card, which does not cost very much. In fact, most stores charge less than a rand for their sim cards.
You will also need to RICA your sim card, but this is generally free. RICA stands for Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Related Information Act and your sim card will not be activated until it has been RICA’d.
Find out more information on RICA here.
Data costs.
In order to browse the internet, use instant messaging services like WhatsApp, or use social media sites you will have to load data onto your phone. Some networks or phone types will charge you a once off fee per month for unlimited browsing and internet usage.
Airtime.
Airtime can also be costly as the fee per second or minute is higher for calls during peak hours, when most people call.
A cellphone contract.
There are a myriad of different cellphone contracts available through every one of the mobile phone networks. If you are blacklisted you can still get a cellphone contract. Many network service providers do offer cellphone contracts for blacklisted people. But they might ask for a deposit or for someone with a good credit history to sign as surety alongside you.
Cellphone Contracts for Blacklisted Clients
Here are some blacklisted cellphone deals options you might consider:
Prepaid Plans – Many cellphone providers offer prepaid plans that don’t require a credit check. With a prepaid plan you pay in advance for your service. So there’s no credit check or contract.
Non-Traditional Providers – Some smaller or alternative cellphone providers may be more lenient with credit checks or may not require them at all. These providers might offer month-to-month plans or prepaid options for blacklisted clients.
Secured Contracts – Some larger providers may offer secured contracts. Where you pay a deposit or provide collateral (such as a savings account) to secure the contract. This deposit is usually refunded after a period of responsible payment.
Subprime Providers – Some mobile providers specialize in offering cellphone contracts for blacklisted people in South Africa. These providers may have higher fees or offer less favorable terms, but they’re more likely to approve your application.
Co-Signer – If you have a trusted friend or family member with good credit you might be able to have them co-sign the contract with you. This essentially means that they are guaranteeing your payments, which reduces the risk for the provider.
Credit Repair – Before applying for a contract, you could work on improving your credit score. This might involve paying off outstanding debts, disputing inaccuracies on your credit report. And making timely payments on any current debts.
Negotiation – You can always try negotiating with the provider. Sometimes if you explain your situation and show that you can commit to making regular payments, they may be willing to offer you a contract with certain conditions.
The Benefits of Cellphone Contracts for Blacklisted People
There are benefits to having a cellphone contract instead of going pre-paid. They include the following:
You will not have to pay for your phone. Generally the package will include a phone of your choice and a free upgrade every two or so years.
Many phone contracts offer a certain amount of internet browsing which forms part of the monthly fee.
You will generally have some free minutes per month. You might only be able to use them at certain times of the day or week but they will help you save on the air time you actually pay for.
Some contracts offer a top up option where you will receive a certain amount of air time per month and be able to add to it if you run out. Other contracts will tally up your calls and send you a bill at the end of the month.
In Conclusion
Having a cell phone contract is definitely more convenient than the pre-paid option and the answer to the question are cellphone contracts for blacklisted people in South Africa available is yes. It might be more difficult than if you had a good credit history, but it is not impossible.
The main cellular providers in South Africa are MTN, Vodacom, Telkom Mobile and Cell C which are unlikely to offer blacklisted cellphone deals and contracts.
So dig a little deeper. Explore the options we mention above and there’s no reason why you can’t still qualify for a cellphone contract even with bad credit.