Vodacom Business, a division of the well-known Vodacom Group, a household name in the telecoms industry. As a brand with deep roots, they offer a wide range of telecom and digital solutions.
They position themselves as an innovator, but their reputation isn’t spotless. While their wide range of services is undeniably appealing, particularly their network infrastructure, there are areas where potential buyers should tread cautiously. Let’s take a closer look at their solutions.
Solutions Provided by Vodacom Business
| Service | Package | Details | Price (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VoIP | 250 Anytime Minutes | Includes 250 minutes for anytime use | R134.99 |
| 500 Anytime Minutes | Includes 500 minutes for anytime use | R234.99 | |
| Unlimited Anytime Minutes | Includes unlimited anytime minutes (FUP of 3,000 minutes) | R399.99 |
If your business relies on heavy call volumes, the unlimited minutes package seems like a good deal. However, the Fair Usage Policy at 3,000 minutes puts a cap on ‘unlimited’, so if your business is likely to exceed this, you could find yourself paying out-of-bundle rates. Furthermore, international calls aren’t included in these packages and are charged separately. While this is fairly standard, it’s something to factor in if you’re frequently dealing with international clients.
Hosted IP PBX
This cloud-based solution is marketed as an ideal way to avoid the costs associated with on-site hardware. The main issue here is pricing transparency. Vodacom requires you to “request a callback” to find out costs, which makes it difficult to compare with other providers. If you need immediate clarity on pricing, this might be frustrating. However, for businesses looking to reduce infrastructure overheads, a cloud-based PBX can provide flexibility and scalability – assuming the pricing aligns with your budget.
Unified Communications (UC)
Vodacom Business promotes a full OPEX model, meaning you won’t need any upfront capital. Their One Net Business package, integrated with Webex, includes cloud calling, virtual meetings, and secure messaging. If your business operates across multiple locations or needs seamless communication, this solution could be ideal. However, Webex integration is not unique to Vodacom, and it might be worth comparing similar offerings from competitors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your business’s needs.
Hosted Call Centre
Vodacom’s Hosted Call & Contact Centre solution provides a wide range of features, including inbound and outbound calling, IVR, and WhatsApp integration. While this is a versatile tool for businesses focused on customer service, it’s important to check how this compares with other hosted contact centre providers. Some users have reported delays in setup and inconsistent service, so ensure that their infrastructure aligns with your needs before fully committing.
Fibre
Vodacom Business offers a tempting fibre package with a few notable perks:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Installation | Available on 24- or 36-month contracts |
| Free LTE Backup | Provided while waiting for fibre activation |
| 50GB Failover Services | Included for a limited time, useful for uninterrupted service |
| Contract Length | 24- or 36-month contracts; a substantial commitment—ensure your business is prepared for this lock-in |
| Important Consideration | Clarify what happens after the 50GB failover is used up: Will additional charges apply, or will the backup cease? |
Wireless
For businesses in areas where fibre isn’t available, Vodacom’s Business Internet Wireless Air packages start at R699 per month. While this may seem cost-effective, wireless options can be less reliable than fibre. If your business relies heavily on stable internet connectivity, wireless might be a risky primary choice. However, as a backup, it could be a good safety net. Vodacom also offers LTE starting at R349 per month, which could serve smaller businesses with more basic internet requirements.
Managed Hosting and Cloud Services
Vodacom’s cloud services offer a secure environment for hosting applications and data. For businesses with critical digital operations, this could be worth exploring. However, managed hosting services are a crowded market in South Africa, and other providers might offer more competitive rates or additional features—so it’s essential to shop around.
Vodacom Business’s pricing varies across its product range. While services like VoIP and wireless plans have clear costs, others—like the Hosted IP PBX—remain vague. For businesses that need immediate budgeting clarity, this lack of transparency could be a sticking point.
On the flip side, their entry-level LTE pricing at R349 per month, and competitive VoIP packages, particularly the unlimited option (despite the FUP), will appeal to small to medium-sized businesses.
However, always factor in the cost of out-of-bundle rates for VoIP, international call charges, and potential setup fees for services like the Hosted Call Centre. If you need more advanced or customised solutions, expect pricing to vary considerably, and budget accordingly.
Support Portals and Accessibility
Vodacom Business offers multiple support channels, which include:
- Online chat through their website
- Phone support for dedicated business lines
- Request a callback feature for service inquiries
- Physical customer service centres
- Social media support
These options provide good coverage, and the variety of portals should mean that help is readily available when needed. However, this hasn’t always been the case, according to customer reviews.
Customer Feedback: What They’re Saying
Vodacom Business garners a mix of feedback from its customers, and this is where some caution is advised. On Hello Peter, several customers have shared their frustrations, especially regarding customer service. Complaints often revolve around slow or ineffective responses to issues, particularly during upgrades. Some users have referred to this as an “upgrade nightmare,” with long delays and unresolved issues being a common theme.
Another recurring complaint is about “empty promises”. While Vodacom might offer impressive-sounding packages, the reality doesn’t always live up to the marketing. For example, free installations and backups are great selling points, but several customers have reported poor experiences with actual delivery on these promises.
That said, not all feedback is negative. Many businesses continue to use Vodacom Business for its reliable network and solid VoIP and UC offerings. The issue seems to be more around service consistency rather than the quality of the products themselves.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Pros and Cons
Vodacom Business offers a broad range of solutions, many of which are well-suited to businesses looking to improve their communications and connectivity. Their VoIP packages and Unified Communications products are competitive, and their fibre and wireless offerings provide a good balance of cost and reliability for most businesses.
However, pricing transparency for some products, inconsistent customer service, and reports of delayed installations are factors that buyers should keep in mind. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the frustrations reported by other customers before making any long-term commitments.
If you’re considering Vodacom Business, make sure to get clear quotes, manage your expectations around service delivery, and consider whether their support options will meet your business needs. As always, it’s worth comparing alternatives to ensure you’re making the best decision for your company.
Vodacom Business Alternatives
If you’re still weighing your options, consider these alternatives:
Switch Telecom: Offers cost-effective VoIP solutions with robust customer service.
Euphoria Telecom: Known for comprehensive call centre solutions and wireless connectivity.
Kinetix Connect: Another potential option for enhanced communication infrastructure.
Choosing a telecom provider is a big decision. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider using our service. We’ve connected over 50,000 users through our service since 2009 and we’re perfectly positioned to help you too.
Visit our Get Quote page to reach out so we can connect you with the perfect provider.
