Are you on Cell C’s MegaBonus plan? Well, since yesterday you can make free Whatsapp calls using 3G.

Need a second to take that in? Go ahead…

The third largest network in South Africa, Cell C launched this in the wake of its two bigger rivals’ move to regulate OTT services. The parliamentary move for the OTT regulation is set for tomorrow, after the CEO’s of both Vodacom and MTN aren’t impressed that Whatsapp doesn’t contribute financially to local networks.

But in true form, Cell C says the call to regulate such services is a “detriment of the industry.”

For two years, Cell C has embraced services like WhatsApp and Facebook by offering customers innovative and very affordable products and services. This is just one of the ways we at Cell C can express our protest at the calls by our competitors to regulate OTT services.

You see, no matter which network you are using, you are able to make Whatsapp calls – but unless you are within a connected WiFi range, you are billed for data usage. Cell C understands that cheaper communication is imperative for South Africa:

These services offer some of the most affordable communications in the market today and regulating them will only increase the cost to the consumer. This at a time when the industry is being called on to lower the cost to communicate.

Still unsure? Well, first off, if you’re on Cell C, just dial *147# and select option 8 to see whether or not you’re down to make some free WiFi calls and have fun!

[source: fin24]