Rain Launches Data Only 4G Network in South Africa

PRESS RELEASE -- Today rain launches a new generation 4G network that will redefine how South Africans use mobile data. It is the only mobile network that focusses solely on data offerings, thereby significantly reducing the price for consumers to connect to the internet.

rain offers consumers one plan: mobile data priced at 5c per meg (R50 per gig). Customers will only pay for data they have used at the end of a month. There are no contracts lock-ins, no bundles and no regular monthly fees. Data will never expire and customers will never have to pay expensive out-of-bundle rates. At any time, a rain customer will be able to set and manage their SIM's spend-limit, ensuring that they never experience bill-shock.

After joining online at rain.co.za, a rain SIM will be delivered straight to your door. You will be able to experience unlimited data usage on rain's high-speed 4G network for free, for 15 days after joining. These free unlimited data days will be a risk-free way for consumers to experience the network and test their individual coverage needs.

rain's offering is data-only and does not provide traditional voice services. However, customers will be able to activate data-based services such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Skype on their phones and make calls to other users on the same services.

rain also has some enticing offers on 4G MiFi devices and dual SIM smartphones. Customers can enjoy additional free unlimited data days when they purchase any of rain's listed devices. For example, a customer can purchase the Huawei E5573 MiFi router for R820 once-off and then enjoy 30 free unlimited data days. The MiFi device will boost their old 3G smartphone to the full 4G experience on South Africa's fastest growing network.

The Huawei E5885 MiFi can be bought for R1580 and includes 45 free unlimited data days. This MiFi device doubles up as a power-bank, ensuring your smartphone or tablet always remains connected.

In addition, rain will offer two innovative dual -SIM smartphones. A dual -SIM smartphone lets consumers use fast, affordable mobile data on their rain SIM, with the option of using an additional SIM, from another network, to access traditional voice services.

The Huawei Y7 dual-SIM smartphone is priced at only R3050 and comes with 60 free unlimited data days. The latest Huawei P20-Lite is priced at only R4700 and comes with an incredible 90 free unlimited data days. All of the devices will be delivered to your door at no additional cost.

Data-hungry consumers will also have to option to add unlimited off-peak data for R250 per month to their rain one plan. This will award them unlimited data usage for 19 hours a day, except at peak times (6pm to 11pm). During peak hours, consumers will pay the standard 5c per meg (R50 per gig).

rain's focus on providing one simple, easy to use, data-only plan allows it to significantly reduce costs which it will pass-on to consumers through lower data prices. South Africans can join rain by simply logging on to rain.co.za. Customers can order up to three SIMs, give each a unique name, and easily manage their mobile data costs on the web and using the rain app on their mobile phones.

rain is the fastest growing data network in South Africa, reaching more than 2100 towers in metro areas in just over a year. Coverage is quickly expanding and will consist of more than 5000 towers over the next three years, providing high-speed affordable data to the vast majority of South Africans.

ENDS