Smartcall launches SmartyFI WiFi vending across South Africa [Sponsored]

Smartcall, market leaders in prepaid cellular services and products, has officially begun the roll out of SmartyFI — a fully portable data hotspot and data vending solution.

SmartyFI allows vending of data using WiFi at a margin for the owner (the vendor) of the SmartyFI device. The solution is portable as no fixed line internet is required to power SmartyFI (it is powered by cellular data) and allows the vendor an opportunity to create a data hotspot on-the-go where users can purchase data using small cash or coins.

“As a SmartyFI mobile data vendor, you could walk into a park with your data hotspot device, switch it on and let customers pay, tap and connect. If the park didn’t work out, the vendor could try any other location. You are literally the hotspot. WiFi is not a new concept in South Africa; having a mobile data hotspot for people to connect to the internet, wherever is most convenient for them, is. SmartyFI makes it very simple and affordable to get connected, while at the same time providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to generate an income (as SmartyFI vendors)” says Nick van Rooyen, Executive at SmartyFI.

The solution by Smartcall allows the vendor to buy data in bulk (and thus cheaper) and on-sell the data in smaller quantities – adding a profit margin. SmartyFI is ideal for use by individuals; in bars, pubs, hotels, colleges, libraries, open markets/flea-markets and public transport. These are just a few of the many places SmartyFI can be operated.

There already are SmartyFI vendors across South Africa that are currently involved with the final commercial trial. “The aim is to roll out as many devices as possible, with our dual vision of not only empowering the individual in generating income, but allowing the customer to spend less on their data usage. Smartcall sells products and creates the technology that ensures it’s possible to have it both ways”.

“Data demand is ever growing and we developed SmartyFI to operate in that space.  The global trend is moving away from normal voice and SMSs as it is so much cheaper to use data than airtime. Imagine a 2-minute voice call today on prepaid, which will cost between R1.35-R2.40. With data, those 2-minutes amount to about 30c-40c.  And what about sms? 21c-50c per sms on prepaid, versus WhatsApp text messages which cost less than 6c. One of key objectives when creating SmartyFI were to create a solution whereby individuals can create an income stream from selling a product – in this case, data – to customers at a price lower to what end-users typically pay for data,” van Rooyen adds.

SmartyFI is available in two models:

1. A100 operator required, WiFi vending device. The startup cost for this device and 20Gb of data is R3450 including VAT.
2. A202 automatic coin WiFi vending device, which can be fitted to a wall or table. The cost for this device and 20Gb of data is R8900 including VAT.

The SmartyFI equipment can be powered by electricity, solar energy or batteries, and vendors simply purchase data from Smartcall to recharge their devices.

A basic scenario using the device is: a vendor purchases the A100 device and sells 20GB worth of data to customers. Based on the margin (around 15c per megabyte) they would generate between R2500 and R3000.

Smartcall has specialised in providing prepaid cellular services and products to South African mobile users since 1998, and during that time have invested over R500 million into distribution infrastructure to support the participation of SME’s and the informal market in the mobile telecommunication industry. Today they are the largest distributors of starter packs and a significant prepaid airtime distributor in South Africa. Smartcall also provides several WASP services to the whole mobile telecoms market.

Smartcall constantly endeavors to develop solutions that create new revenue opportunities for individuals whilst addressing basic telecommunications requirements of the mass population. Most of the products offered by the brand today — SmartyFI being the latest — create job and income opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

For more information on SmartyFI: https://www.smartyFI.co.za.