[Submitted via press release]
In a first for pay-TV in South Africa, TopTV has announced the launch of TopTV Prepaid, a prepaid voucher that enables its subscribers instant access to unlimited entertainment across its wide variety of quality channels.
At a function at the Tavern Restaurant in Maponya Mall, Soweto, today (16 August), CEO of TopTV, Eddie Mbalo, made the announcement prior to a live demonstration of how the voucher system will operate.
"What we are launching this morning is a first for the pay-TV industry in South Africa. In fact, we believe this payment system is currently in use in only a few pay-TV markets across the globe," stated Mbalo.
"It is an instant payment option that will give customers immediate access to our world of unlimited entertainment. A dedicated project team has been hard at work for the past six months to implement and perfect this idea and the operating systems involved, and I am very proud to be in a position to introduce this new payment concept for pay-TV to you this morning.
"TopTV Prepaid is an easy, accessible and affordable subscription payment option that we believe will have a significant and positive impact on our subscriber growth, and thus on our business overall.
"The South African consumer is already 'prepaid-savvy' and we believe this innovative payment method will encourage subscribers to connect, or reconnect, because of its simplicity that provides instant admission to the 62 world-class television channels and quality programmes that TopTV offers," Mbalo explained.
Kgomotso Lekola, COO of TopTV, added: "Our service is also cognisant of the fact that a vast number of South Africans, about 40% of adults, are unbanked. If we are to build solutions that are sensitive to the realities of South Africa, then an innovation such as this is non-negotiable."
Initially, the TopTV Prepaid voucher will be available from major retail outlets countrywide, with two price and channel package options: the Variety package at R109.00 for a 30-day period from activation, and the Ultimate package for R279.00 for 30 days of top-class entertainment.
A R10.00 administration and distribution fee is included in these two pricing options because TopTV has to pay the retailers to sell the vouchers on its behalf.
The TopTV Prepaid service enables a current or potential subscriber to activate a voucher for instant connectivity to the TopTV platform of channels.
"This service will also free up our Call Centre, and customers will no longer need to use their airtime to make that call to get connected to TopTV as the Prepaid systems are almost completely automated," said Lekola.
"And, a further advantage is that if the customer is a lapsed TopTV subscriber, there is no reconnection fee to activate the TopTV decoder. Once the Prepaid voucher has been activated, the subscriber can start enjoying the programming on offer once again."
To activate the TopTV Prepaid voucher, the customer dials *120*TopTV(86788)#, follows the prompts to enter the TopTV Smartcard number and the Prepaid voucher number and, within seconds, the TopTV decoder will be activated.
A subscriber may upgrade from the Variety to the Ultimate package at any time during a 30-day cycle, with immediate activation. The remaining credit days on the Variety voucher will be automatically reinstated at the end of the 30-day upgrade period.
However, should a subscriber wish to downgrade the package, this can only take place at the end of the 30-day voucher period.
"We are in a very exciting phase of our business and, being in a position to launch an innovative payment offering as a first in the local market, is but one more step in the right direction for us," concluded Mbalo.
TopTV Prepaid Fact SheetBuy a TopTV Prepaid voucher from a selected retail outlet countrywide
There are two price packages options available on TopTV Prepaid:
- Variety Package at R109 for a 30-day period
- Ultimate package at R279 for a 30-day period
Vouchers last for 30 days from initial date of activation
Using your cell phone, dial *120*TopTV(86788)# and follow the instructions to activate your TopTV Prepaid voucher, or to get more information
Enter your TopTV 12-digit Smartcard number
Enter your 16- or 19-digit TopTV Prepaid voucher number
If not activated, an unused TopTV Prepaid voucher is valid for 3 (three) years from date of purchase
You can upgrade to the Ultimate Package at any time during the Variety Package voucher period, and it will be activated immediately. Your remaining credit days from the previous voucher will be automatically redeemed at the end of the upgrade period
You can downgrade to the Variety Package, but this will only take effect once the Ultimate Package voucher days have expired
You will receive an SMS reminder 5 days before your 30-day package is due to expire, and a second SMS reminder 5 days after your 30-day package has expired
If you already have a TopTV decoder and dish, but are not currently viewing TopTV, you may purchase and activate a TopTV Prepaid voucher and enjoy a world of unlimited entertainment immediately – no reconnection fee is charged
Ensure that you have enough airtime on your cell phone before dialling *120*TopTV(86788)#.
Standard network rates apply
The Top Star Package is currently not available on the TopTV Prepaid option
For the full Terms and Conditions, FAQs and a list of retail outlets where TopTV Prepaid vouchers can be purchased, please go to:
www.toptv.co.za