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After entering the market in April 2023, digital network operator Melon Mobile has expanded its in-app offering to include eSIM support and family plans.
The mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) piggybacks on the MTN network for full coverage, including 5G support, but has independent support and procedures to MTN. Melon Mobile is completely digital, through website and app access, and has no physical stores.
On Wednesday, Melon announced support for its long-awaited eSIM feature that has been delayed since the end of May. Its eSIM offering will be free, just like Telkom Mobile.
Calvin Collett, CEO of Melon Mobile, said in a media release:
The eSIM offering is now available on the Melon Mobile app for Android and iOS, and customers “can be up and running within five minutes”.
Once the app is downloaded, customers need to select “I need a SIM”, then select “eSIM”, and follow the prompts in-app to activate it. The eSIM feature is available exclusively on the app, and not its website.
Melon also supports a self-Rica process in three different ways, either on the app through uploading documents, using the help of its customer service agents or through its WhatsApp bot.
The company tells City Press that customers no longer need to have a monthly active subscription with Melon to use its eSIM.
“Customers can now use Melon in two ways: either build a month-to-month plan to suit their data and voice needs, or choose pay-as-you-go, topping up data and voice as you go,” says Collett.
The MVNO further clarified “as long as a customer is using our services (pay-as-you-go or month-to-month plan), their data and voice will never expire”.
Collett added:
An eSIM will only work on compatible smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Local devices with eSIM support include the iPhone X upwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 upwards, Galaxy Z Foldables, Huawei P40 Pro and Mate 40, Oppo Find N2 Flip and Honor 90. Melon says users can check device compatibility on its app.
Existing customers can switch from physical SIM to eSIM directly on the app, after selecting a ‘SIM replacement’ and then ‘eSIM’. Melon agents will also provide assistance on its WhatsApp support service.
Family plans coming on October 2
From October 2, Melon will launch its new family plan service where one main user can create multiple Melon subscriptions on one account.
The main user can allocate data and voice to several profiles, up to a maximum of seven profiles, and can manage both top-ups and monthly-plan packages.
“Our customers will have multiple lines on one account, which means users can build customised plans suited to each person they wish to include in their family plan, bringing even more flexibility, control and value to our customers - especially for South African households struggling to keep tabs on their monthly mobile data and voice spend,” says Collett.
