Prepaid cards today represent a fully-fledged mode of consumption of mobile telephone services. How does their pricing work? What types of users are they aimed at?
What is a prepaid card?
In the context of mobile telephony offers, pre-paid cards allow users to manage their telephone and data consumption (mobile internet) “on demand”, through a system of recharges (credits) of varying amounts. Credit is activated by means of a code that must be dialed from your device.
Prepaid cards differ from subscription plans, where the user is billed a fixed monthly amount.
Services accessible from prepaid cards
Prepaid cards offer access to the same mobile telephone services as those available with a subscription:
- Phone calls (audio / video)
- SMS / MMS
- Internet mobile (3G)
Pricing
Several types of pricing are available depending on the operator and the type of prepaid card chosen.
- Some cards work on the “pay as you go” principle. The use of each service (call, SMS, mobile internet) is charged a certain amount. In this case, the card generally has a longer validity period (greater than one month) but the services are more expensive.
- The majority of prepaid cards have a limited validity period (e.g. 15 days, one month), but in this case offer more time for communication or consumption of mobile data (internet), or even certain services. unlimited (calls, SMS).
Commercialization
Prepaid cards can be purchased:
- in the form of a "kit": combining a mobile device, a SIM card + a top-up.
- in the form of a SIM card + recharge (if the user already has a mobile).
- then in the form of simple refills, "on demand"
Prepaid cards are available in many points of sale: bookstore, supermarket, telephone operator shops, etc.
For what types of user?
- Budget-conscious user who uses little phone or has limited needs (e.g. mobile internet)
- User who needs to keep a mobile phone line in Our country between long trips abroad. Note that minimal activity (call, sending SMS) is often required to keep the line active.
- Any user who needs flexibility in their use of mobile telephony.
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