INFOTECH: Budget Airline Tries Something New

Low cost airline Mango have announced the launch of the affordable Internet product G-Connect, attempting to make data more affordable across the board. The service, in partnership with Internet Service Provider WirelessG, makes on-line internet communication available at pre-paid data rates from 3,7c per megabyte through 3G, Wi-Fi and ADSL.

The venture marks Mango’s debut in revenue-generation outside the traditional aviation environment. Transactions are available through Mango’s website, www.flymango.com

Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout says that the launch of G-Connect through Mango is the first of several additional revenue-generation products the airline is presently investigating. “In line with our mandate to deliver sustainably affordable air travel to South Africans, the other products offered will reprise this philosophy."

“The Mango G-Connect partnership makes especial sense in relation to both industries since both companies pride themselves on their endeavours to be affordable, offer value for money and maintain excellent customer service,” says Carel van der Merwe, WirelessG CEO.

G-Connect offer 3G, Wi-Fi and ADSL access from a single on-line account. Data is available on a pre-paid basis in increments of R50, R75, R150, R200 and can now be purchased with instant delivery through Mango. No contracts are needed and users receive immediate access to the internet. International Wi-Fi access is available at a flat rate of R1.50 per minute. Bandwidth purchased carries over 12 months from the last date of sign-in and the service offers 24/7 support.