Two Phones Contract Deals: Finding the Perfect Plan for You and Your Family (or Business)

Juggling two phones? Whether it’s for work and personal use, or to keep the whole family connected, finding the right mobile plan can feel like navigating a minefield. With the sheer number of options available, from data packages to call minutes and different phone models, it’s easy to get lost. But what if there was a way to streamline this and save money? This article dives into the world of two phones contract deals in South Africa, exploring the benefits, comparing the options, and guiding you to the perfect plan tailored to your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

Two phones contract deals can be more cost-effective than individual contracts, especially for families and businesses.
They offer convenience through a single bill and account management.
South Africa’s major networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom) offer a variety of deal structures, including family and business plans.
Researching and comparing deals is crucial to finding the best fit.
Consider your data needs, call usage, and budget when choosing a plan.
Be aware of hidden costs like upfront device fees and out-of-bundle charges.

Benefits of Two Phones Contract Deals
Types of Two Phones Contract Deals Available
How to Find and Compare Two Phones Contract Deals
Choosing the Right Two Phones Contract Deal for You
Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits of Two Phones Contract Deals

Two phones contract deals provide a range of advantages that can be especially beneficial for families, businesses, and individuals seeking to manage multiple mobile devices. One of the main drivers for this type of plan is to save money.

Cost-Effectiveness

These deals often come with lower per-line costs compared to the sum of individual contracts. Mobile networks tend to offer discounts and bundled pricing to encourage multiple-phone sign-ups. For example, a family plan might offer a combined data allowance at a reduced rate compared to purchasing separate data bundles for each phone. The cost savings often lead to more affordable and efficient contracts.

Example: Consider a family needing 5GB of data per month for each of their two phones. Separate contracts might cost R300 each, totaling R600. A family plan offering 10GB of shared data for R500 would provide a significant saving.

Convenience

Managing a single bill and account simplifies your finances and reduces administrative headaches. Instead of juggling multiple due dates and account logins, everything is consolidated into one easy-to-manage package. This is particularly useful for business owners who need to manage employee phone expenses and usage, or for parents who want to monitor their children’s mobile activity.

Family Benefits

Family plans often include features tailored to parental control. Many contracts offer data sharing, allowing family members to draw from a shared pool of data, and sometimes even features such as usage monitoring and content filtering. This provides peace of mind and control over mobile usage, which is particularly relevant to parents of young children.

Business Advantages

For small businesses, two phones contract deals offer a streamlined way to manage employee mobile communication. This can be especially beneficial for business owners. Managing company-provided phones and data is simpler with a single account. Moreover, data sharing features and dedicated business packages often come with value-added services.

Added Value

Many two phones contract deals come with added benefits. These can include:

Extra data: Over and above standard allowances.
Free calls: Particularly to certain networks or at specific times.
Device upgrades: Opportunities to upgrade to newer phone models at favorable terms.

Types of Two Phones Contract Deals Available

The South African mobile landscape offers a variety of two phones contract deal structures. These vary in features, pricing, and suitability based on the providers and their offerings.

Network Providers

South Africa has several major mobile network providers:

Vodacom: Known for its extensive network coverage, particularly in urban areas. Vodacom’s website is an excellent source for contract information.
MTN: Another major player with broad coverage and a range of contract options. Check out MTN’s website to find offers.
Cell C: Competitive pricing and often offers innovative bundles and deals. Find contract details on Cell C’s website.
Telkom: Growing its network and providing cost-effective options, often including home broadband bundles. Visit Telkom’s website for detailed information.

Deal Structures

SIM-Only Deals: These contracts provide a SIM card with data, calls, and SMS allowances, but no phone. They are often a cost-effective option if you already have suitable devices.
Phone-Inclusive Deals: These contracts include a new phone as part of the deal, often with options to upgrade to different phone models.
Family Plans: Designed to accommodate multiple users, these plans often include data sharing, discounted per-line rates, and parental control features.
Business Plans: Tailored for business owners, these plans feature bulk data, employee management tools, and often discounted call rates within the company.

Data and Call Allowances

Data Bundles: Offering set amounts of data per month. Consider your average usage.
Unlimited Calls: Some plans offer unlimited calls to specific networks or at all times.
SMS Allowances: SMS allowances vary widely.
Data Rollover: Allowing unused data to be carried over to the next month.
Data Sharing: Allowing data to be shared between devices on the contract.

Devices Included

The range of phones included in two phones contract deals varies from budget-friendly to premium models. When choosing a device, consider its features, brand preference, and, critically, your budget.

Hypothetical Example Deals

Vodacom Example: Family plan with 15GB of shared data, 200 minutes of calls, and 200 SMS messages for two phones, costing approximately R800 per month.
MTN Example: Business plan with shared data, unlimited calls to other MTN numbers, and discounted rates to other networks.
Cell C Example: Dual SIM-only offer, providing competitive data and call allowances for a reduced combined monthly fee.
Telkom Example: Value-for-money deal including a specific mid-range device and generous data allowances.

How to Find and Compare Two Phones Contract Deals

Finding the best two phones contract deal requires research, comparison, and a strategic approach.

Researching Online

Comparison Websites: Utilize websites like Contractdeals.co.za to compare deals from various providers side-by-side.
Provider Websites: Visit the official websites of Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom to explore their specific offerings.
Comparison Tools: Use online comparison tools, which often allow you to filter results based on your specific needs (data, calls, budget).

Key Factors to Consider

Monthly Cost: Calculate the total cost over the contract duration (e.g., 24 or 36 months), including any upfront fees or device costs.
Data Allowance: Accurately estimate how much data is needed per phone (consider streaming, social media, browsing, and work applications).
Call Minutes and SMS: Evaluate your average usage to ensure the allowances meet your needs.
Device Choice (If Applicable): Consider the features, brand, and specifications of the phones.
Contract Duration: Longer contracts usually offer lower monthly costs but limit flexibility.
Network Coverage: Assess the network coverage in your area using coverage maps provided by the mobile networks.

Creating a Comparison Table

Develop a simple comparison table to track and analyse the different offers. Use columns for:
- Provider
- Monthly Cost
- Data Allowance
- Call Minutes
- SMS Messages
- Device (if included)
- Contract Duration
Include the table template to allow a more organised approach.
Here is an example template:

Provider	Monthly Cost	Data Allowance	Call Minutes	Device	Contract Duration

Choosing the Right Two Phones Contract Deal for You

Choosing the right two phones contract deal requires self-assessment and aligning your needs with the available offers.

Assess Your Needs

Who are the phones for? (Personal use, family members, employees)
What will the phones be used for? (Social media, streaming, work applications, calls)
How much data do you need?
How many calls do you make/receive?
What’s your budget?

Matching Needs to Deals

Heavy Data Users: Prioritize plans with large data allowances, data rollover features, or unlimited data options.
Call-Focused Users: Look for plans with generous call minutes or unlimited call options, especially to the networks you call most frequently.
Budget-Conscious Users: Explore SIM-only deals or consider prepaid options to minimize monthly costs.
Business Users: Prioritize plans with features like data sharing, employee management tools, and competitive call rates.

Tips for Negotiating

Be polite but assertive when negotiating the contract.
Be prepared to walk away if the deal doesn’t meet your needs.
Know the latest deals offered by competitors to strengthen your position.

Hidden Costs

Upfront Device Costs: These can add significantly to the initial cost.
Out-of-Bundle Data Charges: These can be expensive if you exceed your data allowance.
Early Termination Fees: If you cancel the contract before the end date.
Roaming Charges: For international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are two phones contract deals always cheaper than individual contracts?
Not always. The cost-effectiveness depends on the deals available and your usage.
What happens if I use more data than my allowance?
You’ll be charged out-of-bundle rates, which can be expensive.
Can I upgrade my phone during a two phones contract deal?
This depends on the provider and the contract terms. Upgrade options are sometimes offered.
What if I don’t need a new phone?
SIM-only deals are a good option in this case, allowing you to save on device costs.
How do I know which network has the best coverage in my area?
Check the network coverage maps on each provider’s website.
Can I change my plan if my needs change?
Yes, it is often possible to upgrade or downgrade your plan during the contract term, but this may involve fees.
What if I want to cancel my contract early?
Early termination will typically result in fees. Review the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.

The process of comparing and finding the best deals can be overwhelming. However, by using resources like Contractdeals.co.za and visiting the websites of the major mobile networks, you will be in a better position to compare offers. Making an informed decision can save you money and maximise value.

Two Phones Contract Deals