The loss-leading broadband special offer from 8ta, its 10GB of data for R199/month package, has been extended until mid-2012, it said on Thursday. The product, which is only available on a 24-month contract, has been in the market since June.

The 10GB package remains the cheapest capped mobile broadband offering in SA, with an effective cost-per-megabyte of less than 2c. For an additional R100/month, users can get an additional 10GB to be used between midnight and 5am.

It had been expected that the special offer would only be in the market for a few months.

8ta, which is owned by Telkom, is able to offer the low-cost package because, unlike its rivals, its network is still relatively empty. The offer only applies to users in 8ta coverage zones and does not extend to those roaming onto the MTN network.

Telkom launched 8ta, SA’s fourth mobile network operator, in 2010. — Staff reporter, TechCentral