Free data for university students

Telkom and Cell C are providing students from universities across South Africa with free data to access academic material after missing lecturers due to the on-going strikes.

According to Telkom, numerous universities have made lecture and study material available online while campuses are closed to students. Unfortunately, many learners don’t have the funds to purchase the data needed to access these resources.

As a solution, both service providers will make use of the Reverse Bill URL service, allowing students that use the networks to access content on a university website without paying for data consumption. This service is similar to reverse-charges phone calls. However, both networks have said that during this critical time, students will not be charged.

Learners accessing academic material via Telkom ISP will also benefit from free data as Telkom already zero rates this traffic.

Telkom CEO, Sipho Maseko said: “We hope that this small contribution on our part will assist students to complete the academic year as we work together to build an equitable system for all.”

Students attending a participating university and have a sim card belonging to the Telkom or Cell C network will be able to make use of the service.

Cell C CEO, Jose Dos Santos said that the service would continue till the year-end. “We know students are facing a tough time at the moment, and many need to gain access to course material through their university’s online portal in order to complete their academic year. Zero-rating access is our way of assisting students.” 

Cell C’s service will complement the free basic internet services through Facebook’s FreeBasics (Internet.org), which includes access to Wikipedia and other information-based sites.

Students will be able to buy and Rica sim cards from stores, national chains and participating dealers.

A list of participating institutions has been uploaded on Telkom’s website. 

Handy tip: Are looking for a student loan? If so fill out the form and a consultant will be in touch with you.