Internet use and data downloading has become a lot easier as Starcomms Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest CDMA 3G Mobile networks, has delivered on its promise to empower Nigerians through consistent provision of customized and innovative telecommunication solutions. The company introduced a new service known as ‘Pay As You Surf’ which provides subscribers a more flexible and unlimited access to the internet in a most price-friendly manner.

The customer just loads a normal recharge card to browse and will be billed on per minute basis. That means that the subscriber will only pay for the time he/she connected to the net. The new service requires the purchase of a data pack which contains the connecting cable, CD and information describing how the subscriber will activate the service in any Starcomms’ CDMA internet-compliant handset and computer.

This service will cost a nominal N1,000 one-off activation fee payment. With options of N7.40 per minute during peak time and N5.00 per minute during off-peak, the customer surfs at his/her convenience and pays for the exact usage. There are no monthly subscriptions, but the subscriber enjoys unlimited access as long as there is sufficient credit in his account.

To activate the service, all the subscriber needs to do is visit any Starcomms shop, request for Pay As You Surf data service, fill a data subscription form, pay N1,000 activation fee and the service is activated within 24 hours after completing the request.

Mobiles and fixed wireless phone users all top up their Data PAYS Account with a normal recharge card, while for first time activation, the subscriber has to access the IVR dialing *999*. All subsequent recharges can be done by simply following the instructions behind the Starcomms recharge card.

In addition, a Pay As You Surf subscriber can share the same credit account for voice and data. The subscriber can surf the internet or make voice calls as long as there is sufficient credit in the account, and the subscriber can keep using the service by simply topping the account when low by loading a recharge card.Starcomms’ Commercial Director, Mr. Prakash Pantham, who confirmed the development, said it was borne out of the need to give subscribers different options on accessing the internet, adding that it is a demonstration of the firm’s expertise in maximizing new technologies to meet customers’ needs.

“It is the endeavour of the company to constantly innovate and introduce services and products to cater to each segment of the market. This innovative service will bring the internet much closer to the common man, allowing easy and affordable access to the world-wide web”.

He added that the new service, one of many to be introduced, is in partial fulfillment of Starcomms’ promise to build a solid network for voice and data to cater for the needs of its existing and potential subscribers.