Vodacom today launched its new prepaid credit system, which allows users to keep using their phones if their credit is done, up to a maximum of R10. This works similiar to some salary advance type systems – users request the R10 credit, which is then subtracted from their next credit loading amount.

While the idea is very simple, the convenience it offers is valuable to user’s who see communication with family as critical. “We like to think of Airtime Advance as a solution that could be a life line for our customers when they have no airtime and are in desperate need of it. With Airtime Advance, we are giving our customers the ability to communicate even when they have no airtime,” says Portia Maurice, Chief Officer: Corporate Affairs.

It is easy enough to do, but there are a few requirements to enable Airtime Advance. First off, they need to have been active with Vodacom for more than 12 months, they need to recharge with a minimum of R29 per month in total, and they should be registered with RICA. If you still have not RICA’d: Time is running out…