South Africa’s largest mobile operator company Vodacom announced that users would no longer access Facebook using the free mode from the 9th of April.
The idea of free mode was to keep users connected on Facebook without an internet connection or data. Users were able to chat with their friends and family, as well as engage with other people’s content. If they could not see people’s images, Facebook users did not mind as long as they stayed connected.
Facebook users who were under Vodacom could enjoy these perks under the Facebook Flex plan that kept them connected anywhere and at any time without data charges.
Online publication MDN News posted this announcement on X (previously known as Twitter), causing users to assume that this decision was made by the mobile operator due to their lawsuit with the inventor of the ‘Please Call Me’ concept Nkosana Makate, who sued the company for R29 billion.
Facebook free mode coming to an end on Vodacom soon.
Starting from April 9, basic mode will no longer be available on the Vodacom network on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/kRNG5uMf9i
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 27, 2024
Another user suggested that this change was because the mobile operator needed to pay Nkosana.
Vodacom is tightening its belt to raise makate’s billions they’re now robbing the poorest by denying them free mode pic.twitter.com/EMUKiu99ot
— ?Tebogo Koma? (@TheGeopol) March 27, 2024
One user commented:
The Makate Effect has started
— Siya Ndlumbini ? (@Siya_Ndlumbini) March 27, 2024
A user came to the defence of Nkosana, saying that Vodacom needed to give him the money they owed him.
Lol Makate is dealing with @Vodacom. I’m also leaving them soon because of their poor coverage in my area for the past five years. Very useless!
— Sifiso Sibiya (@_SifisoSibiya) March 27, 2024
Another user said:
The update we want wan to hear from Vodacom is the date and day they will Pay Makate. Full stop.
— SabeloSabantu?? (@RbSabelo) March 27, 2024
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