To retain subscribers, operators offer discounts. What's the catch and how to get it

Date: 14Jan 2021

Author: iMobile

At the beginning of January 2021, a subscriber contacted me with information that Megafon now offers discounts when switching to a new tariff. In his case, it was the “Maximum” tariff, which had already become cheaper with the last update, and with a permanent 30% discount, the subscription fee for it was 553 rubles for 30 days. For Moscow and the region - quite good.

Previously, similar 30% discounts were provided as a personal offer, and only if you were lucky. Now you can get a discount offer in the mobile application when you try to change the tariff. I decided to try this method by changing my son’s tariff.

How an application for number porting opens access to the world of discounts and bonuses

In Russia, there has long been a rule that allows you to change your telecom operator while keeping your phone number. The transfer service (MNP) allows subscribers to choose more favorable conditions without losing old contacts. But in recent years, it has acquired another useful property - the operator, from whom the client is about to leave, persistently offers to stay.

In rare cases, persistence manifests itself in ignoring client statements. But this is quickly resolved - operators are obliged to transfer numbers to other companies if the subscriber has requested such a service. Much more often, so-called retention departments are involved in the work. Their employees call the person who submitted the transfer application and offer bonuses in exchange for remaining their client.

To send an application, you don’t even need to go to the salon - all the necessary forms are on the operator’s website

Some users quickly saw this as a benefit for themselves. This is how pseudotransfers appeared. Subscribers write applications only to extract new discounts and bonuses from the operator. And this works too. The rules are generally very soft.

• The number must be registered to the subscriber who is applying for its transfer.
• The only limitation is that at least 60 days must pass between transitions.
• New numbers can be transferred immediately after purchasing a tariff.
• The transfer cost is 100 rubles. But many operators do it for free or credit money to your account.
• Until you switch to another operator, the balance must be positive.

The client does not need to explain anything - he just wanted to and wrote a transfer application. Cellular operators have two options: let him go in peace or hold him in any way.

The cheapest tariffs Megafon

Megafon company offers 4 tariffs for those who want to save. The choice of a specific option depends on what purposes and calls the mobile phone is used for most. For clarity, let’s compare all 5 of the cheapest tariffs from Megafon in the following table. The prices in the table are presented for Moscow and the Moscow region. In other regions the price is lower! Only the Minimum tariff is not provided in Moscow and Moscow Region.

The table can be rotated to the right ->

All tariffs listed are detailed below!

Cost of long distance calls:

Which operators are the most generous?

There is no objective data and cannot be - operators do not disclose their retention programs, plus a lot depends on how “fat” the client applied to port the number. But some limits of generosity were still identified experimentally.

• Tele2 and Beeline offer the most bonuses. To retain the client, they can give a certificate, a discount of up to 70% on the current tariff, free unlimited Internet in the home region or additional traffic in Russia, packages of minutes and SMS, free distribution of mobile traffic to other devices.
• Megafon offers good bonuses - a discount on the tariff of up to 50%, unlimited Internet, packages of minutes, a refund of up to 30% spent on communications.
• The most stingy set of bonuses is provided by MTS. They mainly offer discounts on packages that are not the most profitable.

These are just general impressions; there are exceptions - for example, high discounts on MTS and minimal bonuses on Tele2.

Tariff parameters

Its conditions before the tariff change

- “Turn on! Chat 11.18":

• Subscription fee – 700 rubles per month (with a 30% discount received as a result of a personal offer, 490 rubles per month).
• Internet – 15 GB + unlimited instant messengers and social networks. Unlimited Internet can be connected for an additional fee.
• Minutes – 600 units for calls to Russian mobile numbers

Why retain subscribers at all?

Operators are fighting for customers because there are few new subscribers. People already have numbers that they have been using for many years. According to an employee of one of the large mobile operators, most of the new subscribers are one-day numbers. They do not benefit the company in the long run.

The situation with the lack of new clients became especially severe in 2020. The number of subscribers decreased by 1.3%. In absolute terms, this is 3.5 million people. The coronavirus is again to blame: people have become less likely to visit communication shops, and due to the closure of borders, the flow of migrant workers and tourists has catastrophically decreased. Against this backdrop, old users who constantly pay have become an even more valuable asset.

The decline has slowed in recent years, but operators predict it will continue.

Subscribers had the right to switch to another operator while keeping their number back in 2013. It is unlikely that many would have imagined that this would become the basis for the development of consumer terrorism. But conditions have changed, and for several years now operators have been spending energy on retaining customers. The main question is, are they really suffering from it? And what are the real costs of providing communications if subscribers are given free unlimited Internet without any problems or discounted up to 70% of the original cost of the tariff?

Tariffs of the “#No Overpayments” line, for which a 20% discount is available

A detailed overview of each tariff can be found at the link in the title of the tariff plan.

• "Minimum";
• "Maximum";
• "All";
• "Internet";
• "Calls";
• "Premium";
• "VIP"

I don’t think that the “Maximum”, “Premium” and “VIP” options will be of much interest to pensioners, simply based on the size of their monthly subscription fee, but the “Minimum” tariff may be of interest to those who call within the region, and the “Calls” tariff plan "- is interesting for those who make calls all over Russia more often.

Another undoubted advantage of the “#No Overpayments” series tariffs is the “MegaFon-Protection” option included by default, which protects against all kinds of paid subscriptions, as well as the possibility of unlimited communication in instant messengers (on all tariffs) and unlimited calls within the network , even with a negative account balance.

Can users who extort discounts from operators get into trouble with the law?

The procedure for changing the operator while maintaining the number is legal and has long been regulated. The maximum that can happen is an unpleasant conversation with an employee of the communication salon. But if such problems arise, it is only for those who are trying to perform a pseudo-transfer for free or are engaged in getting discounts on an ongoing basis. This is consumer terrorism.

But even a client’s deliberate abuse of his legal rights to obtain material gain cannot be punished. Only a fight is possible on the part of the companies themselves - for example, refusing to retain or significantly cutting bonuses.

Cellular operators are well aware of fake transfers and extortion of discounts. But for now, everyone is happy with the situation - some receive bonuses and discounts, others retain subscribers who still pay, albeit much less than other clients.

Tariff change

Sequencing:

1. Go to the Megafon application.
2. Select “My tariff”.
3. Scroll down the page and select “Change tariff”.
4. Megafon asks you to explain what you are not happy with in the current tariff - there are not enough minutes, internet, the packages are too large or the tariff is too expensive. I chose the last option, since it is more suitable than others for receiving a discount, but I do not rule out that it is offered in others.

Megafon offered two options: the regular tariff “No overpayments. Internet" - 400 minutes and 20 GB for 500 rubles for 30 days and the "VIP" tariff with a 50% discount. Let's consider the parameters of this particular tariff.

MegaFon tariff plans for business

All business offers from the mobile operator MegaFon are presented on a specialized website.

In the business sphere, MegaFon presents the following tariffs:

• "Control!" — standard tariff offering mobile communication services for small and medium-sized businesses;
• "Internet of Things" - an offer for IoM or M2M devices;
• “Mobile Internet for cash registers” is a tariff offer created for cash registers;

As can be seen from the listed tariffs, MegaFon provides its services to businesses in specific areas.

Promotional codes for Megafon (Megafon.ru)! November 2021

Promotional codes in the Megafon.ru store

It is extremely important for a modern person to always be in touch.
Mobile devices help with this, but they cannot work without an operator. Megafon is a company that provides communication services - mobile and Internet - and enjoys well-deserved attention from consumers. On the Internet site you can not only connect to the tariff you are interested in or find out what options are available, but also purchase electronics at reasonable prices. And to save money, there is our resource. Here you can find promotional codes that can significantly reduce your spending on online purchases. To do this, you should use them when placing an order.

How to save money in the Megafon store

There are several ways that will help you get benefits when purchasing or working with the Megafon website:

• use promotional codes that are always available on our resource;
• view the current promotions section and select the appropriate offer;
• download and install the mobile application.

How to use promotional codes on Megafon.ru

We offer our visitors a large number of different promotions with which they can save money and spend their family budget wisely without denying themselves online shopping. They are easy to use:

• To begin with, you should choose a specific offer whose terms and conditions, set out on the individual page, will best suit your ideas and needs;
• after that, using the context menu, you can copy the promotional code confirming the promotion;
• then go to Megafon.ru to the online electronics store section;
• select a suitable product for yourself and add it to the cart;
• When checking out, be sure to insert the promotional code using the context menu into the special field;

• confirm the fact of the order.

The discount code is activated automatically. Usually there are no difficulties with this. However, if you noted that the amount to be paid has remained unchanged, then the solutions may be as follows:

1. If you haven't reached the threshold amount, it's time to look at the accessories section and add something from there.
2. If the promotion ends early, return to our website and use the new code.

How to place an order and pay with Megafon

Quick order and traditional order are essentially no different from each other. In any case, you get the opportunity to apply a promotional code. You can buy from the company’s online store like this:

• go to an electronics store or a specific section of it;
• add the products you like to the cart;
• use quick registration or the standard option;
• enter the promotional code in the special field;
• indicate the appropriate delivery option;
• enter personal data;
• proceed to payment;
• confirm the order.

Delivery can be carried out by courier, and in addition you can pick up the device at one of the communication stores.

Payment options available on this online platform:

• bank cards;
• using Internet banking;
• on credit;
• from an electronic wallet;
• “Thank you” bonuses from Sbrebank.

You can pay in cash when picking up. Legal entities can use non-cash payments.

General information about the Megafon.ru store

Megafon is one of the leaders in mobile communications in Russia, providing, among other things, Internet connection services. In the online store of this company you can purchase a variety of devices and gadgets and immediately connect them to the network.

The company strives to anticipate the desires of its customers, therefore it creates the most favorable tariffs, tries to create the most reliable connection and is diligently developing.

On the site you can not only buy or activate tariffs, but also view data relating to a specific personal account, which allows you to better plan your budget and quickly make decisions about mobile communications.

Megafon store product range

The company's website is not so much an online store as a global service where you can purchase electronics and connect to any tariff. The main sections look like this:

1. Personal account - here, after logging in, the user can clarify information regarding his personal account, tariff and other mobile communication options.
2. Tariffs are the operator’s main current tariffs.
3. Internet – mobile Internet connection capabilities.
4. Services and options – a variety of additional subscriptions and network options provided by the operator.
5. Roaming – correct information regarding roaming capabilities.
6. Promotions are current special offers.
7. Payment – ​​payment options accepted by the company.
8. Devices – online electronics store.
9. Support – here you can consult and get advice.

What does Smart Service offer?

At the moment, the company has announced three basic areas of offers that the service will send:

• Entertainment and useful services. As a result of processing data about user experience and interest in specific services, personal conditions for their use are offered. For example, you like to watch movies, listen to music via subscription and use cashback. Based on these data, MegaFon offers to continue using these services on more flexible and favorable terms.
• Tariffs and discounts. The mobile operator knows how much you spend, on what services and with what frequency. Therefore, it offers tariffs and discounts on services that are extremely beneficial for both parties. Internet traffic packages, minutes for calls, traffic for individual services - everything that you actively use - become profitable.
• Bonuses. The system sends out offers of bonuses for replenishing your account based on your interests. You still pay for communication services, and in this case you also get free gigabytes, minutes, and SMS for it.

For the service to function properly, it is important to receive up-to-date information about the user’s interests. “Smart Service” is not a spam system, but an algorithm that, first of all, simplifies the user experience. If the user does not like the offer they receive, they can respond “I’m not interested.” This information will be taken into account by the service, and future recommendations will become more accurate.

Tariffs for devices

In addition to the line of tariff plans for smartphones and mobile phones, the telecommunications company MegaFon offers its subscribers tariffs for other portable devices.

“Your unlimited” for 6 months

“Your Unlimited” for 6 months is a SIM card that provides its user with unlimited access to the World Wide Web for six months. “Your Unlimited” is perfect for owners of tablets and laptops with the ability to connect to the Internet via a modem.

This tariff plan works exclusively on the territory of the Russian Federation, without including the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The cost of connecting to this offer is 5,000 rubles.

“Your unlimited” for 12 months

“Your Unlimited” for 6 months is completely identical to the offer described above, except that the time of its use increases to a year.

The cost is also getting higher. The annual subscription fee is 9,000 rubles.

"MegaFon-Online"

"MegaFon-Online" is a standard TP for connecting the user's portable devices to an Internet connection. In this case, the subscriber does not pay for a certain period of using an unlimited connection, but for the traffic actually used.

So, for 1 megabit of Internet data, a client of the telecommunications company MegaFon will have to pay 2 rubles 50 kopecks.

The tariff plan will appeal to users who do not use the network connection very often, but for more active subscribers it is still recommended to take a closer look at the “Your Unlimited” offers.

"Smart Things"

This tariff was created specifically for smart things that require access to the Internet. This tariff plan is unique, because competing cellular operators do not have similar offers.

The subscription fee will vary depending on the payment method chosen by the user:

• 2,500 rubles will need to be paid if the subscriber wants to activate an unlimited period of using the “Smart Things” tariff;
• 750 rubles costs an annual period of use;
• 20 rubles per week of Internet access.

This offer is great for customers who need unlimited access to cloud storage.

Methods for connecting tariffs

There are at least 8 ways to connect to most tariff plans, however, we will not list all the methods, since not all of them are convenient for subscribers, for example, visiting an office or calling a Call Center. We will tell you only about the fastest and most convenient ways to activate tariff plans (tariff offers).

In addition to the listed connection methods, those tariffs that have a USSD command for transition can be activated in the following ways:

In your personal account

To do this, you need to open the login page, enter your phone number and password. If you don’t have a password, click “Login via SMS”, enter your number, then enter the six-digit code received in the message to the specified number and click the “Login” button. Scroll down the main page to the “Tariff” section.

Under the description of the tariff plan installed on the SIM card, there is a button “Change tariff”, click on it.

In the list of offers that appear, select the one that interests you, click on the “More details” button to get a better idea of ​​the conditions and prices, and then click on the green “Go to tariff” button in the tariff description. Confirm the action.

On the Megafon website

To select a tariff plan and connect it, it is not necessary to log into your personal account, because this can also be done through a quick connection on the website in the “Tariffs” section. You just need to select the tariff plan you like by clicking on the “Select” button.

Select the last item “Change tariff” and you will be taken to the quick connection form. You need to enter your phone number and click on the “Get code” button.