Telkom unveils EVs in a bid to enhance customer service across South Africa

Telkom has introduced a fleet of six electric vehicles (EVs), known as Telkom T-Connect vans, with the aim of enhancing customer service across South Africa. These vehicles are currently in the proof-of-concept phase, but it is expected that more will be rolled out in the future.

According to Telkom, these vans will deliver digital services to locations such as events, beachfronts, office parks, and gated communities in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

MellowVans, a South African company, is responsible for the local manufacturing of the EVs. As per Telkom, the vehicles are operated by individuals who were previously unemployed and who now earn commissions from sales and sign-ups.

Furthermore, Telkom mentioned that all drivers are accredited by Delivery ka Speed, a BEE township delivery partner.

“We are proud to enable our customers to connect and transact with Telkom through the rollout of this fleet of T-Connect vans,” says Itumeleng Phetlho, managing executive: CSB sales and distribution for Telkom.

“This is part of Telkom’s disruptive distribution strategy, which is all about bringing customers better connectivity in brand-new ways.”

The firm explains that by scanning the embedded QR codes on the T-Connect fleet, customers can pay accounts, order products for delivery through Telkom’s e-commerce site and sign up for digital services, including fibre-to-the-home.

All these transactions operate on a cashless platform, with zero-rated services, it notes.

“These T-Connect vans – the first of their kind – will be bringing digital solutions to points that are both accessible and convenient for customers,” says Phetlho.

“Besides providing a customer service, the T-Connect vans also give us insights into customer usage and demand, which will shape the future development of our products and services.”