Belgian MVNO Mobile Vikings has launched new postpaid plans, which the company says are up to 25 percent less expensive than the competition. In addition, the operator has added a quality guarantee, according to which any customers who are unsatisfied after a month will receive their money back. 

The new plans cost €10.00 (US $10.89) per month for 1 GB and €12.00 (US $13.07) for 2 GB, both with 150 minutes and unlimited SMS. For unlimited calls, customers pay €15.00 (US $16.34) per month for 5 GB, €20.00 (US $21.79) for 7 GB or €100.00 (US $108.94) for 25 GB. The unlimited data plan remains at €29.00 (US $31.59) per month. 

The money-back offer applies for all newly activated numbers for 30 days. The company said that it is the first Belgian mobile service provider to offer such a guarantee. 

Tarifica’s Take

Customer service always goes a long way. The specific plan features of Mobile Vikings’ new postpaid plans look appealing, and the prices are right—although we cannot make a direct and complete apples-to-apples comparison with what all the competitors are currently offering. However, what is of interest is the idea of the money-back guarantee.

With a prepaid plan, customers have the freedom to pay only for the services consumed, so as soon as they are dissatisfied they can simply stop paying. But with a postpaid plan, there is the risk of spending money for service that one ends up not finding satisfactory, so this money-back guarantee is an innovation that could help lure some new customers. And in the event that a user was unhappy with some aspect of the service, receiving a refund could convince them to stay with the operator and try the service again rather than leaving for a competitor. As a good-will gesture, it could be quite effective.