Cell C South Africa

See it, snap it, and open up a whole new world with your mobile
July 08, 2010
- Scratch & Win
- FAQ

See it, snap it,
and open up a
whole new world
with your mobile

By Cell C July 08, 2010 | 12:00

Cell C is taking mobile phone technology one step further with yet another innovation. By downloading Cell C's new PhotoCode application powered by BeeTagg, your phone becomes a key to a whole new world of possibilities.

PhotoCode is Cell C's unique spin on QR Code technology - the new generation of the barcodes that are printed on most products we buy today. While the series of stripes in a traditional barcode contain data like an item's price and weight, QR Codes can be used to encode a much wider variety of information. These two-dimensional codes can then be read by mobile phone cameras using code-reader software, whether the code is in print or on-screen.

Cell C has developed its own PhotoCode reader and will be introducing the general public to the exciting concept of PhotoCodes with the help of various media partners.

With a little imagination the potential uses of PhotoCodes are endless. Picture these scenarios: 1. You notice an ad for an upcoming gig by a local music star and the PhotoCode printed alongside it allows you to download one of their tracks as a ringtone. 2. You are attending an exclusive new event and a PhotoCode gives you the password to the VIP area, or 3. You are in the Cell C store and by snapping a picture of a PhotoCode you can find out all there is to know about any product on the shelves. These are the kinds of unique experiences Cell C's PhotoCodes can unlock for you, and already more applications are being devised.

All you have to do is download the PhotoCode reader, and then see it, snap and get more.

Here's how it works:

Step 1
Get the Cell C PhotoCode reader:

sms your name to 32357
you'll receive an sms with a download link
click on the link to download

Step 2
Keep a look out for a Cell C PhotoCode in print and participating media

Step 3
When you've spotted one, snap a pic of it using your PhotoCode reader

Step 4
Experience the world the Cell C way.

Terms and Conditions

PhotoCode available to all networks
Application requires a WAP-enabled phone with a camera
Sms's to download application free to Cell C customer. R1 charge to MTN and Vodacom customers
Data charges apply when using PhotoCodes
Errors will be billed

Stay on the lookout for PhotoCodes from our partners:

Coming soon in YOU, the biggest-selling English magazine in the country.

Coming soon in Huisgenoot, the magazine with the highest circulation in the country.

From 12 July in People, South Africa's number one celebrity gossip magazine.

From 11 July in The Sunday Times, South Africa's biggest-selling national newspaper.

From 12 July in The Times, South Africa's newest daily, and first interactive newspaper.

From 11 July listen to 5FM the top radio station for the upwardly mobile and trendsetting youth of South Africa.

From 1 August on selected DStv channels from Multichoice, provider of the best entertainment programming from accross the globe.

Between 6 and 8 August at the Oppikoppi, the biggest live music festival of its kind in the country.

With Cell C PhotoCode not only do you get exclusive content delivered straight to your phone, you stand a chance of winning your very own BlackBerry smartphone.

To enter all you have to do is download the PhotoCode application and then enter your details below.


Your name:	Your cellular number:

What are the benefits of PhotoCodes?

You get exclusive content delivered straight to your phone simply by taking a photograph of a PhotoCode (using the PhotoCode reader), whether it's in print or on-screen.

How much does it cost?

To request the download link via SMS (32357), is free to Cell C customers. Vodacom and MTN customers are charged R1 per SMS.
Once the customer has downloaded the link, they will be charged applicable data costs when downloading content from the PhotoCodes i.e. as soon as they have taken pictures of the actual PhotoCodes.

Why can't I download the application?

If you are unable to download the reader, your handset is not compatible.
Visit http://www.beetagg.com/supportedphones/default.aspx to view the handsets

How will I recognise a PhotoCode?

A PhotoCode is a square with a honeycomb design inside. Some of the honeycombs are filled in and others are blank. Each square has a PhotoCode or Cell C logo in the centre, the word 'Cell' above the top border and a number beneath the bottom border.
Here's an example of a PhotoCode:

What are the numbers and letters for?

The numbers and letters are an essential part of the PhotoCode. Make sure they are also visible in the picture that you take to ensure that the PhotoCode is read properly.
Some older handsets ask the customer to enter these codes into the application so that the PhotoCode will work.

How far away do I have to stand from the PhotoCode when taking the picture?

The PhotoCode reader will guide you when you take the photos. The PhotoCode should fill most of your cellphone screen. When you are at the correct distance, the reader will alert you to the fact.
Note that you won't be able to photograph a PhotoCode that is smaller than 2cm x 2cm.

Will I be charged for every PhotoCode that I take a picture of?

Yes, you will be charged relevant data charges as soon as you have taken a picture of a PhotoCode as it starts opening a web session.

Why can't I download all the content provided?

Not all content is available for download due to licensing reasons however most content will be made available.

Can I take a picture of a PhotoCode on TV?

Yes you can - just make sure that you stand at a distance that allows you to fit the whole PhotoCode on your cellphone screen and the PhotoCode reader guide.

Can prepaid and postpaid customers use this?

Yes all customers can use PhotoCode as long as they have a handset that is able to download the PhotoCode reader and have enough airtime loaded on their phones i.e. postpaid customers will be billed and prepaid and hybrid customers need to have enough airtime loaded.