I attempted to place a call using my prepaid CTA Africa card 2 weeks ago. I got the message that all trunk lines were down, so was never able to get through to my international contact. Today when I made an attempt, an automated voice stated that my card had been deactivated. Upon calling CTA Africa's customer service, I was told that it was deactivated because of lack of use. Secondly I was told that their system did not log my use of the card from 2 weeks ago. The customer service rep. stated that they would reactivate my card and it would be available for use after 6PM the following day. I asked her in what time zone, to which she said it does not matter, i.e. 6 PM wherever I was. She also stated that I had to use the entire balance on whatever call I placed.

Note: I did ask for her company's name and she stated, "STS Phone Cards." First of all, there is absolutely no reason why it should take 30+ hours to reactivate a card. No reason for why it takes them that long was provided. Its one thing when you are selling prepaid calling cards that are specific to that nation/region/time zone, but when involving/incorporating international calling cards 30+ hours turn around time is ridiculous. What's even worse is that the activation time is set for early evening. That only favors those who are calling countries that are behind them when taking into account time differences.

In the end, the next day after 6 PM, I made multiple attempts to verify reactivation of the calling card like they said they would. They never did reactivate the card.