3G Issues

[rpm]

Hi folks

I have contacted Vodacom regarding the 3G issues mentioned and they promised to get back to me… I will let you know when I hear anything more. I feel strongly that users should have access to their usage and that they must be notified (preferably by email and SMS) when their 1G limit has been reached. There should also be an option to have the service disabled after this limit has been reached.

Regards,

RPM

[Gooku]

Yes.this is an pre-emptive strike ,to prevent consumer's pocket from burning a hole without knowing it,Well done !

[mc721221]

A daily summary via email or SMS would be very nice. :)

[kilps]

Maby we should all go on a revolt . . . Enough emails might do the trick . . .

[asmith]

Yes, I fully agree. While they may claim their dashboard software will keep track of usage, it is quite possible people will use different computers or have to re-install etc so the counters may be lost or inaccurate. A simple web site or number to SMS to get current usage should not be difficult for them to set up. Bearing in mind the high charges after the 1gig, purchasing only 1 gig should defiantly be an option.
Lets hope you have some success.

[mc721221]

rpm - are they being any nicer to you? Have they bothered to reply?

[rpm]

Hi MC721221

No reply yet! I will try once more in the New Year, and if no reply, press release!

Regards,

RPM

[wab512]

Try *111# from your cellphone. If I am not mistaken, I believe that you can see your bundle (remaining) there under 1. Data Bundle Balance.

[mc721221]

wab512 - A tad difficult with a data only card. Taking the card out ever day and putting it is a cellphone is not to practical.

[mc721221]

It's vodafone software and it is ***.

You can send and receive SMS's while your card in in your PC, but the software only reflects the date you received a SMS and not the time - whats the point??

It also sucks with data monitoring. If the program crashes or hangs, you loose the current sessions data log and it therefor won't tally with your month end billing.

There is also no option to for the software to re-connect you connection when it drops.

[wab512]

wab512 - A tad difficult with a data only card. Taking the card out ever day and putting it is a cellphone is not to practical.

I understand your problem! I have not used those cards at all, yet...

[rabbiddog]

There should be a way to make calls as it has its own cell number

[mc721221]

So RPM, what do they have to say for themselves?

[rpm]

Hi MC721221

I have just been contacted by a very friendly and competent manager at Vodacom called Francois. He informed me that they are monitoring the complaints on this forum and are looking into finding solutions to these problems. This is obviously good news for all 3G users. There might also be an official response to these complaints, and I will publish it right here if I get any info.

I must congratulate Vodacom’s 3G on today’s service…quite refreshing!

Regards,

RPM

[VQuest]

Finally! A corporation taking it's customers complaints seriously. That certainly is refreshing.

[mc721221]

Hi RPM,

I have actually found their support laking and disappointing.

I have an email from one Vodacom staff member that says GPRS is not available on all towers and another email from another staff member that all towers have GPRS.

I have been told that the software is accurate from numerous staff members and I have proved them wrong. I have sent them the information and they have not even replied, let alone sent an apologie for wasting my time.

I have been lied to by staff members that state they will get back to me and then simply never bother to.

They have at least one staff member that believes email replys are to "tedious."

I was told by one vodacom employee that I could make phone calls via my notebook and the 3G card, just to be told by another that it is not possible.

They refused to provide me (and have to date not) with my December usages stats and told me the only way I could see the stats was to "exercise your rights via the Information Act"

I was debited approx R506.00 for 7 fays service even though their online billing reflects my invoice in the region of R170.00

And the list goes on ....

[martin]

Bottom line: wait for a product/service to mature (if ever) before buying into it. We've seen this with Sentech as well.

[mc721221]

ta ic ;)

[asmith]

I was debited approx R506.00 for 7 fays service even though their online billing reflects my invoice in the region of R170.00

It could be pro-rata charges for your subscription (or some other signup fees) , not necisarily usage charges.

[rpm]

Hi guys

I was called again early this evening to confirm that the issues regarding 3G are being addressed. Definitely much better service that I have experienced from most other companies… Let us hope we see some concrete solutions.

Regards,

RPM

[bb_matt]

I had some limited correspondence with dot field about my concerns over the exorbitant pricing of vodacom 3G, pretty much boiled down to a final answer of :-

"Matt,
I will forward your comment to our management for their consideration. thanks for your suggestions.
Dot"

I did find it interesting that they bothered to reply to my rather pointed email, where I accussed vodacom of rank profiteering and referred to the South African consumer being fleeced at every turn.

Alas, it's just so much lip service - the only thing that will change the telecomms market in this country is real competition. I can't help noticing that all the players seem to be in cahoots with each other, creating an artificial competitiveness.

[mc721221]

I have been chatting to someone at Vodacom for a while and it seems to have paid off. Here are some snippets:

"customer care will soon be able to provide you with
these details. I will make a recommendation to include usage stats on
the My Account Section on http://www.vodacom4me.co.za."

"P.S. I would be happy to discuss what you would like to see in terms of
usage stats and also possible product enhancements.
We will start testing a new release in the beginning of February for
release in April."

[nocilah]

south african service is appalling and whats even worse is we take it.

For R600.00 one would expect vodacom to throw in some service... ah well...
I agree with BB Mat.. what this country needs with regards to ISp's and broadbands is some real competition.

I am still happy with sentech. Atleast it has improved although it took a while and not perfect yet.

[Edinetz]

As part of the 24 month contract detailed billing is a mandatory charge (another way to make another R20 a month) i.e. vodacom must provide detailed billing of each connection else what is the R20 for? My question to 3G VSP customers is if you look at your itemised statement on VodaSurf the connection charges (no charge if within bundale and data usage) should be availble approximately the day after making the connection and the sum of the individual connections data usage as for GPRS.

my 2c worth

[Crash]

I think the closest thing you will get to making a call on those 3G cards is probably push-to-talk.

[agentpt]

I have acquired the 3G datacard early January, and had nothing but trouble. It stops sending and receiving data all the time. I have made numerous calls to customer care, who will always resolve it within 24 hours. The conflict seems to be with Norton anti-virus according to Vodacom. The issue is, I don't think I should pay for a service if there was no service. When I complained the Help desk simply said aggressively: " You signed a contract...You WILL pay".

User Vodacom 3G, will you please explain why I should pay if there was no decent service. Here's a list of empty promises and their tracking numbers:

Message from Vodacom CIC:Please be advised, your query is being attended to. Time frame for resolution is within 72 Hours. SWARTZS

Your call has been assigned as Ref: A1-3MK2-8I4T0. Thank you. Vodacom Customer Care 082111.

Your call has been assigned as Ref: A1-3LH2-1B8BQ. Thank you. Vodacom Customer Care 082111.

Your call has been assigned as Ref: A1-3LG2-8LRF6. Thank you. Vodacom Customer Care 082111.

[vodacom3g]

agentpt, not acceptable.

If you don't mind, please send me a private message with your contact details, so we can resolve this ASAP.

[rabbiddog]

When I got 3G I had probles with Norton Firewall. I changed the settings from automatic to manual, and all the problems have been worked out. You may have to tweak norton to do what you want it to do. When you change a connection type norton does not allways get the settings right. what version of norton are you running?

[agentpt]

I ran Norton Professional 2003, but have since uninstalled it and replaced it with AVG free edition from Grisoft. This seems to have solved most of the problem. The line still drops, but not that frequently. Thanks 4 the help all! I really think it is a fantastic idea that Vodacom has somebody on this forum (as the call centre is useless and nothing but rude). Thumbs up for a step in the right direction. One small positive step in the direction of Dialogue marketing

[rabbiddog]

vodacom3g

when the connection is left idol it hangs, even the dash hangs, and I have 3 bars.

ping www.yahoo.com

Pinging www.yahoo.akadns.net [216.109.118.65] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Reply from 216.109.118.65: bytes=32 time=488ms TTL=52
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 216.109.118.65:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 1, Lost = 3 (75% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 488ms, Maximum = 488ms, Average = 488ms

ping www.yahoo.com

Pinging www.yahoo.akadns.net [216.109.118.65] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Reply from 216.109.118.65: bytes=32 time=506ms TTL=52
Reply from 216.109.118.65: bytes=32 time=496ms TTL=52

Ping statistics for 216.109.118.65:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 2, Lost = 2 (50% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 496ms, Maximum = 506ms, Average = 501ms

ping www.yahoo.com

Pinging www.yahoo.akadns.net [216.109.118.65] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 216.109.118.65:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

ping www.myadsl.co.za
Ping request could not find host www.myadsl.co.za. Please check the name and try
again.

ping www.myadsl.co.za

Pinging www.myadsl.co.za [209.128.108.131] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=558ms TTL=108
Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=586ms TTL=108
Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=577ms TTL=108
Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=555ms TTL=108

Ping statistics for 209.128.108.131:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 555ms, Maximum = 586ms, Average = 569ms

ping www.myadsl.co.za

Pinging www.myadsl.co.za [209.128.108.131] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=1482ms TTL=108
Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=790ms TTL=108
Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=729ms TTL=108
Reply from 209.128.108.131: bytes=32 time=698ms TTL=108

Ping statistics for 209.128.108.131:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 698ms, Maximum = 1482ms, Average = 924ms

[vodacom3g]

There's been a few reports of the dashboard hanging. This has already been escalated to Vodafone.

Rabbiddog, have you noticed any repeating variables when this happen, time of day, other open apps, period of inactivity, etc?

The more information we can pass the developers, the better.

[rabbiddog]

For the past few days everything perfect (except the heat). Today I have problems just keeping active on the net, with the same signal strength. Could the weather & clouds have an affect? I have the feeling I am on the edge of 2 cell footprints.
3G gives better signal here than normal gprs, last week I only got missed calls but 3G wes fine.
I will see how it performs for the rest of the day.

[bboy]

can't the pcmcia card itself say how much data is has sent/received???

like my cellphone, after using GPRS , i go the the "call register settings" and there it tells me nicely how much was sent and received in the last session / total sessions!

[rabbiddog]

bboy
It is not how much has been sent and received, but the connection. when I am logged onto the net and cannot even open myadsl there is no data received.

[vodacom3g]

Rabbiddog, won't you send me a private message with a telephone number? I'd like the radio engineers to look at your problem.

[Canon]

my 3G connections has dropped 3 times in the last 5 minutes and is now connection, but no data transfer. 3G SUCKS!


Thought you're not going to use the service again this month :)

[SFW007]

MC

well u not getting @#$% service it`s the quality of the signal and the programs tht u are using has some issues.wot AV u running

[SFW007]

wot antivirus u runining and in which area or where are u picking up signal from?

[rabbiddog]

after my bad connection in the early morning, the sun has come out and my connection is fine. I dont think my connection likes bad weather.

[SFW007]

lol MC
MC they way i look at it when buying a car lemme put it ot u this wya they tell the car has 147kw and top speed of 200k`s we obviously knw u not gna run at 200 k`s cause they say of speeds in access of 200 m8 .So in iscence i would recommend u staying where u are for now cause @#$%@#$% is abt to get better..

[rabbiddog]

mc

was your cr@p between 7:30 to +- 9:30. I had bad connection then. from 11:00 it has been ok.

[rabbiddog]

thats the same as I had this morning

[SFW007]

ok 1 st of all i dont drive a uno second of all this or these threads were fine untill u turned it into a flaming swearing dissing thread which was not neccesary.I do how ever undastand ur frustration but wow u hoolering at me ha! am merely trying to xplain

i askd u valid question and still u have not answered me ur anger aint gna solve the problem and venting ur anamosity towards the product might make u feel better

The moment u start swearing and shouting people dont tend to listen to u so relax lets rather report the faults and as u can c VODACOM3G is listening to ur problems and given u feedback

thxs

[agentpt]

Had things better since the removal of Norton. The connection still keeps dropping every 5 minutes (I think, because I have 3 bar signal strength but no data transfer), which means the dashboard freezes/hangs (disconnecting) and I have to reboot my machine. It s now the end of January, so everyone that has been testing the service for Vodacom (and Paying to test it) would probably like some kind of collateral.

[vodacom3g]

agentpt,

I'm going to get our Radio Engineers to make contact with you to look at your drops.

Won't you please PM me your contact details. I know I had your details after our last telephone conversation, but for the life of me, can't find where I put it. :confused: My apologies!

The dashboard hanging problem has been escalated a while ago. Will get an update for you.

[rabbiddog]

I have not been dropped since friday :D and my speed is up.

[Harley79]

Have not had any drops yet, but the last couple days I have started having problems with the dashboard. Mainly relates to getting things going after hibernating my laptop (I hibernate to start quicker) and I move around ALOT. Been trying to stick to a policy of disconnecting, closing the dashboard, waiting a few seconds, then remove the card, and then suspend. But occassionally (more so recently) when I start up again, insert the card, start the dashboard and try connect I get the alternating blinks (card crashed). If I am lucky, removing the card and trying again works, but (again more so recently) a complete reboot has been neccessary.

Any ideas? And picking up on another thread, the dash is definatelly faulty with regards to loggin. All great and well to techie types who can check the website, but non-techie types will rely on this information and argue with Vodacom when the bill comes, so in Vodacom's interest to resolve as an EXTREME priority.

When will a new dash be made available? Why does the card crash? What can be done when it crashes?

[rabbiddog]

The card can crash if it gets too hot (ie too hot to touch), or looses connection with the tower, or if its faulty. There may be more but that was all I was told.

[vodacom3g]

The dashboard issues are becoming very noticeable. Let me get feedback from the UK and revert here.

Logging in the dashboard works as long as the application does not crash :rolleyes:

Needless to say, with all these crashed and hangs, the logging is pretty pointless.

A new version of the dashboard is imminent. Let me see if I can get a date and a list of new features.

[rabbiddog]

vodacom3g

whats up with the network? I go from 5 bars to 1 in seconds then back up. Are they working on the towers?

Ping statistics for 209.128.108.131: (myadsl with 3 bars on the dash)
Packets: Sent = 79, Received = 54, Lost = 25 (31% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 541ms, Maximum = 2885ms, Average = 686ms

[rabbiddog]

Spoke to vodacom3g not even a pm

Seems they are still looking my bad signal. It is a constant 3 bars and flying again.
I am going to run tests without the dashboard.

[rabbiddog]

They are working on the towers in my area.

[rabbiddog]

vodacom3g

Connection looks better. I have even been able to move my latop to the middle of my desk without being disconnected.(it may also be that I have been connected without the dash running)
Is there a way to put in the pin without the dashboard?

[vodacom3g]

If you feel your SIM will be secure, you can turn off the PIN. Probably the easiest is to stick it in your mobile phone and turn it off using the phone's menu. Then, when you put it in the datacard, it should not require a PIN.

I've not tested the above, but it should work.

[rabbiddog]

Thanks. I will give it a try. This will also help with the laptop coming out of snoooooozzzz mode.

[rabbiddog]

Yes it works. (even while having a cold beer)

[rabbiddog]

vodacom3g
Are they working in my area again? My signal is all over the place from 1 bar to 3, with and without external antenna.

[rabbiddog]

ftp.is.co.za
Ping statistics for 196.4.160.12:
Packets: Sent = 30, Received = 17, Lost = 13 (43% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:

[rabbiddog]

I have disconnected the external antenna and the stats are better.

Ping statistics for 196.4.160.12:
Packets: Sent = 34, Received = 34, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 307ms, Maximum = 1243ms, Average = 411ms

I think my new external antenna will rot in my desk

[Harley79]

Interesting, can Vodacom3G give any explanation why when using an external antenna things could actually degrade instead of improve?

[vodacom3g]

It shouldn't happen!.... Just kidding, ic.

In general the antenna must help with signal issues but there are probably peculiar situations where it might degrade the signal, maybe due to a different radiation pattern, or it might just be broken, not connecting properly, etc.

I'll ask the RF guys to comment.

Rabbiddog, did you have an repeatable experience, i.e. same results over a longer test period? With so many parameters, especially the ones outside your control, something else might have been affecting your results.

[rabbiddog]

In Midrand (not at vodaworld) I seemed fine with and without the external antenna, But at my house It seemed to give hassels. I will try it in Parktown within the next hour, and afterwards back at my place (I move around a lot). The last time my signal was stuffed the techies were working in my area.

[rabbiddog]

At parktown

With external antenna

Ping statistics for 196.4.160.12:
Packets: Sent = 50, Received = 50, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 311ms, Maximum = 1120ms, Average = 397ms

Without external antenna

Ping statistics for 196.4.160.12:
Packets: Sent = 54, Received = 52, Lost = 2 (3% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 313ms, Maximum = 1186ms, Average = 380ms

[rabbiddog]

Back home with external antenna

Ping statistics for 196.4.160.12:
Packets: Sent = 38, Received = 38, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 320ms, Maximum = 1421ms, Average = 473ms