Data Card, Data Bundle & Pre-Paid Options

[vodacom3g]

There are basically three options today to get 3G data services:

1) 1G+ Contracts:

You sign a 24 month contract, get a new number, a SIM and a 3G data card. In bundle (i.e. what you bought: 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10Gb) you pay 60c/Mb, out-of-bundle you pay R2/Mb.

2) Data Bundles:

These can be bought on a month-to-month basis but require an existing phone contract to work, i.e. they must be added onto a normal Vodacom contract. You do not get a 3G card with these and must therefore purchase a 3G enabled device separately. The advantage is that you don't get locked into a 24 month contract and can jump between data bundles on a monthly basis.

I would suggest you do the following to construct your own 'variable data bundle':

2-a) Get the Vodacom Messenger contract (or any other low cost contract). Messenger, specifically, allows you to send SMS's at only 22.5c/SMS vs. the normal 35c-80c/SMS and is great if you're going to send SMS's from your PC. This will cost you R35/month.

2-b) Buy whatever data bundle size you think you'll use in the first month and bolt it onto the contract above.

2-c) Buy a datacard (or 3G phone you can use as a modem).

2-d) Track you data usage in the first month and adjust it up or down as required for the new month. You can adjust it all the way down to 0Gb if need be!

2-e) If you do go over the cap, you'll pay the out-of-bundle rate of R2/Mb but the beauty is you can tune it for the next month.

2-f) Remember it's on a month-to-month basis. A few days before month-end call and change your bundle for the next month, if needed.

The above method ensures your only exposure is R35/month (which you'll recover in the first 60 SMS's). You then decide what data bundle is suitable and only pay for that.

3) Pre-Paid:

Here you buy your own data card, buy a pre-paid SIM and pay a flat rate of R2/Mb.

[zugzug]

How much do 3G datacards cost if you buy them off-contract?

[vodacom3g]

Suggested retail is currently ~R2999 but please shop around. I've seen ~R2600 on the forum.

[PCW]

Datacard are about R 2900, give or take a cent.

Thanks vodacom3g for clearing it up. It's different to what I thought. Looks like will wait for the SE phone and take it from there....

[TheCynick]

Thanks for this post, v3g, it's very informative!

Do you know offhand if the Messenger package is available as a month-to-month contract? One would hope so, since there is no handset subsidy to recover...

[Raithlin]

I see the SE V800 is exclusive to Vodafone and Vodafone Partner networks. Will we see it here in SA anytime soon?

[PCW]

vodacom3g posted a week or so ago it is due by the end of March

[vodacom3g]

Thanks for this post, v3g, it's very informative!

Do you know offhand if the Messenger package is available as a month-to-month contract? One would hope so, since there is no handset subsidy to recover...

It is a contract, so as far as I know you'll get a phone (don't expect to much!) with it.

[alchamy]

You could also get a twinsim with you existing contract and add a bundle to that, same number, same contract 2 simcards.

[Harley79]

except with twin sim only one device can be on at a time

[Edinetz]

It is a contract, so as far as I know you'll get a phone (don't expect to much!) with it.

Can't say I have ever seen a messenger contract with a phone included - it was designed for the vehicle tracking companies.

[alchamy]

except with twin sim only one device can be on at a time

true, I forgot about that, been awhile since I needed a second sim in the car. Thanks to bluetooth that is. ;)

[vodacom3g]

Went shopping today at various retail outlets. Wanted to see what the retailers are coming up with.

1) If you take a Weekender (R135/month) contract, you can get a 3G data card FREE.

2) If you take a Messenger (R35/month) contract, you can get the 3G data card for R1700.

Take any of the above and bolt your own bundles onto it as per the first post.

If you want to talk as well as doing data, take Option 1 with a twin-SIM (on your own phone) and you can use the free airtime.

If you want a data/SMS only solution go for Option 2.

Or get someone else to take the Weekender and swop their 3G card for a phone and buy your own Messenger contract.

As mentioned before, shop around. The retailers can get very creative when competing for your money.

[PCW]

vodacom3g

Re Point 1 - Do you mean a free 3G Data Card with a weekender contract ?

Which outlet was this ?

Thanks

[vodacom3g]

Yes, a 3G data card.

This was in Somerset West, but it sounds like it's a generic option, so phone your closest shop.

[alchamy]

Well after 24 months on the weekender contract you would have paid R3240, so its a good deal, ofcourse there is still CLIP & Detailed Billing etc, but still a reasonable deal for those a little tight on cash.

[VQuest]

Went shopping today at various retail outlets. Wanted to see what the retailers are coming up with.

1) If you take a Weekender (R135/month) contract, you can get a 3G data card FREE.


That seems too good to be true. Do you know if it applies to upgrades too? Or just new contracts?

I can't see them giving you the data card and a new phone, so I can imagine it's one or the other.

[vodacom3g]

You'll have to check, but remember an upgrade is a new contract, so it should apply.

It will surely be one subsidised device, a data card or a phone.

[brick]

Hi.

I couldn't find this on the vodcom website. What is the contract cancellation fee for the 3G one package? Or do you just give back the 3G card hehe.

Cheers
Neilen

[vodacom3g]

Brick, PM me, won't you regarding this. Assuming you really want to cancel?

[PCW]

Went shopping today at various retail outlets. Wanted to see what the retailers are coming up with.

1) If you take a Weekender (R135/month) contract, you can get a 3G data card FREE.



vodacom3g , I cannot locate this deal anywhere.

Do you have any precise info from Vodashop Beau West ?

[TheCynick]

1) If you take a Weekender (R135/month) contract, you can get a 3G data card FREE.

2) If you take a Messenger (R35/month) contract, you can get the 3G data card for R1700.

As mentioned before, shop around. The retailers can get very creative when competing for your money.

I went to my nearest Vodashop (Constantia) and asked them about cheap/free data cards on lower-end contracts, and they basically went "Huh?" and got that deer-in-headlights look. On further pressing they conceded that such offers *might* be available after March 1st.

Needless to say, I left feeling that they were somewhat lacking in the creativity and competitiveness stakes!

[Cloudie]

Hi all, v3g,

I went to VodaWorld in Midrand and asked all the retailers about their 3G packages and none admitted to having lower end packages / month-to-month packages with self-bought data cards. I know I do not have the greatest negotiating skills but all steadfastly stuck by their single "24 month contract with FREE Samsung 3G phone or Data card" package...

I understand you (v3g) cannot mention individual retailers but could you advise me on the secret words/handshake required to get the sort of contracts you mentioned in your "3 options mail"? And whether it is available at any one of the retailers at VodaWorld Midrand (you need not mention which one but just if I will not waste time by going there and asking around again - I live in Pretoria N).

I am not trying to dodge the system but I spend about 4-8 months outside the country each year and would really make use of mobile internet access but to pay for all those months that I do not use is a massive waste, so a basic package which I can flexibly add on 3G data access for the months I need it is ideal!

Thanks in advance.

[vodacom3g]

All retailers have this, so print out a copy and take it with! Don't take no for an answer! I don't know about a secret handshake but maybe a flat palm....

V502452 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CORD FREE ON 3G ONE + FREE SIM & CONNECTION + IB MANDATORY
V502453 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON 3G TWO + FREE SIM & CONNECTION + IB MANDATORY
V502454 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON 3G THREE + FREE SIM & CONNECTION IB MANDATORY
V502455 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON 3G FIVE + FREE SIM & CONNECTION IB MANDATORY
V502456 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON 3G TEN + FREE SIM & CONNECTION IB MANDATORY

V402457 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD @ R1719.00 CASH ON MESSENGER
V402458 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD @ R409.00 CASH ON FAMILY TOP UP
V402459 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON WEEKEND
V402460 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON BUS, TALK 120 & 240
V402461 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON BUSINESS TOP UP
V402462 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON TALK 500 & 1000
V402463 VODAFONE 3G/GPRS MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON TOP UP 590

V502464 SONY ERICSSON T230 + MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON BUS, TALK 120 & 240
V502465 SIEMENS SL55 + MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON TALK 500 & 1000
V502466 NOKIA 6610i + MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON TALK 500 & 1000
V502467 NOKIA 2600 + MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON BUS, TALK 120 & 240
V502468 MOTOROLA V500 + MOBILE CONNECT CARD FREE ON TALK 500 & 1000

[Cloudie]

Excellent! Thank you V3g! I will look into it this afternoon and definitely let everyone know how it goes.

Again, excellent feedback from vodacom!

Cheers!

[agentpt]

Those of us that took the 3G datacard - 1GB in January (when this was the only option available) and subsequently had most of the troubles and issues/did most of the testing, didn't have all the other options and packages available.

My point is we never used the service for what it was supposed to be..

Would there be any migration options available to us (downscale/upscale)

Anything?

[fergus]

Are any of the phones mentioned in those specials any good? I had a look at the Sony Ericsson one and was a bit disappointed. It has to at least have blue tooth.

[vodacom3g]

agentpt, I'll pick this up with you on e-mail.

For everyone's info:

Agentpt is so adamant to use 3G, he's got a laptop nailed (just about) to a tree outside his house!

Talk about dedication.


Those of us that took the 3G datacard - 1GB in January (when this was the only option available) and subsequently had most of the troubles and issues/did most of the testing, didn't have all the other options and packages available.

My point is we never used the service for what it was supposed to be..

Would there be any migration options available to us (downscale/upscale)

Anything?

[Cloudie]

Hi all,

Promised some feedback - went ok at VodaWorld yesterday - after initially shaking their heads at my questions of package deals with 3G, I mentioned the deals v3g sent us in detail and they seemed to perk up and acknowledge they existed!? Why are these guys so missinformed?

Anyway, great service eventually after the 3rd try, but I insisted on a test to see if my business software would work with 3G, and the software would not install!! - maybe a problem with my OS but who ever knows with this kind of thing? So setbacks once again. They very kindly offered to try my businesses software on their demo laptop which is what I'll be trying to do today (I did not have the installs with me) - if it works, then we know I need a new laptop (or at least a re-install of everything which I am loath to do) to use 3G - nothing like hidden costs and downtime!

I mentioned the poor download speeds I'd tested on the demo laptops at the entrance (2~8Kb/s) and the salesman said, 'all the demo pcs here are probably sharing a common port - or something - and so their bandwidth is shared...' - any truth in this?

And what a really silly way to demo a product whose basic sales point is speed: to setup a demo of that product in an environment with reduced speeds!!! I initiated a 2.6Meg download and the average estimated download time was about 25 minutes and sometimes jumped to a few hours! I was not impressed with their demo systems at all.

Unfortunately, I have no other option than 3G for my business - so I have to take what I can get and hope that I don't "share any ports" with too many other users when I actually need to work...

Cheers,
N

[vodacom3g]

Hi,

3G does not share 'ports' or anything else on the radio network. As load increase, the cell will shrink, but throughput should stay the same. I'll find out why the demo systems are so slow. A bit like going for a test drive in a Porsche with 2 cylinders not running....

What is shared is the connection to the Internet, so this, together with loading of the site you're trying to access, could be a potential bottle neck.

Due to the rapid uptake of the 3G service, these links are constantly upgraded. It's due to double again in the next few days.

Can you remember the actual problem when they tried to install the dashboard on your laptop? (I assume this was what happened?)

If it was a Novatel card and the drivers would not install, this is a known problem with some laptops and there are workarounds for it. Give me a shout, if you need help or call 082-155

The 3G software creates a normal dial-up connection, so if your software worked over dial-up, ISDN or ADSL, it'll work over 3G.

[rabbiddog]

Loading the dash on my laptop gave less hassels than loading a modem. The speeds at the shop look stuffed. I run faster than that surfing and downloading at the same time.

[PCW]

I went to Vodashop , Van Riebeeck Ave , Edenvale yesterday. Frik, the resident scientist told me a) that the new data card only bundles (Weekender up) on offer do not include talk minutes and b) you can only send sms's. He explained that you get a data card and the subs you pay (depending on your talk package) get you discount off the per MB rate.

What followed was my gob being smacked.

So I said if I sign up for the Talk 1000 i am paying R 1400 just to get 50cents or so off my per MB bill ? DOH ! I don't get voice minutes ? NOPE !! Friendly Frik also added the bundles (ie R35 for 20MB and so on) are not on sale.

I was in Bedfordview yesterday afternoon so went into Eastgate - finally , a Vodashop with intelligence. They knew everything.

vodacom3g, Frik needs training. That's my polite advice anyways...

[vodacom3g]

Thanks, have forwarded your comments.

[diabolus]

Great stuff. Thanks for the info. I just signed up on a weekender contract (R135) getting the 3G datacard for free . Printing out that list did help quite a bit, even the instore sales person admitted she can't keep up with the 3G related options. [Seems i was the first person so far to take the weekender+datacard option at that particular store, and she actually had to verify on her list].

So "being up to date" is probably still an issue, if i came in there and asked that the salesperson suggest an option, i seriously doubt the sales person would ever have suggested the particular package. Before reading this thread i did query at a local shop (Stellenbosch) and they only came up with a R95 contract [getting some useless nokia phone] and no perks. (Messenger didn't even came up).

Luckily i read this thread!

Now just waiting until they activate the SIM, i popped in my prepaid SIM and it works pretty well :P

[ic]

IMO reseller outlets (i.e. cellular shops) of information age products & services that cannot keep up (with the information age itself) belong in a museum...it is surely the outlet's responsibility to keep themselves informed - for their own good as well as that of their customers.

It is also the consumer's own responsibility to investigate all options as thoroughly as possible before making decisions - do not expect reseller outlets to act in the consumer's best interests.

I seriously recommend that outlets punting 3G should self educate by tuning into this forum & taking note of what v3g tells consumers.

:)

[wamatt]

Are there any data packages <1GB p/m eg 250 or 500mb available?

[vodacom3g]

Currently only the data bundles are available in smaller than 1Gb packages. For example, you can take the Messenger + data card for ~R1700 cash and strap any of the smaller packages on top of this.

"If you want a data card contract smaller than 1Gb, I'd suggest not to do anything till around Tuesday/Wednesday."

No. 16 in the ongoing series of cryptic responses.

[wamatt]

"If you want a data card contract smaller than 1Gb, I'd suggest not to do anything till around Tuesday/Wednesday."

No. 16 in the ongoing series of cryptic responses.

Thnks, I'll wait for the announcement then ;)

[diabolus]

"If you want a data card contract smaller than 1Gb, I'd suggest not to do anything till around Tuesday/Wednesday."

No. 16 in the ongoing series of cryptic responses.


Damn, just when i sign a weekender?
Here's a hypothetical question:

Is it possible to switch/change contracts assuming the new contract is equal or more in monthly payments ?
For example, lets say this scenario crops up:

I have a weekender with 120 free minutes and all kinds of cheaper call rates and paying R135 a month. I add data bundles to it of say about R200 [250 MB] and use the entire setup primarily for data. So in total i pay R335 , but Vodacom can only budget based on R135 as i can drop the bundles anytime.

Now lets say Vodacom steps up a gear and come up with <1GB Data specific contracts. I.e. a 3G-300 , which is R300 per month and you get 300MB "free" with it. Or something like R200 a month and you get 100MB "free". Either way, you can then add the variety of bundles to it.

Can one then switch to such a contract? [i'm sure this will happen in the next few months?], or will i be stuck with a weekender ?

I do expect one would forfeit whatever perks you would get in the beginning [bigger phone etc].

[VQuest]

Currently only the data bundles are available in smaller than 1Gb packages. For example, you can take the Messenger + data card for ~R1700 cash and strap any of the smaller packages on top of this.

"If you want a data card contract smaller than 1Gb, I'd suggest not to do anything till around Tuesday/Wednesday."

No. 16 in the ongoing series of cryptic responses.

Oh you're such a tease :) Can you give us any clues?

I don't have the greatest track record when it comes to patience.

V3G, how easy/difficult is it to get a second contract through Vodacom? I'm already on a Weekender and am now due for an upgrade and want to get myself a nice new phone. However, since the Nokia 3G phone is taking so long to be released and I really don't want the E1000, I had decided to settle for a non 3G phone and had considered taking the Messenger package (getting the data card for R1700). But not sure if I can take a second contract. I don't fancy going through the whole application process again.

Whats your view? Thanks.

[vodacom3g]

You're best bet is to talk directly to VSP or the call desk. Getting a second contract should be easier than getting the first one as you've already got a (good, I assume :) ) track record. So it should be much quicker this time around.

Try and work out how much data you're going to use every month. Map this against the various 3G contract and bundle options and calculate the total cost over 24 months.

If you're going to be consistently over, say 500Mb per month ( :) ), a contract might make sense as you're getting a subsidised card.

For example, 1Gb per month over 24 months = R14376

If your usage varies widely or you're not going to exceed say 250Mb per month, consider the Messenger type option.

For example 250Mb per month over 24 months = R1719 + 24 * (R35 + R200) = R7359

Any which way, if you do the sums, the right answer will pop up.

[VQuest]

Currently only the data bundles are available in smaller than 1Gb packages. For example, you can take the Messenger + data card for ~R1700 cash and strap any of the smaller packages on top of this.

"If you want a data card contract smaller than 1Gb, I'd suggest not to do anything till around Tuesday/Wednesday."

No. 16 in the ongoing series of cryptic responses.

Well, it's 5.45pm on Wednesday, can you let us in on the secret now?

[vodacom3g]

Apologies, been running around like crazy this week...

Here's the scary bit: I don't know the exact details :rolleyes:

But in any case, a new 500Mb R350/month contract option was added to the product suite. You pay something for the card and it's this bit I've not gotten around to confirm. Gut feel is less than 50% of the normal retail price.

There's also a 500Mb bundle available.

[diabolus]

[hypothetical calculations]

3G-500mb contract : R8,400 (R350 p/m mandatory)
Data : 12GB Free
Data Card : ?? R600
Call minutes : N/A ??
Total : R9,000

Weekender contract : R3,240 (R135 p/m mandatory)
Data : 12GB @ R7,200 (R600 p/GB)
Data Card : Free
Call minutes : 2880 minutes = R2,592 (@ R0.90 p/minute)
Total : R10,440
Effective Total [subtracting free minutes] : R7,848

Messenger : R840 (R35 p/m mandatory)
Data : 12GB @ R7,200
Data Card : R1,700
Total : R9,740

[/hypothetical calculations]

Unless i did something wrong, i don't really see a huge gain with the "off the record" contract, unless the data card is free. Also have to consider that until the MB "carry-over" thing come in [if ever], it's probably still more efficient to buy bundles on a monthly basis. You're also still locked into a much larger mandatory monthly contract, which with the speed things are changing is probably not such a good idea.

[Harley79]

P.S. Your calc has one serious flaw. You have included 12 gig @ R600/mnth, but what you going to do for the other 12 months.... your calc based on 24 months right? You would have to take a 500MB bundle which is more expensive, x 24.... you cannot take 12 1 gig bundles = 12 gig and use it over 24 months.

Hope you understand, kind of confused myself in writing it. Bundle is 1 month usage only, use it or loose it (i lost 350MB in feb , V3G, *HINT* *HINT*)

[rabbiddog]

Yes. I made sure I killed my cap.

[diabolus]

P.S. Your calc has one serious flaw. You have included 12 gig @ R600/mnth, but what you going to do for the other 12 months.... your calc based on 24 months right? You would have to take a 500MB bundle which is more expensive, x 24.... you cannot take 12 1 gig bundles = 12 gig and use it over 24 months.


Yea, you're right,i was assuming the R0.60 p/MB rate the 1GB bundle goes for . If you look at the data rates, you can already get 250MB @ R0.80 p/MB . I would guess a 500MB bundle would be between R0.80 and R0.60 p/MB [i.e. R0.70 p/MB] .

So 12GB at R0.70 p/MB = R8,400 , which is R1,200 more than my previous calcs. Trouble is though, it's still sort of pointless because in the 3g-500 case you will pay for 12GB regardless of whether you actually use it. On any other bundle contract i'm sure you will -not- use 12GB. You will either use more [in which case you will pay LOWER rates because you will be buying 1GB bundles] or you will use less [in which case you will simply spend less , also saving].

You are not going to buy a 500MB package every month . In fact if you're like me, you will only buy what you need [basically simulating your own carry-over]. I.e. buying 250MB , 250MB and then 1GB instead of 500MB, 500MB , 500MB over a 3 month period. If you make the calculation, you will be -saving- if you vary you bundles like that.

[wamatt]

Apologies, been running around like crazy this week...

Here's the scary bit: I don't know the exact details :rolleyes:

But in any case, a new 500Mb R350/month contract option was added to the product suite. You pay something for the card and it's this bit I've not gotten around to confirm. Gut feel is less than 50% of the normal retail price.

There's also a 500Mb bundle available.

Damn would have liked a 250mb option, as others have pointed out there has to be a bigger incentive for going contract as you will be locked in for two years.

[divv]

Hi. Slightly OT, but I would like to share my experiences for the benefit of others, also to LOUDLY proclaim my thanks to Vodacom3G and his team for getting me up and running!
I managed to get hold of one of the GPRS cards from Expansys mentioned earlier in one of the topics. (Took a "round-about" route. Card cost around R400)
It arrived on Monday, but when I tried installing the programme I had a series of errors and system crashes, then I contacted V3G and asked for help, he put me in contact with some people in my area, and now I am up and running.

Some hints for anyone looking to go the same route - don't even TRY to install the Vodafone software that comes with the card - its dated, can cause your system to crash, and doesn't support the local networks. Rather get hold of the Vodacom software and load that, it comes with the necessary drivers for this card as well. Then you (may) have to manually select the Network first time round, and also manually input the DNS settings. (All done for me by my friendly Vodacom person :-) yesterday)

Since my needs are really just email and some browsing, speed is not a major issue, and its a cheap route to go if you are squeezed for cash - of course, about a day after I committed to going this route, Vodacom introduced the subsidies on the Messenger etc packages, making the 3G card more attainable, and had I known about it in advance, maybe I wouldn't have gone this route; still I have saved about R1100 in upfront costs (compared to the R1719 you'd pay for the 3g card on the Messenger package.) and that, even at Prepaid rates, equals about 550Mb of surfing...

Once again, thanks to Vodacom3G and team - considering I didn't even buy the card locally, they didn't have to help - but they did! Kudos, gentlemen!

divv

[vodacom3g]

Apologies, been running around like crazy this week...

Here's the scary bit: I don't know the exact details :rolleyes:

But in any case, a new 500Mb R350/month contract option was added to the product suite. You pay something for the card and it's this bit I've not gotten around to confirm. Gut feel is less than 50% of the normal retail price.

There's also a 500Mb bundle available.

Just spoke to a Vodashop in Cape Town and they're offering the data card at no cost on the 500Mb contract.

[ic]

v3g, I wonder if all the forumites have taken the day off to go hunt down that Vodashop...:)

What can I say Vodacom & v3g keep surprising me everyday ;).

[diabolus]

On the 500MB contract note:

Anyone know where i can migrate from the weekender contract to the R350 p/m 500MB 3G one? Vodashop i was at told me "not yet, maybe in the next 3 months".

Reason? : I pay R135 + R200 [250MB] = R335 and don't use the free minutes, so it's a waste (in fact i'm not using it to make calls at all due to inability to transfer my 4u prepaid number and not geting a dual sim (if you do have a solution to that one after the fact that i have a new number tell me too).

I do understand i might have to pay migration fees of R500 for the datacard [which i got for free on the weekender].

[adsl3g]

Hi, had to bring this up again - was there any further progress on diabolus' contract 'upgrade' - I find my self in the same boat. 2 contracts and would rather have the one for data only.

[Niwde]

Hi all,

I made a diffrent option:

I signed a contract on Family Top Up and got the Data Card free. With this I wil pay R135 per month and are able to use R135, and add prepaid voucher if R135 is not enough.

Nice :)

[Piesang]

What is the chepest way, without signing a contract, to use Prepaid Sim with my Jasjar for browsing and downloading. I want to use my 3G.

If you can give pricing as well I will appreciate it.

Thanks guys & gals.

[freeek]

I would like to know this aswell

[nicovdw]

I noticed you can get a Family topup for R50 a month (for 24 months) with no phone. And (once the theoretical prepaid data bundles become available) you have R135 to buy a bundle with. ie add a R29 voucher, and buy a 150MB bundle for an effective R65 (plus the compulsory clip and itemised billing)

[ajax]

I noticed you can get a Family topup for R50 a month (for 24 months) with no phone. And (once the theoretical prepaid data bundles become available) you have R135 to buy a bundle with. ie add a R29 voucher, and buy a 150MB bundle for an effective R65 (plus the compulsory clip and itemised billing)

That sounds too good to be true. Do you have a link?

[nicovdw]

I just phoned Vodashop at Vodaworld (011 653 5000), and the dude confirmed that it is R49.
Let's see, R49 + R17.10 (Itemised billing) + R 9.50 (clip) = R75.60 = R135 value

Add R14 to that, and you have 150 MB for R 89,60 = 59.7c/MB
Add R65 to that, and you have 250 MB for R140,60 = 56.2c/MB

Remember, you cannot load a prepaid data bundle onto a Family topup yet, so currently you would get 67.5MB woth of data for your R75,60 = effective R1,12/MB

I sure hope those data bundles are coming soon.

@V3g - Can you confirm that you will be able to buy bundles with the R135 you get with the family topup?
also @V3g - What the hell is with the compulsory charges? I will not use it, why must I pay for it?

[ash]

the free 3g card on weekender has been around since december so its nothing new. i am just waiting for it to get cheaper, like a discount on the contract once the high speed service comes through. Also waiting for pre paid data, its been so long i am not sure if its out or not. but hey, i held my breathe for so long, i almost died. not doing that again. suffice to say, i went for mtn. now thats a shame.