Which Blackeberry contract with which provider?

[RobMobius1]

Hi There,

I have searched for answers on this forum, and while there is quite a bit of info its seems a bit outdated.

I need a Blackberry and I have decided on the Bold. I am looking at spending +- R500 per month and I am looking at the best package with the best provider for that price.

Initially MTN looked the better option but on closer examination Vodacom seems better. I would get much more for my money with Voadacom. I am looking at the Talk 240 or Talk 100 with vodacom contrasted against. Anytime 200 and 350 with MTN.

If anyone can provide me with some guidance and wisdom to help with my decision, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Dovi]

Don't go with MTN. I have been mischarged for the subscription service to my BIS with them every month for the duration of my 8th month contract on both of my MTN BlackBerry accounts. Every month I have to endure painful phone calls through different channels trying to rectify the problem. They also regularly charge me for my on-handset browsing, even though it's meant to be covered in the 'unlimited' portion of the BIS.

[Mudshark]

Dont get into any contracts.

[assagai]

Vodacom BIS is severely underperforming right now, couldn't recommend it.

[oronte]

I have had problems with both MTN and Vodacom, but if something goes wrong with your phone Vodacom are likely to say 'water damaged' and won't cover (it's happened to me and many other people on this forum) so that would be a R9000 investment thrown away, MTN generally don't do this. On the other hand MTN billing is messed up (really messed up).
As for being charged on MTN, the same can happen on Vodacom, it depends on how you use your phone. Have a look at the Bold Tip and Tricks thread: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=154456&highlight=blackberry+bold

I haven't paid any additonal internet charges (other than browsing on my PC) since my second month when I figured all this out (so many things neither Vodacom nor MTN ever tell you). Pay attention DOVI this should help you too.

Personally I found MTN the better choice, but if you've found a good deal with Vodacom then go with them.
Let me just dispel this myth: Neither network is better than the other and BIS is provided by RIM so whether you choose MTN or Vodacom makes little difference (although you might want to confirm that whichever network you choose has 3G where you'll be using your phone most).
Once you go blackberry you don't go back.

[assagai]

Just check out the vodacom blackberry thread, at the moment it seems mtn is delivering better BIS speeds.
I'm wiith vodacom and my bold is practically unusable during business hours.