Quite specific requirements

[CruiserDewd]

Hi all.

I'm looking for some advice here. Here is what I have :-

Samsung Laptop
ZTE K4505-Z Vodafone branded modem
No Sim



I do quite a bit of work in various outlying areas where 3G / Hsdpa etc signal is sketchy, so I pretty much know that different areas will have some / good / no signal, so I'm looking for an opinion on which network (sim) gives the best OVERALL signal coverage when averaged out. Below I want to set out some requirements for setting up what I want.


I do not want to use VMC that comes with the modem. I have found it to be little better than a virus on my desktop machine
I do not envisage using that much data on the laptop - typically 500MB-1GB per month. Then again, if the deal was good to get more, I might use more.
I want to be able to easily check my data balance.
Must be stable. I don't want to constantly be re-starting apps because it has dropped the signal or whatever.
I do not really want to have to keep swapping sim to my phone to recharge airtime - want to be able to do that easily on the laptop.


So, could I please have suggestions on
- Which network has best coverage (probably opinion I know).
- Which network offers the best value for data in conjunction with the above.
- Which software to use on the modem.
- How to disable the k@k on there now.
- How to set it all up.

I have been searching the forum and have read many topics or various subjects, but none seem to address all these issues at the same time.

Thanks
Des

[D3x!]

500MB - 1GB ;)

[AstroTurf]

Best coverage = vodacom.

Not sure how to solve all your other issues.

[CruiserDewd]

500MB - 1GB ;)

Doh! And I had to read your reply about 10 times before I realised what I'd done. I'll edit.

[sajunky]

Go with CellC for usage .5-1GB per month. Couple options for prepaid users:

1. Cell-C incredible special: recharge R50, get some 50 SMS's and 500MB till Sunday 23:59 and keep R50 for calls or converting to data bundles.

2. Cell-C 3GB R399 boundle valid for 1 year.

Cell-C can roam to Vodacom, but 2G only, so youu might need Vodacom as a backup when not in Cell-C coverage area. Here the only option is Internet Starter Pack R399 (100MB p/m for 1 year). It comes with some modem, you can sell it.

[CruiserDewd]

OK

I found out today that I can get a "slave" sim to my main sim (Vodacom talk 1000 contract) that I can use in the K4505-Z modem. That way, I don't have to get another contract. This does not seem like a bad option as I can use ad-hoc bundles, etc all on my main contract and pretty much keep track of everything on one account - not the cheapest option, but also not the most expensive either.

Any comments?

Now, how to get rid of VMC on the K4505 Zand use MDMA (or similar?) instead.

[ginggs]

Any comments?
Go pre-paid.

[CruiserDewd]

Go pre-paid.

Ginggs

Is that from a cost perspective? Or an "admin" perspective? Safety perspective?

Sure, I realise that pre-paid will be easiest to get the best deal............?

[ginggs]

Is that from a cost perspective? Or an "admin" perspective? Safety perspective?
The cost is pretty much the same.
Contract bundles have strange carry over rules; when you start a month with carry over, your new bundle is used before your carried over bundle, this means you can only carry over every second month.
Try to buy pre-paid your bundle on the first of the month, and buy one big enough to last you 60 days.
You can buy pre-paid bundles using the USSD menu in your dashboard, you can't buy contract bundles this way.
Lastly, a Data SIM on contract is "OOB Shark" bait.

[CruiserDewd]

You can buy pre-paid bundles using the USSD menu in your dashboard, you can't buy contract bundles this way.


Now there is a clincher for me right there!



Lastly, a Data SIM on contract is "OOB Shark" bait.
OOB - Out Of Bundle right? I'm running 3G at home for three years now - we are too far from the nearest Telkom exchange to get ADSL, so I'm quite used to monitoring usage and staying out of the Shark Territory ;)

Now, how best to set up my modem??

[FNfal]

Just use your phone as a modem. and buy ad=hoc every 2 months thats what i do

[CruiserDewd]

Just use your phone as a modem. and buy ad=hoc every 2 months thats what i do

I have been using my phone as a modem, connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cable. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chow battery and cable is a PITA. I want to use the Modem as a Modem and the phone as a phone.

So far,I'm going with Voda prepaid.

Now, about that software on that modem..............................

[ginggs]

Now, about that software on that modem..............................
See: Using Vodafone modems on other networks (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/363656).

I wouldn't get too attached to that K4505-Zzz (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/269889) though.