Q: When will Vodacom officially release 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA? A: 2008-01-27

[jalbasson]

Would it be possible to get the new promised 3.6 Mbps speed for 2007 on our existing data card, or will be forced to upgrade? Will Vodacom then do a free switch like they did for normal 3G to HSPDA?

[vodacom3g]

Would it be possible to get the new promised 3.6 Mbps speed for 2007 on our existing data card, or will be forced to upgrade? Will Vodacom then do a free switch like they did for normal 3G to HSPDA?

The E220 supports 3.6Mb/s but none of the other cards already in the field.

There probably won't be another free swap-out this time. Upgrades will happen just like with normal phones where there's never been a free swap-out but you can do upgrades.

[pengwin]

will there be a price difference for the faster service? or perhaps a reduction in price for the normal "1mb" ?

also, why cant we carry over unused data from one month to the next? It's like paying for a 2l coke and then not being allowed to keep the undrunk coke in the fridge? seems a little unfair - esp considering the vodacom4me site doesnt track data usage timeously?

[NeBo]

Luckily I upgrade in October this year :D

[vodacom3g]

will there be a price difference for the faster service? or perhaps a reduction in price for the normal "1mb" ?

also, why cant we carry over unused data from one month to the next? It's like paying for a 2l coke and then not being allowed to keep the undrunk coke in the fridge? seems a little unfair - esp considering the vodacom4me site doesnt track data usage timeously?

Don't think the pricing will change, only the top-end speed.

But it always makes sense to look at the various structures to see what are viable product solutions, including carry-over.

This product tweaking is an ongoing process, so keep the ideas coming. For example, a thread in the Cellular forum prompted a new product design recently.

[Daniedj]

The E220 supports 3.6Mb/s but none of the other cards already in the field.

There probably won't be another free swap-out this time. Upgrades will happen just like with normal phones where there's never been a free swap-out but you can do upgrades.

There was a "free" swop out?

[Mams]

There was a "free" swop out?

Yebo Gogo! we swapped our GPRS/3G cards for EDGE/HSDPA cards freeeeee.

[NeBo]

There was a "free" swop out?

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=41808&highlight=hsdpa+free+swap

[Swoosh]

If it works, '3.6mbps', it will be verrrrrrrry nice! At the moment with T3lkom, the 4mbps speed is fun!! :)

[pengwin]

hey v3g,

any news on the possible swop out of data cards for the faster usb modems? seems a bit unfair to penalise "old loyal" customers - its like when 3G cards were upgraded to the faster HSDPA cards .. any news? Thanks.

[vodacom3g]

hey v3g,

any news on the possible swop out of data cards for the faster usb modems? seems a bit unfair to penalise "old loyal" customers - its like when 3G cards were upgraded to the faster HSDPA cards .. any news? Thanks.

Why do you think you're being penalised?

The handset (phone) you're currently using. Did you get that as a free swap-out when it superseded the previous model? Do you get a free phone every 6 months as the new models comes out? Or do you get a new car as the new models come out, once a year?

Datacards are just like phones. It's an expensive item that gets subsidised and the cost is worked into the contract.

There was a once-of free swap-out from 3G to HSDPA. All the new devices are just newer HSDPA devices.

Hope this makes sense?

[pengwin]

1stly thanks for the reply - already just the fact that you answered makes things better... i understand your point, but the same amount for 1.8 meg device vs a 3.6 meg device doesnt seem to quite add up?

the comparision between phones kinda makes sense, but isnt really valid when comparing data cards - 1 can download at a higher rate .. if you're paying the same amount then it doesnt make sense ..

eagerly awaiting your comment/s :)

[cyberbob]

Why do you think you're being penalised?

The handset (phone) you're currently using. Did you get that as a free swap-out when it superseded the previous model? Do you get a free phone every 6 months as the new models comes out? Or do you get a new car as the new models come out, once a year?

Datacards are just like phones. It's an expensive item that gets subsidised and the cost is worked into the contract.

There was a once-of free swap-out from 3G to HSDPA. All the new devices are just newer HSDPA devices.

Hope this makes sense?

I don't quite agree with those comments either. I mean, every time Telkom brings out a faster ADSL package, one doesn't have to go and buy a new ADSL modem each time. What I don't understand, is if HSDPA has a max speed of say (guessing) 10MB downstream, why limit the datacards to 1.8mb (in line with the current offering) ?

Anyway, my 2c worth :)

[vodacom3g]

the comparison between phones kinda makes sense, but isn't really valid when comparing data cards - 1 can download at a higher rate .. if you're paying the same amount then it doesn't make sense ..

eagerly awaiting your comment/s :)

Does makes sense I believe. Technology evolves all the time, PC's, laptops, mp3 players, mobile phones and data cards all are becoming better, faster and often cheaper.

At some point you buy into the technology cycle, say a laptop. When a better model comes out you don't take your old laptop back for a free swap-out to the new model. You typically wait till you need to replace the device and then again buy the latest and greatest.

Data cards are exactly the same. You bought one (either direct or via a contract). If a newer model comes out you'll probably upgrade it at some point.

I think you might be assuming Vodacom gets these cards for free. Obviously not so. The cost of the card is factored into the cost of the contract. If VC now gives you a new card, i has to take a substantial knock on the contract.

Again, just like you buy a new car, phone or PC, if a newer, better model comes out, you buy it at some point. The supplier does not give a free upgrade. Otherwise they'll never get ahead.

[kaspaas]

If I rememeber correctly, RPM's broadband performance report indicated that under real life conditions, one would be lucky to get more than 800kb/s of the 1.8Mb/s HSDPA.

If the upgrade takes place, will it be favourable to those who don't get the full benefit of HSDPA yet?

[vodacom3g]

If I rememeber correctly, RPM's broadband performance report indicated that under real life conditions, one would be lucky to get more than 800kb/s of the 1.8Mb/s HSDPA.

If the upgrade takes place, will it be favourable to those who don't get the full benefit of HSDPA yet?

Not sure exactly what you mean.

When the network switches to 3.6 and then to 7.2, it's an instantaneous jump on the radio network but the transmission and other interconnecting links must then catch up.

Obviously we try and upgrade as much as possible at the same time but there are often delays in doing so.

But you should see a substantial jump in throughput.

[diabolus]

I think Vodacom should maybe consider a few different goals for 2007 than having the fastest wireless speed . At this stage all these speeds are nice and all but useless to me as an end-user because of the costs [not even mentioning the costs of upgrading the modem]. I said the exact same thing when HSDPA was rolled out, Vodacom gave me a free HSDPA card and guess what? I'm using MTN 90% of my time now because it's more convenient and more economical in the long run:


1. Prepaid Bundles to be operational in 2007 (as in not semi-working, but properly working)
2. New and better options in terms of data contracts (compare this to the options you have with voice contracts, i've looked at a zillion ads since my Voda contracted ended there is not a SINGLE data contract that does not offer anything different??! Not even at places like Makro/Game etc. It's basically "you will take 500MB or 1GB and WILL take a modem and that's that" . Try changing that modem to a phone and you can basically buy the thing cash)

3. Improving the existing bundles [the way they work, how it's billed etc etc]
4. Just simply improving customer care and WEBSITE to handle all the traffic/calls.

[pengwin]

*---
simple question: why were the cards swopped out for higher speed HSDPA data cards?
*---


Does makes sense I believe. Technology evolves all the time, PC's, laptops, mp3 players, mobile phones and data cards all are becoming better, faster and often cheaper.

At some point you buy into the technology cycle, say a laptop. When a better model comes out you don't take your old laptop back for a free swap-out to the new model. You typically wait till you need to replace the device and then again buy the latest and greatest.

Data cards are exactly the same. You bought one (either direct or via a contract). If a newer model comes out you'll probably upgrade it at some point.

I think you might be assuming Vodacom gets these cards for free. Obviously not so. The cost of the card is factored into the cost of the contract. If VC now gives you a new card, i has to take a substantial knock on the contract.

Again, just like you buy a new car, phone or PC, if a newer, better model comes out, you buy it at some point. The supplier does not give a free upgrade. Otherwise they'll never get ahead.

[CeeBee]

The buy new to replace old, i.s.o. free swap sounds quite normal & fair to me, like centuries before.... unless u rent the equipment with the agreement to always have the latest tech for use.
we've got both E620 and newer 'faster capable' E220, neither of which get even half the 1.8mbps even with an excellent signal (which is hard to find).
so if we can just get about 1.5mbps on an E620, espcially if that can be a consistent speed, that will already be grrrreat! Then I'm sure most of us won't feel the need to upgrade that E620 right away, that most of us are still paying off on, contract/fin.
is there an expected, planned, budgeted, wannabe timeframe when a speed upgrade can be expected?
I'm curious... is the current systems even realistically capable of providing sustainable stable speeds of >1400kbps (1800 impossible to achieve even in perfect conditions)?

[CeeBee]

*---
simple question: why were the cards swopped out for higher speed HSDPA data cards?
*---

I got an MTN card sometimes use VC due to no MTN signal, on MTN there were no swap outs.
I would guess the free swap on VC had to do with VC products of different pricing for 3G and HSDPA speeds.
So guys willing to pay more, and wanting to get HSDPA get the HSDPA card, while, with the swap, now VC had more normal 3G-only cards to supply to folks who don't wanna pay more for HSDPA, and are happy with the 3G speeds, HSDPA to most guys aren't even double 3G speed.
that would make sense to me...
also, I would also guess that VC made a decision to take a bit of a knock on the swap to more expensive HSDPA cards, but make that up in revenue, now that users will buy more data, i.e. spend more, with the faster speeds.
That's how it is for me anyway, even though on prepaid I pay same for GPRS and HSDPA, but when I have a faster connection, I will do more, download more, with a s l o w conn u tend to do what you need, and get off the network :)

[jb007za]

Hey V3G

Quick question, is it possible to do a firmware upgrade on the E620 (datacard) in order to boost the speed to 3.6 instead of 1.8?

Many thanks!

[vodacom3g]

Hey V3G

Quick question, is it possible to do a firmware upgrade on the E620 (datacard) in order to boost the speed to 3.6 instead of 1.8?

Many thanks!

Quick answer, No.

[jalbasson]

When can we expect to get the 3.6 speed? I think MTN stated that they will have it middle of this year.

[vodacom3g]

When can we expect to get the 3.6 speed? I think MTN stated that they will have it middle of this year.

Don't have an exact date, but a few months away.

[internaut]

If and when all the current users once again, :rolleyes:, experience problems with new 3.6 roll-out, will we all once again, :rolleyes:, get FREE 3.6Mb datacard swop-outs? :mad: :D

[spoc]

.........

also, why cant we carry over unused data from one month to the next? It's like paying for a 2l coke and then not being allowed to keep the undrunk coke in the fridge? seems a little unfair - esp considering the vodacom4me site doesnt track data usage timeously?


Don't think the pricing will change, only the top-end speed.

But it always makes sense to look at the various structures to see what are viable product solutions, including carry-over.

This product tweaking is an ongoing process, so keep the ideas coming. For example, a thread in the Cellular forum prompted a new product design recently.


V3G. While the subject of data carry over has also cropped up here and you mention the thread relating to the new tariff structure, many people (I would recon the majority) posting in that thread requested the option of data carry over and I therefore thought it would have been considered as part of the new tariff structure.

As pengwin rightfully mentions, it has always seemed unfair to me as well to have to pay the full price for something and then lose what you don’t use. I have never quite understood this concept.

Imagine government legislating that you can only fill your car with petrol on Mondays. The unused petrol left in your tank on a Monday gets drained out and you then have to fill up your tank again. If your tank runs dry during the week you are welcome to buy more petrol, but at twice the price that you would pay on a Monday.

Doesn't seem fair does it?

Don't get me wrong, I am happy with the reduction in data tariffs, but thought VC might consider even just a limited 90 day carry over as so many people have asked for.

I.M.O. with the new tariffs and a data carry over option, VC would have had an offer that would be hard to equal or beat and they would therefore have won not only the battle but also the current price war by being one step ahead of any other network.

I would have for example upgraded my current 500 Meg contract to a 2G contract on the new tariffs plans without hesitation if I knew I had the option of rolling over the unused data at the end of the month.

[vodacom3g]

If and when all the current users once again, :rolleyes:, experience problems with new 3.6 roll-out, will we all once again, :rolleyes:, get FREE 3.6Mb datacard swop-outs? :mad: :D

No, don't think so. It'll work just as with mobile phones, i.e. when your existing contract comes to an end, you can get the latest and greatest device.

By the way, the free swap-out from 3G to HSDPA had nothing to do with problems in rolling out HSDPA, but rather was a gesture of goodwill to all early adopters of 3G.

As a matter of fact, those early HSDPA 'problems' we had (capacity issues, etc.) was BECAUSE of the free swap-out! :) The whole network had to suddenly increase 400% in capacity and you don't do that overnight. Especially in this country.....

[vodacom3g]

V3G. While the subject of data carry over has also cropped up here and you mention the thread relating to the new tariff structure, many people (I would recon the majority) posting in that thread requested the option of data carry over and I therefore thought it would have been considered as part of the new tariff structure.

As pengwin rightfully mentions, it has always seemed unfair to me as well to have to pay the full price for something and then lose what you don’t use. I have never quite understood this concept.

Imagine government legislating that you can only fill your car with petrol on Mondays. The unused petrol left in your tank on a Monday gets drained out and you then have to fill up your tank again. If your tank runs dry during the week you are welcome to buy more petrol, but at twice the price that you would pay on a Monday.

Doesn't seem fair does it?

Don't get me wrong, I am happy with the reduction in data tariffs, but thought VC might consider even just a limited 90 day carry over as so many people have asked for.

I.M.O. with the new tariffs and a data carry over option, VC would have had an offer that would be hard to equal or beat and they would therefore have won not only the battle but also the current price war by being one step ahead of any other network.

I would have for example upgraded my current 500 Meg contract to a 2G contract on the new tariffs plans without hesitation if I knew I had the option of rolling over the unused data at the end of the month.

When deciding on a new product strategy / pricing, you obviously take all of the parameters into consideration including customer requirements and network and system capabilities and try and come up with a solution that would benefit most people.

[ajax]

I don't quite agree with those comments either. I mean, every time Telkom brings out a faster ADSL package, one doesn't have to go and buy a new ADSL modem each time. )

That's because Telscum is still living in the pre-historic age playing catch-up with the rest of the world in terms of pricing and technology.

Vodacom/MTN however is on the forefront worldwide in terms of pricing and technology so the devices have to be invented on the network side and on the user side simultaneously.

[jb007za]

hey v3g, when vodacom upgrades to 3.6 mbps does this mean that throughput for 1.8 mbps users will also increase (i.e. tend towards the maximum output on the older technology)? hope this makes sense. thanks!

[ajax]

hey v3g, when vodacom upgrades to 3.6 mbps does this mean that throughput for 1.8 mbps users will also increase (i.e. tend towards the maximum output on the older technology)? hope this makes sense. thanks!

Good question, and what about latency?

[DoomMerchant]

Does makes sense I believe. Technology evolves all the time, PC's, laptops, mp3 players, mobile phones and data cards all are becoming better, faster and often cheaper.

At some point you buy into the technology cycle, say a laptop. When a better model comes out you don't take your old laptop back for a free swap-out to the new model. You typically wait till you need to replace the device and then again buy the latest and greatest.

Data cards are exactly the same. You bought one (either direct or via a contract). If a newer model comes out you'll probably upgrade it at some point.

I think you might be assuming Vodacom gets these cards for free. Obviously not so. The cost of the card is factored into the cost of the contract. If VC now gives you a new card, i has to take a substantial knock on the contract.

Again, just like you buy a new car, phone or PC, if a newer, better model comes out, you buy it at some point. The supplier does not give a free upgrade. Otherwise they'll never get ahead.
With a faster card the customer spends more money.\
Why not take this as a factor and give discounted rates.

[vodacom3g]

hey v3g, when vodacom upgrades to 3.6 mbps does this mean that throughput for 1.8 mbps users will also increase (i.e. tend towards the maximum output on the older technology)? hope this makes sense. thanks!

Probably will as the backhaul will have to be able to deliver 3.6 (in theory), so there should be more capacity for your 1.8M card to use.

Ajax, not sure if latency will fall much for 1.8 users. Must a ltiile bit if backhaul is bigger. 3.6 should see a nice improvement in latency.

[SoTrue]

Don't have an exact date, but a few months away.

vodacom3g, any further news about a possible cutover date for 3.6 mbps?

[vodacom3g]

vodacom3g, any further news about a possible cutover date for 3.6 mbps?

Need to ask again.

[grim]

When is vodacom upgrading their network to 3.6mbps?

[Mams]

once its upgraded, does the N95 support 3.6mbps?

[vodacom3g]

When is vodacom upgrading their network to 3.6mbps?

Don't have a firm date yet.

[kingrob]

Just want to thank V3G once again for my Huawei E220 modem (MyADSL conference at Vodaworld, Midrand 2006), I'm having an absolute blast with it. V3G, you can switch over to 3.6Mbps when you're ready, I'm also ready. :)

I have recorded a top download speed of 1.6Mbps on my Huawei dashboard to date, will see if I can break that record in the early hours....

*Some forumites should first read through this thread, before posting the same questions over & over again.

[vodacom3g]

Just want to thank V3G once again for my Huawei E220 modem (MyADSL conference at Vodaworld, Midrand 2006), I'm having an absolute blast with it. V3G, you can switch over to 3.6Mbps when you're ready, I'm also ready. :)

I have recorded a top download speed of 1.6Mbps on my Huawei dashboard to date, will see if I can break that record in the early hours....

*Some forumites should first read through this thread, before posting the same questions over & over again.

Cool, I get 1.6 quite a lot but have seen 1.8 on the odd occasion. Once rpm was actually present!

[kingrob]

Cool, I get 1.6 quite a lot but have seen 1.8 on the odd occasion. Once rpm was actually present!

I'm gonna go for gold - think the Vodacom tower is right across the road from where I live in Irene. :)

[Mike_De_Lange]

I heard/read somewhere that vodacom will be upgrading there HSDPA speeds from 1.8Mbps to 3.6Mbps/7.2Mbps? Is this true and when to they expect the it to be fully rolled out country wide?

Thanks :)

[gboy]

well if that is true, it would be great, i would however need a bigger cap.

I do know that the USB E220 modem can do 3.6 Mb so we should just notice the difference in the monthly bill.

I just hope that vodacom is clever in rolling it out and that there towers can cope, We don't want unstable HSDPA again when dial up was the faster option.

[Mike_De_Lange]

V3G? Any "new" news on this or an official date?

[JK8]

Some places have 7,2 MB but they just test stations.

[vodacom3g]

Some places have 7,2 MB but they just test stations.

Did not know this. Where did you hear it?

@ Mike: No official launch date yet.

[Mike_De_Lange]

wow I thought it was actually gonna happen on the 1st of June 2007. I must have got my wires crossed :o Thanks anyhow V3G. Hope you will keep us all informed when you here the slightest whisper :D

[JK8]

Did not know this. Where did you hear it?

@ Mike: No official launch date yet.

Here by us, they testing it, we couldnt get the 7.2 speeds, but over 1.8 is a breeze, using the E220 modem.

[vodacom3g]

Here by us, they testing it, we couldnt get the 7.2 speeds, but over 1.8 is a breeze, using the E220 modem.

Hmmm...sure it's the Vodacom network?

Where is here?

What speed are you getting on http://speed.vodacom.co.za? Can you post a screenshot of the results?

[Antonf]

A few months ago after I cancelled my 3G contract for two reasons, I was phoned by a person from Vodacom. He advised me not to upgrade my contract at the time and take a USB modem as Vodacom would be upgrading the HSDPA network to 3.6Mbps around the middle of the year, and to 7.2Mbps late in 2007 or early in 2008.

Unfortunately I lost his name.

I now have Ultimate Voice Recorder on my phone, and advise people that the conversation is being recorded. Amazingly you get fed surprisingly little BS after that! Pity I didn't have it at the time.

[vodacom3g]

We happen to currently be in "around the middle of the year" territory, which I would guesstimate ranges from 1st May to 31st of August [2007], is it not too soon to be accusing an unidentified person from Vodacom of having been talking Base-Station about the HSDPA upgrade to 3.6Mbits/s around the middle of 2007?

Was me who called Antonf. And the info still stands.

[Antonf]

You did call me as well (about coverage problems I had around the same time), but the person who called me and went into a lot of detail was from VSP if I remember correctly.

[jalbasson]

There is a lot of rumours about the proposed upgrade, does anyone know if this is happening and if so, when the upgrade will take place. Would this be a system wide upgrade or just certain towers?

[vodacom3g]

There is a lot of rumours about the proposed upgrade, does anyone know if this is happening and if so, when the upgrade will take place. Would this be a system wide upgrade or just certain towers?

Definitely happening, final dates not available yet, country-wide but I'm sure we'll have the standard transmission challenges.....:rolleyes:

[JK8]

Was me who called Antonf. And the info still stands.

You sure Vodas not skipping 3.6?

[Jase]

.... 'Puts brakes on" .... was just about to purchase an external antenna, from Poynting, for my Huwaei ... should I hold on incase my lil old card needs to be upgraded?

[Syndyre]

.... 'Puts brakes on" .... was just about to purchase an external antenna, from Poynting, for my Huwaei ... should I hold on incase my lil old card needs to be upgraded?

If its an E620 it won't do more than 1.8 so its up to you I suppose, you could probably use the same antenna with a new card though and just get a new connector.

[Jase]

Thanks Syndyre. I just did not want to fork out more cash than neccessary... and yes, it's a E620.

[vodacom3g]

You sure Vodas not skipping 3.6?

You tell us.....

[Syndyre]

Thanks Syndyre. I just did not want to fork out more cash than neccessary... and yes, it's a E620.

I think it should work that way, but confirm just in case. ;)

[JK8]

You tell us.....

Errrr yip I think.

[SlowInternet]

Everybody is getting excited over upgrading of HSDPA and I'm still waiting for 3G coverage. Was told in Dec2006 we'll get by June/July 2007. In about March Vodacom told me by the end of this year. On 10 May 2007 I receive an sms from Network planning advising that we will get 3g coverage sometime next year. So the dates are being moved everytime by a few months. So when we eventually get 3g coverage I think most of the people won't even remember something like 3g.

[ld13]

Errrr yip I think.

This is how I’m reading this: JK8 is involved in some testing of some kind. The speeds showing an upgrade to 7.2. Now if this should really happen, that VC rolls out 3.6 and 7.2 at the same time, would there be a swop-out of the current 1.8/3.6 HSDPA units in the “wild”?

[vodacom3g]

This is how I’m reading this: JK8 is involved in some testing of some kind. The speeds showing an upgrade to 7.2. Now if this should really happen, that VC rolls out 3.6 and 7.2 at the same time, would there be a swop-out of the current 1.8/3.6 HSDPA units in the “wild”?


If JK8 is involved in any testing it's not on the Vodacom network.

No swop-out planned.

[ld13]

If JK8 is involved in any testing it's not on the Vodacom network.

No swop-out planned.

Thank you, ill comment on this lateron when I have more info available to me.

[vodacom3g]

Thank you, ill comment on this lateron when I have more info available to me.

OK, no problem.

[JK8]

This is how I’m reading this: JK8 is involved in some testing of some kind. The speeds showing an upgrade to 7.2. Now if this should really happen, that VC rolls out 3.6 and 7.2 at the same time, would there be a swop-out of the current 1.8/3.6 HSDPA units in the “wild”?


Nope No swap outs, wanna know why??? COz its time for you upgrade!! Right>??:)


If JK8 is involved in any testing it's not on the Vodacom network.

No swop-out planned.

Ye


Boy, we better advertise we don't have 4.8 / 5.6 and 9.35 Mb/s as well. Or any number you can dream up.....

What a stupid statement, we should advertise what we DON'T have????

Lol MTN LoVE doing that, Blackberry, HSDPA etc:p


Does Vodacom not educate the staff in the Vodashops.
Shocking info. no wonder people like us are very confused :confused:

All things being equal is there a difference in speed from 3G HSDPA modem to another 3G HSDPA Modem and for what reason.??

The thing is the damn store owners change staff so regularly that sometimes training new staff from begining to end still leaves the little consultant flabergasted, certain stores have good sales people some unfortunatley as hard as Voda tries to train them they just dont give a crap... But the intentions of having good sales people are there, fueled with incentives to but ..... errr ya

[ld13]

Nope No swap outs, wanna know why??? COz its time for you upgrade!! Right>??:)



Um.
No.

I bought this E220 less than 30 days ago. If VC upgrades to 3.6 Tomorrow, I will be glad because I now get to use the unit to its Full potential. But if the were to upgrade all the way to 7.2 tomorrow, I will be happy but mad, because I bought this unit on prepaid and not some contract, and now I would sit with "outdated" technology. :mad:


Here by us, they testing it, we couldnt get the 7.2 speeds, but over 1.8 is a breeze, using the E220 modem.

Care to elaborate a bit more on what is going on there? Are YOU surfing at a speed higher than 1.8Mbps? ;)

[vodacom3g]

Um.
No.

I bought this E220 less than 30 days ago. If VC upgrades to 3.6 Tomorrow, I will be glad because I now get to use the unit to its Full potential. But if the were to upgrade all the way to 7.2 tomorrow, I will be happy but mad, because I bought this unit on prepaid and not some contract, and now I would sit with "outdated" technology. :mad:



Care to elaborate a bit more on what is going on there? Are YOU surfing at a speed higher than 1.8Mbps? ;)

No-one is surfing at higher than 1.8Mb/s......

7.2 is still quite a way off, so your '3.6' investment is safe!

[Csnoopy]

Um.
No.

I bought this E220 less than 30 days ago. If VC upgrades to 3.6 Tomorrow, I will be glad because I now get to use the unit to its Full potential. But if the were to upgrade all the way to 7.2 tomorrow, I will be happy but mad, because I bought this unit on prepaid and not some contract, and now I would sit with "outdated" technology. :mad:



Care to elaborate a bit more on what is going on there? Are YOU surfing at a speed higher than 1.8Mbps? ;)

It could be possible by just a firmware upgrade.

[Csnoopy]

No-one is surfing at higher than 1.8Mb/s......

7.2 is still quite a way off, so your '3.6' investment is safe!

Any idea of when 3.6 , 7.2 ?

[vodacom3g]

Any idea of when 3.6 , 7.2 ?

This is where ic will now post a helpful hint on how to search the forum for an answer.....;)

[Csnoopy]

This is where ic will now post a helpful hint on how to search the forum for an answer.....;)


Maybe ic could create a sticky in bold red that says search the Forum before you ask a question.

[pkid]

This is might be a weird perspective on things but does it really matter when they upgrade to 3.6 or 7.2? You still get the same cap but now there is a chance that you might hit it faster. I would rather prefer more price cuts or higher allowances and then a speed increase. I know for some stuff like streaming video you need the higher speed but my personal frustration right now is with the caps and not the speed...

[Csnoopy]

This is might be a weird perspective on things but does it really matter when they upgrade to 3.6 or 7.2? You still get the same cap but now there is a chance that you might hit it faster. I would rather prefer more price cuts or higher allowances and then a speed increase. I know for some stuff like streaming video you need the higher speed but my personal frustration right now is with the caps and not the speed...

Eish ...... so you will be oob before you know it. I think I prefer dial-up it discourages you from downloading large programs because it takes looong.
Well with VMC 9.xx at 75 Megs eish it will take a very long time.

[Yotch]

Mobilkom in Austria has apparently already upgraded to HSDPA/HSUPA @ 7.2Mbps. Here are what appear to be the 7.2Mbps speed test results. Looking at these results it would seem that 2Mbps down and 1Mbps up seem to be more realistic speeds in practice so an E220 might actually perform adequately right up to the 14.4Mbps upgrade (practical real world speeds could be as low as 4Mbps if these results are typical).

http://www.a1.net/mobilkom/phase4/CMA/attachment/pp4_attachment/1,6239,50271,00.pdf

[cyberbob]

I'm curious about something.

RE: the E220 ... does anyone know if the 3.6 is a hardware limit, or a firmware limit?

[vodacom3g]

I expect it is a hardware limitation, but I'm not 100% sure. My understanding is that, in order to cope with a higher data transfer rate, a more powerful processor chip is required - apart from other hardware changes required to support the next HSDPA|HSUPA spec.

Hardware, if it could upgrade to 7.2, you can be sure the manufacturer would sell it as such.

Some of the new Express Cards are supposedly 7.2 capable.

[Csnoopy]

Whilst on that subject, the following news article is well worth reading: Caps, Traffic Shaping and Contention Ratios... (http://mybroadband.co.za/news/ADSL/435.html)

The OECD further warns that traffic shaping and bitcaps create an information gap. Consumers need to be fully informed about exactly what they are buying.

[Csnoopy]

Here it is by Vodacom

Vodacom 3G, 3G HSDPA and 3G HSUPA

What is it?

3G is Third Generation mobile cellular technology in the context of cellphone standards. The services associated with 3G provide the ability to transfer simultaneously both voice data (a telephone call) and non-voice data (such as downloading information, exchanging email, and instant messaging). For example; 3G enables customers to access the Internet at high data speeds, make video calls and watch Mobile TV.

3G HSDPA is Third Generation High-Speed Downlink Packet Access - a 3G mobile telephony protocol, which offers increased data transfer speeds and capacity of up to 1.8 Mbps on the downlink and up to 348Kbps on the uplink, under ideal conditions. The 3G HSDPA technology was built to deliver throughput speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps for downloads, but expect to experience speeds between 400 Kbps and 800 Kbps with peaks of approximately 1.2 Mbps - offering you instant Internet access.

3G HSUPA is Third Generation High-Speed Uplink Packet Access - a 3G mobile telephony protocol, which offers increased data transfer speeds and capacity of up to 3.6 Mbps on the downlink and up to 1 Mbps on the uplink, under ideal conditions. 3G HSUPA will be available from Vodacom in the near future.

http://www.vodacom.co.za/services/mobile_data/3g_hsdpa_hsupa.jsp

The above confirms what I have been getting.

[MrG]

The Nokia N95, does it support a maximum of 1.8Mbps? It seems phones are slightly slower than datacards, but I guess that is to be expected.

[vodacom3g]

The Nokia N95, does it support a maximum of 1.8Mbps? It seems phones are slightly slower than datacards, but I guess that is to be expected.

Yes, afaik. Why do you think they're slower?

[Mams]

The Nokia N95, does it support a maximum of 1.8Mbps? It seems phones are slightly slower than datacards, but I guess that is to be expected.

It supports a maximum of 3.6mbps

[Csnoopy]

Yes, afaik. Why do you think they're slower?

As I have jokingly said before majority of users do not understand all the computer terms. I was told on the weekend that the usb modem is faster than the datacard. I tried to explain why the difference and was looked at with BIG eyes. Ignorance. Is there not a way that the end users can be educated via mass media etc.

[MrG]

It supports a maximum of 3.6mbps

Really... N95... 3.6Mbps, nice :)


Yes, afaik. Why do you think they're slower?

I meant the first data cards only supported 1.8Mbps if I remember correctly, with a firmware flash it made it to 3.6Mbps.

Now new data cards will probably get ready for the next level. ??7.2Mbps??

Then the actual mobile phones always take a good 4 - 6 months to catchup with the tech that the data cards have.

Not slower with the same technology, but slower to include the newer speeds.

[CVRChameleon]

I know no official date is published for launch of 3.6Mbps, but ok when can we expect it to be done? This year; within the next few weeks, months; 2008; 2009 - when?

I want to migrate my HSDPA to 2GB account, but I want to use it to play online games as well, and as I stated the current HSDPA speed that I get, the latencies are too high. So, until I know bad latencies will prevail, I will have to stay put with my 512MB.

[Syndyre]

I meant the first data cards only supported 1.8Mbps if I remember correctly, with a firmware flash it made it to 3.6Mbps.

The first data cards, E620 etc. still only support 1.8Mbps AFAIK, its only the E220 that supports 3.6Mbps.

[brad]

This year; within the next few weeks, months; 2008; 2009 - when?


Yes; yes; yes; and hopefully before then.... :D

[CVRChameleon]

Yes; yes; yes; and hopefully before then.... :D

lol, I hope so :)

[supersunbird]

Someone told me on this forum once that HSDPA in SA is limited to 1.8Mbps, then what is this I'm seeing on the screen?

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1054&size=big&cat=500

[kingrob]

It's just a 'text string', same when you connect with iBurst, it says you're connected at 1.0Mbps, but you're only seeing speeds of 500kbps.

Both MTN & Vodacom HSDPA are still at 1.8Mbps...

[scotty777]

well... I saw a cell add for a samsung i think, and I know that it said HSDPA 3.6mps, at that point i thought they updated it, but clearly not

[The_Librarian]

Just call it eyecandy and move on :)

[vodacom3g]

Theoretically HSDPA will in the future have a maximum downlink speed of 14.4Mbits/s, however that has not been implemented anywhere in the world as yet.

First there was vanilla-3G [aka "3G-R99"] with a maximum downlink speed of 384kbits/s, then came the first implementation of the HS[D]PA standard with a maximum downlink speed of 1.8Mbits/s, next will be 3.6Mbits/s [which your modem is currently capable of but neither the Vodacom nor MTN networks are ready for], after that it will be 7.2Mbits/s and after that hopefully somewhere near the theoretical limit of 14.4Mbits/s.

AFAIK, Vodacom is waiting for Telkodemonopolies to upgrade backhaul link capacity to support up to 3.6Mbits/s per modem, before enabling 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA. I assume that MTN is being led down the same Telkodemonopolies river without a paddle as Vodacom is. And of course it would help if SAT-3 is opened up to competition like Poison Ivy promised will happen on 2007-11-01.

Impeccably Correct, as always....

[jalbasson]

When can we anticipate the upgrade of HSDPA speed from the current 1.8mbps to 3.6mbps? I believe the new Express cards from Vocacom can handle the 3.6 and the future 7.2mbps.

[kingrob]

When can we anticipate the upgrade of HSDPA speed from the current 1.8mbps to 3.6mbps? I believe the new Express cards from Vocacom can handle the 3.6 and the future 7.2mbps.

It will be done tomorrow. :)

*Oh, I work for Telkom.

[Cujo]

I connected last night at 3.6. First time using hsdpa so im not sure when they upgraded the tower. Im in the vaal triangle.

[kingrob]

I connected last night at 3.6. First time using hsdpa so im not sure when they upgraded the tower. Im in the vaal triangle.

That's just a text string you see when you connect.

Same with iBurst, always told me I'm connected @ 1Mbps, but when I ran a speed test, it was more like 650kbps.

[Cujo]

Where should i run the speed test from rob ?

Thanks

[kingrob]

Where should i run the speed test from rob ?

Thanks

Here you go : http://speed.vodacom.co.za/speedtest/

[Cujo]

Thanks, ill try it tonight.

[ld13]

I connected last night at 3.6. First time using hsdpa so im not sure when they upgraded the tower. Im in the vaal triangle.

Your PC only shows that you are connected at 3.6Mbps, meaning you are connected to a HSDPA Tower - mine always showed this. This is not your true speed. My true speed is aways <1.6Mbps.

[nuyork]

Your PC only shows that you are connected at 3.6Mbps, meaning you are connected to a HSDPA Tower - mine always showed this. This is not your true speed. My true speed is aways <1.6Mbps.

3.6Mbps is only the connection your USB modem makes between your modem and USB port on your computer. Even if you force it to GPRS it will still say connected at 3.6Mbps. It's basically the maximum supported speed on the USB modem.

Oy to the vey!

[Csnoopy]

That's just a text string you see when you connect.

Same with iBurst, always told me I'm connected @ 1Mbps, but when I ran a speed test, it was more like 650kbps.

No No that is the actual speed that your PC connects to the modem but from the modem to the towers etc. it is only 1.8mbps etc. etc. The tower hardware etc. needs to be upgrade to handle the full 3.6mbps speed.

:cool:

[Cujo]

I done the speed test last night 6pm. Ran it 3 times and got an avg of the following:

Download 950kbps Upload 350kbps

Is this acceptable ?

[ld13]

3.6Mbps is only the connection your USB modem makes between your modem and USB port on your computer. Even if you force it to GPRS it will still say connected at 3.6Mbps. It's basically the maximum supported speed on the USB modem.

Oy to the vey!

oops! My bad. Got it all mixed up. :o

EDIT:
I beg to differ. If you force it to GPRS it will show 53.2k something :p
Same with EDGE, will show a 250k something speed.

[kingrob]

I done the speed test last night 6pm. Ran it 3 times and got an avg of the following:

Download 950kbps Upload 350kbps

Is this acceptable ?

It's OK, nothing special, but OK.

[MtnUser]

I'm getting download speeds of up to 2.2Mbps and upload of 340kbps :-)

[Gecko]

I'm getting download speeds of up to 2.2Mbps and upload of 340kbps :-)

That's not bad! Do you think they've upgraded? What was your previous best download speed?

I got consistent 180KByte/s (download) early in August when I downloaded the latest version of Firmware for my phone. It was a pleasant surprise!

[MtnUser]

What was your previous best download speed?

1.4Mbps with an older version of the E220 software. Currently using the Mobile Partner software.

The fastest I got on Vodacom's speedtest though was just over 1.8Mbps.

[Khyron]

Vodafone UK will be upgrading their HSDPA network very soon:

"Vodafone UK is to upgrade its 3G network to offer faster connection speeds. Downloads will run at up to 7.2Mbps and uploads at up to 1.44Mbps, though download speeds are most likely to be in the range of 1.7Mbps to 5.5Mbps depending on things like signal strength.

The new service speeds are based around HSUPA technology which will require upgrades to the 3G network, with this happening initially in central London and other places such as the larger airports.

The service will be available via a USB modem or for those with a laptop that has an ExpressCard slot a card will be available. The availability of a USB modem makes it suitable for people wishing to connect a desktop computer."

Does this mean SA will follow suit shortly thereafter?

[feo]

I hope so but judging by the 1600+ post thread on all the slowness happening, Voda should first fix the network properly, get everything stable and THEN up the speeds.

[vodacom3g]

Yes, the planning is for 3.6 and then 7.2.

But I agree with feo, stability should come first.

I do believe we've broken the back of the problems we saw over the last few weeks and while all this was going on, few people noticed how well the throughput figures locally is, with many HSDPA cards hitting near 100% numbers. An obvious indicator of the preparation being done for bigger things....;)

[fernandopires]

i think vodacom should go for 7.2mb/s and be the fastest internet avalible again even faster than telkoms 4mb/s adsl.

[vodacom3g]

i think vodacom should go for 7.2mb/s and be the fastest internet avalible again even faster than telkoms 4mb/s adsl.

Upgrades are always dependent on the availability on the relevant kit. While we're seeing a number of 3.6 cards coming in, there are very few 7.2 capable devices available.

[morkhans]

Upgrades are always dependent on the availability on the relevant kit. While we're seeing a number of 3.6 cards coming in, there are very few 7.2 capable devices available.

At least some manufactures are being forward thinking and making cards that support 3.6 and will be upgradable to 7.2.

[Iam3G]

Wouldnt it be logical for Vodacom to upgrade to 7.2, thus attracting more users to purchase 7.2 capable devices?

[Antonf]

WOW, 7.2Mbps!!! Just think how fast my e-mails can then disappear into cyberspace, never to reach their destination...

[jalbasson]

We have heard rumours of the proposed upgrade for some time now, does anyone know when this will happen? I see that most of the new hardware datacards and laptops support this faster speed.

Who will be first MTN or Vodacom? I presume they would want to launch befor the year end.

[kingrob]

I'm getting almost 1.4Mbps at home now and it's really cool. Can't wait for 3.6Mbps, cos I can look forward to at least 2.8Mbps...

I SO wish that Vodacom will make the 3GB (or 5GB!) package the 'sweet spot package', cos at the mo it's the 2GB package - and with YouTube videos, Facebook, Human Pets, etc. - 2GB is REALLY not enough for today.... :sick:

[Iam3G]

I'm getting almost 1.4Mbps at home now and it's really cool. Can't wait for 3.6Mbps, cos I can look forward to at least 2.8Mbps...

I SO wish that Vodacom will make the 3GB (or 5GB!) package the 'sweet spot package', cos at the mo it's the 2GB package - and with YouTube videos, Facebook, Human Pets, etc. - 2GB is REALLY not enough for today.... :sick:

I concur...

[vodacom3g]

I'm getting almost 1.4Mbps at home now and it's really cool. Can't wait for 3.6Mbps, cos I can look forward to at least 2.8Mbps...

I SO wish that Vodacom will make the 3GB (or 5GB!) package the 'sweet spot package', cos at the mo it's the 2GB package - and with YouTube videos, Facebook, Human Pets, etc. - 2GB is REALLY not enough for today.... :sick:

What would work?

PS. Are you only getting 1.4 with your E220?

[Iam3G]

What would work?

PS. Are you only getting 1.4 with your E220?

I'd say he gets that. Its a realistic speed. I get max 1.2 with my E220 at work, and this early morning(around 9-ish), and it degraddes as the day progresses.

[Antonf]

We happen to currently be in "around the middle of the year" territory, which I would guesstimate ranges from 1st May to 31st of August [2007], is it not too soon to be accusing an unidentified person from Vodacom of having been talking Base-Station about the HSDPA upgrade to 3.6Mbits/s around the middle of 2007?

We are now more than 2 months beyond "middle of the year" territory...

[Iam3G]

True, but have a look at the "speed.vodacom.co.za" thread, you will see that Vodacom's [entire] HSDPA network has been upgraded to 3.6Mbits/s.

Unfortunately Telkodemonopolies is still dragging its feet upgrading the backhaul links that Vodacom rents from Telkodemonopolies, which prevents Vodacom from making 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA available to customers until there is sufficient backhaul bandwidth to meet the expected increased demand...

So what you're saying is that Vodacom has upgraded to 3.6Mbps, but its still unavailable to its customers?

[Iam3G]

Have a look at what has been posted in the speed.vodacom.co.za thread.

Also, v3g confirmed, not long ago, that Vodacom is still waiting for capacity upgrades to 3 times the number of backhaul links that MTN stated it was waiting for Telkodemonopolies to upgrade.

[B]The reason 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA is not yet available to Vodacom's customers, is Telkodemonopolies. MTN is most likely in a similar boat, but not the same extent as Vodacom.

Understood.

[vodacom3g]

We are now more than 2 months beyond "middle of the year" territory...

Nope, the 'person' was spot-on with his timing.....;)

[kingrob]

What would work?

PS. Are you only getting 1.4 with your E220?

I think Vodacom should make the 3GB package the 'sweet spot', because it's better to buy 2 X 2GB packages than the 3GB package... just doesn't make sense to buy the 3GB package.

Yep, getting 1.4Mbps, but I'm very happy with it - very fast! Can't wait for Telkom so upgrade the backbone of the network.... :)

*For some reason, 3GB is still the holy grail when it comes to data bundles - and wasn't this decided back in 2003? Can't think that it should still be applicable today?

[Iam3G]

3.6 Mbps HSDPA held back by Telkom... (http://mybroadband.co.za/news/Wireless/2030.html)

I can now see why you hate Telkom. Now i hate them too :mad:

[kingrob]

I've always hated Telkom. :)

[kingrob]

Vodacom3G told me at the 2007 MyADSL conference that the E220 modem can do 7.2Mbps, with a firmware upgrade. Isn't that great news?!

Now I love my E220 modem even more! :)

*Thanks for the good news, V3G!

[vodacom3g]

Vodacom3G told me at the 2007 MyADSL conference that the E220 modem can do 7.2Mbps, with a firmware upgrade. Isn't that great news?!

Now I love my E220 modem even more! :)

*Thanks for the good news, V3G!

Only a pleasure. Had a good chuckle when Brian (from MTN) called Huawei from the conference to confirm! :)

Can I suggest that no-one actually upgrade their E220 modems to 7.2 till we have the correct and tested firmware?

I know there's a German (I think) version floating around. But if you load it, your modem will only attach to German web sites....;)

[vodacom3g]

Translation: if you love your E220, don't brick it with foreign firmware versions...

Yup, you probably won't brick it per se, but you also have no idea what other nasty elements you introduce by using a firmware that might have been spun for a specific network and its specific vendor equipment.

Case in point: the firmware differences locally between MTN and Vodacom on the E220 to accommodate MTN's way of handling a 64K Sim.

[sand_man]

Vodacom3G told me at the 2007 MyADSL conference that the E220 modem can do 7.2Mbps, with a firmware upgrade. Isn't that great news?!

Now I love my E220 modem even more! :)

*Thanks for the good news, V3G!

very good news yes...
sure sure??!!

[walterl]

Keep us informed!

[vodacom3g]

very good news yes...
sure sure??!!

100%

[kingrob]

Yep, I will only upgrade my firmware when the 7.2Mbps speed becomes available on the Vodacom network! Don't want to stuff up my E220!

[vodacom3g]

One thing that's still unclear is whether a future 7.2Mbits/s downlink firmware update will also increase the uplink speed as well in accordance with HSUPA.


Was counting the hours till this popped up :)

My understanding is 7200/384.

Still 4 times faster uplink than any other SA HSDPA network....;)

[teraside]

Sorry to tread on your soil guys, but I'm interested. Is vodacom rolling out faster speeds than 7.2 mbps in future, or is it here already? Sounds great ;)

tera

[vodacom3g]

Sorry to tread on your soil guys, but I'm interested. Is vodacom rolling out faster speeds than 7.2 mbps in future, or is it here already? Sounds great ;)

tera

Pretty much a function of how fast the vendors can build the kit. 14.4 is somewhere in the future.

[teraside]

Pretty much a function of how fast the vendors can build the kit. 14.4 is somewhere in the future.

Okay, and current speed on the operator? Is it still 2mbps around there, do you have 7mbps already? ie. is telkom adsl 4 mbps still the fastest in the country? ;)

[vodacom3g]

Okay, and current speed on the operator? Is it still 2mbps around there, do you have 7mbps already? ie. is telkom adsl 4 mbps still the fastest in the country? ;)

The big problem locally is not so much the radio network. Vodacom completed the upgrade from 1.8Mb/s to 3.6Mb/s in June this year already but you obviously have to upgrade the backhaul links at the same time and this is where we're stuck, waiting for the links to go in so you'll actually see an increase in throughput. Remember the 'thinnest' point in any end-to-end connection is what you'll perceive as the speed of the link.

The current plan is to make it commercially available in Feb 2008. The backhaul links are still way behind but by that time, you should see an improvement of varying degree depending of where you are in the country (i.e. the status of the transmission upgrade in that area).

I've been using 3.6 for the last 4 or 5 months and typically get between 2.2 and 3.2Mb/s.

At one point we serious considered skipping 3.6 and going straight to 7.2 but you can imagine what THAT would have done to the backhaul upgrade program, which is already thousands of links behind.

So even if we can switch 7.2 on in the short term, we probably won't.

But the symmetrical nature of the transmission in relation to the asymmetrical configuration of the radio link might give some short-term opportunities to increase performance.

[teraside]

Thanks ic and v3g ;) I comprehend :p

[sand_man]

I've been using 3.6 for the last 4 or 5 months and typically get between 2.2 and 3.2Mb/s.



I assume those speeds are between your pc and the nearest vodacom tower?

[kingrob]

I assume those speeds are between your pc and the nearest vodacom tower?

No, that's not correct, it's between your E220 modem and the tower. ;)

[kingrob]

:confused: one's PC's USB port(s) also need to be capable of at least the same speed the modem is capable of - otherwise there is no point in higher modem & network speeds if the PC chugs along at a snail's pace...

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here, IC?

USB full speed (1.1) rate is 12 Mbit/s (1.5 MB/s).
USB hi-speed (2.0) rate is 480 Mbit/s (60 MB/s).

I'm sure the USB ports should be able to support the modem. ;)

[vodacom3g]

When you do the Vodacom speed test, you basically test from:

your PC application->PC OS->PC hardware->modem->tower->local transmission link->national transmission link->server hardware->server OS->server application.

And all the way back. There are actually many transparent elements along the way (proxies, firewalls, caching, routers, etc.) but you get the picture.

What you will measure is the lowest throughput element along the way.

If you measure international throughput, add:

->> national transmission link->link to SAIX->SAIX international link-> international server hardware->int. server OS->Int. server application.

And lots more transparent elements.

Again, what you will measure is the lowest throughput element along the way.

If you get a low result, the catch is to figure out which element is causing the bottle neck.

[vodacom3g]

Not just between modem and HSDPA base-station, but essentially the throughput to http://speed.vodacom.co.za/ which sits on Vodacom's core network, have a look at the speed test results thread...

Yup, the server is hosted in Midrand, afaik.

[Iam3G]

Sweet... i was gonna ask the boss to get me a 7.2Mbps Express Card. Now i dont have to no more :)

Just out of Curiosity... if the E220 is able to support 7.2Mbps just by a Firmware Upgrade, would the Slipstream Modem be able to do the same?

I know i know, different Hardware, different Firmware.

[Mike_De_Lange]

Doesn't make sense how a firmware upgrade can allow for speeds of 7.2MB? If its true why did huawei make the E270 that supports 7.2MB?

Edit:
Fantastic Enjoyment with HSUPA Uplink 2Mbps E270 is HSUPA. E220 is HSDPA.

[AirWolf]

Vodacom3G told me at the 2007 MyADSL conference that the E220 modem can do 7.2Mbps, with a firmware upgrade. Isn't that great news?!

Now I love my E220 modem even more! :)

*Thanks for the good news, V3G!


Only a pleasure. Had a good chuckle when Brian (from MTN) called Huawei from the conference to confirm! :)

Can I suggest that no-one actually upgrade their E220 modems to 7.2 till we have the correct and tested firmware?

I know there's a German (I think) version floating around. But if you load it, your modem will only attach to German web sites....;)

Excellent news:D

So V3g, was this what you and Ginggs discovered a while back and then gave us that hogwash story?:)

[AirWolf]

I would also like to know, but I don't remember a hogwash story - more like a hush-hush story with the promise of being revealed around the time of the conference IIRC...it could be the other thing about Vodacom's 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA which I am not saying anything to anyone about - until it is public knowledge.

If I remember correctly they said something about having the E220 pointing towards the sun and Ginggs earrings being conductive thereby increasing the E220s speed or something:o Can't seem to find those posts right now.

[AirWolf]

Ah, found it:D


OK, but don't spread it too widely.

If you take an E220, put it on a USB cable of about a meter (the blue ones seems to work best), and you dangle it straight down (it must be perfectly vertical) AND you make sure the Vodafone logo faces the sun, you'll get speeds at least double of what you're seeing now! We saw 5Mb/s at one point. :cool:

It also helps if you don't have any metal nearby (ginggs's nose-ring affected the speed, for example).

We're still a bit stumped but suspect it's got something to do with the current sunspot activity that's affecting radio transmissions all over the world.

I did not want to post this, as I'm worried the transmission network won't be able to handle the extra load.

[vodacom3g]

Ahhh that post, I took that to contain an element of tongue-in-cheek :).

Was in response to something csnoopy posted.....

But the actual 'discovery' (referred to in the initial post) was that the E220 supports 7.2Mb/s. :)

Did not want to post it at that point as there was another active(ish) thread with the foreign 7.2 firmware and some forumites would have immediately loaded it.

[AirWolf]

Will speeds beyond 7.2Mbps also be possible with a firmware upgrade?:confused:

[FEDEMAD]

anyonw knows if there is a firmware to upgrade the upstream too?

[AirWolf]

anyonw knows if there is a firmware to upgrade the upstream too?

AFAIK, the upstream cannot be increased with a firmware upgrade - it will then be a HSUPA modem.

[Hummercellc]

hey all,

When i received my e220 from Vodashop in november... it already connected at 7.2Mbits/s (i know that's not the true speed, 1.8Mbits/s is until my cell is upgraded) and has v3 of the dash... it also has a sticker on the box saying, "HSUPA Ready"...

Anyways :p
Cheers

[Iam3G]

hey all,

When i received my e220 from Vodashop in november... it already connected at 7.2Mbits/s (i know that's not the true speed, 1.8Mbits/s is until my cell is upgraded) and has v3 of the dash... it also has a sticker on the box saying, "HSUPA Ready"...

Anyways :p
Cheers

Hmmmmmmm...

AFAIK, the only USB Modem that comes out with V3 of VMCLite and is HSUPA Ready is the E270(and the E272), but also AFAIK, We dont have that here yet.

Which Vodashop did you get this from?

[Hummercellc]

Hmmmmmmm...

AFAIK, the only USB Modem that comes out with V3 of VMCLite and is HSUPA Ready is the E270(and the E272), but also AFAIK, We dont have that here yet.

Which Vodashop did you get this from?

I got it at Liberty mall petermartizburg kzn.... Well i can confirm that v3g is right about the e220 supporting 7.2Mbit/s. v3 of the dash is alot better then v2 that i have seen on someone else's e220...

cheers
;)

[Dolby]

Hi,

I know this is apparantly taking place this quarter and had two questions.

Does the upload increase? Or just download?
With increased upload/download - does latency become less of an issue?

[JK8]

3.6Mbits/s [downlink] HSDPA has a maximum uplink speed of 384kbits/s. When 7.2Mbits/s HSUPA is available, the uplink speed will jump to something like 2Mbits/s IIRC, but you will need an HSUPA modem for that.

Latency probably has been reducing as Telkodemonopolies upgrades the capacity of backhaul links, so if you are consistently getting close to or more than 1.8Mbits/s downlink at http://speed.vodacom.co.za/ then latency has probably also decreased as a result of less backhaul link contention.

I think its 3.6MB/s and 7.2 both HSDPA (download). The 7.2 download will have 3.6 upload speeds.

HSUPA will be on its own, upload speeds of 3.6Mbs with an independent modem.

[JK8]

Nope, not 3.6MBytes/s, definitely 3.6Mbits/s.I don't know for sure what the upload speed will be with 7.2Mbits/s HSUPA, I was under the impression it would be about 2Mbits/s [upload that is].

Don't know what you mean by "upload speeds of 3.6Mbs with an independent modem".

I think you just answered the question... 7.2 HSUPA will have a 7.2 upload speed.

AFAIK its HSDPA D for Download and HSUPA U for upload.
HSDPA will have faster downloads and HSUPA faster uploads.

Independant modem being a HSUPA modem

[morkhans]

The current published release 6 standard according to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSUPA) the max uplink is: 5.76 Mbit/s.

[JK8]

Nope, that is incorrect.

7.2 Mbits/s HSUPA will have a downlink speed of 7.2Mbits/s, but the uplink speed will not be anywhere near as much as 7.2Mbits/s, the HSUPA uplink speed will however be much faster than 384kbits/s.

So you saying that 7.2 will be called HSUPA? But 3.6 will still be known as HSDPA?

[Iam3G]

FYI (http://www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/news/view.do?id=380&cid=84&type=1)

[JK8]

FYI (http://www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/news/view.do?id=380&cid=84&type=1)

Ahhh dankie baaie!! I never knew that.:)

[Hummercellc]

If you ask me what would you do with 7.2 downlink and 2 uplink??? i mean voip, streaming, etc all work 100% on 1.8 downlink 384k uplink. what more do you need? websites are quick enough, e-mail is quick enough. really i mean 3.6 is more the enough.... unless you are a business and have a linksys router with 10+ machines running on the internet. Then yes you need more bandwidth. But for a home user what could you possibly need more bandwith for???

[kingrob]

If you ask me what would you do with 7.2 downlink and 2 uplink??? i mean voip, streaming, etc all work 100% on 1.8 downlink 384k uplink. what more do you need? websites are quick enough, e-mail is quick enough. really i mean 3.6 is more the enough.... unless you are a business and have a linksys router with 10+ machines running on the internet. Then yes you need more bandwidth. But for a home user what could you possibly need more bandwith for???

U make me think of a guy that once said '64kb of RAM should be enough for everyone'. :p

Maybe that's what home users in the UK are saying about their 24Mbit lines? ;)

[fragtion]

U make me think of a guy that once said '64kb of RAM should be enough for everyone'. :p
^^ Bill Gates.

[morkhans]

Not sure how to explain this to you, but I will try to explain it the way I understand it:Release|Implementation Sequencing:Classification name:Downlink Speed:Uplink Speed:0"3G-R99"384kbits/s64kbits/s1HSDPA-11.8Mbits/s384kbits/s2HSDPA-23.6Mbits/s384kbits/s3HSUPA-17.2Mbits/s~2Mbits/s4HSUPA-2~14.4Mbits/s~5..7Mbits/s

Is it not maybe just the combination of 2 technologies. So your 3G device has HSDPA for down-link and to improve the uplink they slap on HSUPA? So at the end of the day it will be a 3G HSDPA/HSUPA device. If I understand the info on Wikipedia correctly you could then (in theory) still get a HSDPA device that will download 7.2 but only upload at 384.

[Iam3G]

Is it not maybe just the combination of 2 technologies. So your 3G device has HSDPA for down-link and to improve the uplink they slap on HSUPA? So at the end of the day it will be a 3G HSDPA/HSUPA device. If I understand the info on Wikipedia correctly you could then (in theory) still get a HSDPA device that will download 7.2 but only upload at 384.

In other words, just call its Vodacom's HSPA Network :)

[morkhans]

In other words, just call its Vodacom's HSPA Network :)

Or HSXPA :p

[kingrob]

^^ Bill Gates.

Well done! I'm actually impressed that the youngsters still know about this famous, albeit old, quote. ;)

[fragtion]

? 20 isn't so young? lol

[vodacom3g]

Well done! I'm actually impressed that the youngsters still know about this famous, albeit old, quote. ;)

IIRC, he said 640K should be enough for anyone. In the original 1M memory map, 640K was RAM and 384K was for ROM.

Most of the stuff above on HS(D/U)PA is correct.

I expect the first practical HSUPA uplink speed to be around 1Mb/s, depending on the software release of the network.

The E272 is going to be a gem with 7.2/2 Mb/s

[vodacom3g]

E720 :confused:

$%^&* :) Just got off a 30 hour flight, meant E270 or E272 as in the VC modem..

(But then you knew that ;) )

[vodacom3g]

I suspected you meant E272, but I thought it best to query since there might be an über E720 modem on the way :D.

Welcome back & refuel your generator(s) ASAP :).

Tx, was supposed to land yesterday, but the stupid US airlines were running late and I missed my flight back to SA.

I can now say, without fail, I've never traveled in the US, where there was not at least one flight delayed by (many) hours. And I've tried all the airlines, they're all equally useless.....:rolleyes:

In any case, you can probably unstick the traveling post. :)

[BrandonH]

If you ask me what would you do with 7.2 downlink and 2 uplink??? i mean voip, streaming, etc all work 100% on 1.8 downlink 384k uplink. what more do you need? websites are quick enough, e-mail is quick enough. really i mean 3.6 is more the enough.... unless you are a business and have a linksys router with 10+ machines running on the internet. Then yes you need more bandwidth. But for a home user what could you possibly need more bandwith for???

Downloading for a start. On a 3.6MB line the download speed cant be more than 250KB/s. 7.2MB should be decent.

[vodacom3g]

Downloading for a start. On a 3.6MB line the download speed cant be more than 250KB/s. 7.2MB should be decent.

Till the next speed upgrade is announced. It's a pretty useless exercise to try and determine a 'reasonable' speed.

Faster will always be better and your usage patterns will automatically adjust to the higher speed, just like your lifestyle automatically adjust to any increase you might receive :)

[DJ...]

I have been reading up on the launch of MTN's 3.6MBps service - great news. I alaways expected Vodacom to be first to market with the new speed though. I am considering moving over to MTN now but would like to make a more informed decision before I do so.

When will we learn more about Vodacom's 3.6 service and its "imminent" launch? What more can you tell us about this service until then? How will Vodacom plan to catch up to MTN's 7.2 launch at the same time?

Thanks Mods for moving...

[JimM]

Are MTN really a rival to Vodacom?

Here in Stilbaai MTN has only GPRS not even EDGE, we do have 3G HSDPA on Vodacom though!

On a recent trip around KZN I found only one location where Vodacom 3G was not available (close to the Sani Pass) but neither was MTN. My travelling companion had 3G on his MTN handset in very few places on the same trip!

In Jongonsfontein MTN lost their GPRS only cell on Boxing day resulting in no service during the busiest period in the area! It was only back on-air on Monday of this week... Almost a month to sort out a dead cell! :eek:

[Iam3G]

When did MTN Launch 3.6? Give me the link to the article.

[SUPERMAN89]

Well done mtn, but I think vodacom got its toys waiting with WiMAX which is the lastest crazy overseas:D Vodacom CEO must have went "so what":D:D

[ginggs]

When did MTN Launch 3.6? Give me the link to the article.
rpm announced it today, here (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=102555).

[SUPERMAN89]

Are MTN really a rival to Vodacom?

Here in Stilbaai MTN has only GPRS not even EDGE, we do have 3G HSDPA on Vodacom though!

On a recent trip around KZN I found only one location where Vodacom 3G was not available (close to the Sani Pass) but neither was MTN. My travelling companion had 3G on his MTN handset in very few places on the same trip!

In Jongonsfontein MTN lost their GPRS only cell on Boxing day resulting in no service during the busiest period in the area! It was only back on-air on Monday of this week... Almost a month to sort out a dead cell! :eek:

True,im like so what if Mtn got a upgrade...Upgrade the coverage than talk!

[vodacom3g]

Vodacom's 3.6 network has been ready, country-wide, for over 6 months, but we're holding back to get at least a decent level of backhaul before we launch. We've also been quite open about it.

There a strong (but healthy I believe) p!ssing competition between the networks and I suspect MTN got some kind of launch out the door as they know we are going live, country-wide, soon. This way they can claim to be the first, but just as with their 3G launch (where they also claimed to be the first), you'll probably not be able to find an actual end-user using the service ;)

@djstealth, I'd wait a little longer. Not much ;)

[Syndyre]

Vodacom's 3.6 network has been ready, country-wide, for over 6 months, but we're holding back to get at least a decent level of backhaul before we launch. We've also been quite open about it.

There a strong (but healthy I believe) p!ssing competition between the networks and I suspect MTN got some kind of launch out the door as they know we are going live, country-wide, soon. This way they can claim to be the first, but just as with their 3G launch (where they also claimed to be the first), you'll probably not be able to find an actual end-user using the service ;)

@djstealth, I'd wait a little longer. Not much ;)

Any chance of new packages etc. being launched at the same time? ;)

[vodacom3g]

Well done mtn, but I think vodacom got its toys waiting with WiMAX which is the lastest crazy overseas:D Vodacom CEO must have went "so what":D:D

Not really. The 3.6 network roll-out is complete. WiMAX is a seperate project, run by a different team.

I'm using both (3.6 and WiMax) at the moment.

[JK8]

27

[SUPERMAN89]

oh ok:cool:

[Syndyre]

Are Vodacom charging extra for 3.6 Mbit/s as is said here (http://www.vodacom.co.za/mccrdetail.do?id=1083&action=detail)?

[vodacom3g]

Are Vodacom charging extra for 3.6 Mbit/s as is said here (http://www.vodacom.co.za/mccrdetail.do?id=1083&action=detail)?

First 3 months will be free. Current model is that it'll be a subscription service after that.

[Syndyre]

First 3 months will be free. Current model is that it'll be a subscription service after that.

Ok, if only I wasn't stuck with GPRS coverage. :(

[vodacom3g]

A direct result of Telkodemonopolies' tardiness with upgrading the capacity of backhaul links, I'm guessing that Vodacom will use the 3 month free period to see what happens to data usage patterns with 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA.

Perceptive as always.....

[Iam3G]

Is MTN gonna be charging for 3.6Mbps as well?

[Iam3G]

MTN’s 3.6 Mbps HSDPA service is officially available, but the mobile giant has made two even bigger announcements.

MTN has taken the lead in the mobile broadband arena by announcing that its 3.6 Mbps HSDPA service is officially available at selected locations in metropolitan areas.

Users who connect to the MTN HSDPA network in 3.6 Mbps enabled areas will currently automatically receive the higher speeds at no extra charge. They will also not be required to subscribe for an upgrade.



And MTN is gonna be upgrading thier coverage too.

And reading that other article about MTN, it says that have some sites already upgraded to 7.2Mbps. Has Vodacom also done this?

[Iam3G]

It's fairly clear [to me] that MTN had prior knowledge that Vodacom intended to charge a subscription fee for 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA, and was waiting for Vodacom to officially announce the subs fee for 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA prior to announcing its own subs fee:It's also highly likely that MTN knew when Vodacom intended to launch 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA and decided to try and launch theirs 2 days before Vodacom had planned to, as a consumer, I find MTN's pissing contest somewhat amusing, but I'm sure the folks at Vodacom are not amused.

Ah thanks IC. I'm just at work here skimming through the Articles, didnt see that part.

[Iam3G]

@Iam3g, you have a bit of catching up to do [IOW, v3g has already answered that 7.2Mbits/s question], call it homework :p :D:

Click here... (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7827&searchthreadid=102555)

You just like giving me homework dont you IC :D

Ja its kinda hard to keep up, especially when it gets so busy for me here at the store. I hardly have time to thoroughly read through the posts.

[SUPERMAN89]

boy..mtn and vodacom are having a field day with this 3.6 Mbps:D....but can anyone,anyone explain why in the world must we pay extra (after that free mth thing) to have 3.6 Mbps?? I didnt pay extra to use 3G from GPRS?:confused::mad: It just kills the mood,:(we already have to buy dataBd's so internet is worth a something to us than that "R2 a meg":eek: nightmare

[Iam3G]

@Iam3g, you have a bit of catching up to do [IOW, v3g has already answered that 7.2Mbits/s question], call it homework :p :D:

Click here... (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7827&searchthreadid=102555)

I skimmed through also IC, and the answer i got from the 7.2 question is that Vodacom will have 7.2 when the backhaul capacity will be available. Am i right here?

[vodacom3g]

It's also highly likely that MTN knew when Vodacom intended to launch 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA and decided to try and launch theirs 2 days before Vodacom had planned to, as a consumer, I find MTN's pissing contest somewhat amusing, but I'm sure the folks at Vodacom are not amused.

Actually it's all good, clean fun. The lack of clarity from MTN on how, when, where, etc. is a clear indication their 'launch' was a hurried affair and an obvious knee-jerk.

We'll be sure to return the favour to Brian at some point!

[Iam3G]

Yep, I believe so.

BTW, does that Vodashop have stock of the Huawei E272 HSUPA modems yet?

They dont even know that it exists IC :rolleyes:

I showed them a picture once but they just shrugged it off saying it probably wont come to SA.

My question is(about the 7.2), what's Vodacom's response to MTN already having some live 7.2 sites?

[vodacom3g]

boy..mtn and vodacom are having a field day with this 3.6 Mbps:D....but can anyone,anyone explain why in the world must we pay extra (after that free mth thing) to have 3.6 Mbps?? I didnt pay extra to use 3G from GPRS?:confused::mad: It just kills the mood,:(we already have to buy dataBd's so internet is worth a something to us than that "R2 a meg":eek: nightmare

I was actually all for a differential GPRS / 3G / HSDPA pricing structure, but ic kicked up such a fuss that we made it all the same just to calm him down ;)

Remember the higher the throughput, the more expensive the backhaul.

[SUPERMAN89]

Well start the war again lol:D,yip u right i did my homework about "backhaul" and yeah its no joke...

[Iam3G]

Tell them that v3g has posted that the E272 is on its way, and that means it will be available in SA!!!Obviously a question for v3g to answer, but it's obvious to me that MTN's 7.2 HSUPA base-stations in unspecified parts of Cape Town, are simply for trial purposes - IMO call it a PR stunt on MTN's part - just like MTN's so-called launch of 3.6Mbits/s HSDPA in limited unspecified parts of SA.Yep, this is true, I did kick up a lot of fuss about having different data bundle pricing based on speed. IMO the separate subscription fee is a much more logical way to structure things and will simplify processes for both Vodacom and customers.One thing that does need to be elaborated on in that post of mine, that you also mentioned:is that the increased capacity of the backhaul links will be costing Vodacom a lot more money that ends up in Telkodemonopolies' pocket, so the subscription fee for 3.6 will to a small extent offset the additional costs of the recently capacity upgraded backhaul links.

Another benefit for Vodacom, is that Vodacom should be able to create reports based on the number of fixed location users in an area that subscribe to the 3.6 service, and based on that info, it should be easier to do capacity planning based on the expectations of the number of fixed location 3.6 users in specific areas.

Understood.

[SUPERMAN89]

Understood.

true:cool:

[johandutoit2000]

So has Vodacom flipped the 3.6 switch for everyone or are we being enabled for the service in batches? When can I start running speed tests ? :D

Edit: So I see a number of nice speed results in the other thread. Did I miss the instructions on how the activation works (at a guess call 155?)

Edit2: Ah ok I am now up to speed.

Logged into v4me: My Account | Services | Modify Services | Subscribe to HSDPA 3.6 Free Trial service

Was this for prepaid, topup or data contract?

How long after activation did you start to get speeds.
I am still waiting on my data contract and my topup. Getting irritated.

[vodacom3g]

Was this for prepaid, topup or data contract?

How long after activation did you start to get speeds.
I am still waiting on my data contract and my topup. Getting irritated.

Have asked the guys to check your numbers.

But I'm surprised that at least your 500M contract is not automatically provisioned. We auto-povisioned every SIM that had an active bundle on it. So you should have been up and running by Sunday, without having to do anything.

What device are you using? You're 100% sure it's 3.6 capable?

[johandutoit2000]

Have asked the guys to check your numbers.

But I'm surprised that at least your 500M contract is not automatically provisioned. We auto-povisioned every SIM that had an active bundle on it. So you should have been up and running by Sunday, without having to do anything.

What device are you using? You're 100% sure it's 3.6 capable?
E220

[vodacom3g]

Have asked the guys to check your numbers.

But I'm surprised that at least your 500M contract is not automatically provisioned. We auto-povisioned every SIM that had an active bundle on it. So you should have been up and running by Sunday, without having to do anything.

What device are you using? You're 100% sure it's 3.6 capable?

OK, confirmed that both your numbers are on the 3.6 profile.

What speeds are you getting on the speed test and what version are you running on the E220? Also USB 1 or 2?

[johandutoit2000]

By using USSD, I can now see that 3.6Mbps are activated on both contracts. Still getting slow speeds on both contracts. Used speed.vodacom.co.za to test.

[vodacom3g]

E220 firmware version: 11.110.05.00.00
USB V2.0.

500MB Data Contract:
760 down
148 up

Those are low speeds even for HSDPA 1.8.

Must be something in the area. Have you tried in a nother cell? Home?

[johandutoit2000]

Those are low speeds even for HSDPA 1.8.

Must be something in the area. Have you tried in a nother cell? Home?

I have not tried home yet today.

I am at work in Technopark in Stellenbosch.

[johandutoit2000]

Vodacom3G.

Is this 3.6Mbps service available in Stellenbosch and in Somerset West?

[Iam3G]

Its available nationwide...

Where theres 3G Coverage at least.

[johandutoit2000]

Is anyone actually getting these new speeds? Why the hell is it always just me who has to suffer. Cant I erase all my Vodacom contracts and get new ones under a hidden name or something.....

Tired of this ****!

[Gecko]

Its available nationwide...

Where theres 3G Coverage at least.

@Iam3G, I see you work in Somerset West. Have you tested your connection speed in Somerset West and Gordons Bay area?

[johandutoit2000]

Anyone in Technopark in Stellenbosch getting decent speeds?

[vodacom3g]

Is anyone actually getting these new speeds? Why the hell is it always just me who has to suffer. Cant I erase all my Vodacom contracts and get new ones under a hidden name or something.....

Tired of this ****!

PM me your contact details.

[Iam3G]

@Iam3G, I see you work in Somerset West. Have you tested your connection speed in Somerset West and Gordons Bay area?

At Home, Yesterday(Gordon's Bay) (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1472641&postcount=339)

Early this Morning here at Work(Somerset West) (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1474721&postcount=350)

Just now here in Somerset West (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1475556&postcount=356)

[johandutoit2000]

PM me your contact details.

done

[johandutoit2000]

At Home, Yesterday(Gordon's Bay) (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1472641&postcount=339)

Early this Morning here at Work(Somerset West) (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1474721&postcount=350)

Just now here in Somerset West (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1475556&postcount=356)


Thanks

As I thought. It is always just me. The most unlikely thing that could possibly go wrong at Vodacom... always goes wrong when I am involved.

I am going to get contracts in my Mother's name or something. Perhaps if I pay her the monthly fee, all my problems will go away. :)

[johandutoit2000]

Ok, so then it is just the Johan du Toit jinx.

Funny that all PC around does not shut down when I come by.

.... perhaps this whole load shedding thing is also my fault.

I'll test in Somerset West tonight. Lets hope it is actually just the tower here in Technopark.

[johandutoit2000]

Vodacom techie called. Will come see me at work tomorrow. Great, because we have at least 6 people on contract and another 4 on prepaid. All on E220 modems. Hopefully we can fix this tower problem. If it is a tower problem.

[vodacom3g]

Thanks

As I thought. It is always just me. The most unlikely thing that could possibly go wrong at Vodacom... always goes wrong when I am involved.

I am going to get contracts in my Mother's name or something. Perhaps if I pay her the monthly fee, all my problems will go away. :)

Maybe we should sponsor you to use MTN data. Then you can break their systems! :)

Shaun mentioned he's popping around to come and sort you out. ;) He's a big dude with a big baseball bat. :)

[johandutoit2000]

Maybe we should sponsor you to use MTN data. Then you can break their systems! :)

Shaun mentioned he's popping around to come and sort you out. ;) He's a big dude with a big baseball bat. :)

MTN's systems are already broken.

[vodacom3g]

MTN's systems are already broken.

Oh, didn't realise you ALREADY have a contract with them!

[morkhans]

Oh, didn't realise you ALREADY have a contract with them!

LOL :D

[johandutoit2000]

Oh, didn't realise you ALREADY have a contract with them!


Now you understand.

I had to move all my DATA away from my MTN contract, because they are just crap.

I have

2 x MTN contract (voice)
2 x Vodacom contract (data... 1 topup, 1 500MB)

[vodacom3g]

Now you understand.

I had to move all my DATA away from my MTN contract, because they are just crap.

I have

2 x MTN contract (voice)
2 x Vodacom contract (data... 1 topup, 1 500MB)

We know both your numbers are on 3.6, so will be keen to see what you get tonight.

[johandutoit2000]

I'll keep that in mind. Might go there some time within this week.

[johandutoit2000]

My signal strength is constantly at 2 bars. Should that make a difference?

What is that method to use metal around the modem?

[AirWolf]

I agree that you're definitely getting HSDPA speeds and not vanilla-3G speeds.:eek: metal interferes with the signal, unless you're considering constructing a home-made & highly directional parabolic reflector, I don't recommend obstructing the signal with metal around the modem.

PS: signal strength does make a difference to throughput, but signal quality is generally immeasurably more important than signal strength.

Maybe like this one suggested for use with a wireless APN:):



If you have coverage problems - I would REALLY, REALLY recommend http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html
I had a coverage problem, but after printing this out on a carton board and setting it up, my setup works 100%. And, yeah, N95 has build in wireless. So, you will be able to use it on your wifi network (disclaimer: I am no network expert, but I have sort of the same setup at home -replace N95 with ipod touch - and it works perfect)

[johandutoit2000]

Still not good enough for smooth youtube videos. I think my bundle is safe for now.

[Syndyre]

Still not good enough for smooth youtube videos. I think my bundle is safe for now.

Even 4 Mbit ADSL isn't a lot of the time. :(

[johandutoit2000]

Still not good enough for smooth youtube videos. I think my bundle is safe for now.

My point is that I cannot see what advantage I would get from the higher speed. Opening and closing web pages, feels the same. I dont download music or movies, so there is no advantage there.

We would however like this service at work. Should reduce Windows update times.

[morkhans]

I find it quite ironic that the 3.6 thread in the MTN forum has not even registered as a blip in the daily chatter (a whole one reply). http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=102556

[johandutoit2000]

I find it quite ironic that the 3.6 thread in the MTN forum has not even registered as a blip in the daily chatter (a whole one reply). http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=102556

Nobody can actually get it.

[johandutoit2000]

at work:

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I guess then Vodacom needs to supply us with more bandwith here in Technopark, because I get much better speeds when nobody else is at work yet.

Edit: Now fast enough for Youtube

Since this good start to the morning, I have not been able to connect again.

"A connection to the remote computer could not be established..."

Edit: The connection problems was only with my specific sim.

[vodacom3g]

I find it quite ironic that the 3.6 thread in the MTN forum has not even registered as a blip in the daily chatter (a whole one reply). http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=102556

I'm also keen to get feedback on where there is MTN 3.6 coverage and the performance, but either there are no MTN users with 3.6 devices on the forum or there is no 3.6 coverage where there are MTN users with 3.6 devices. ;)

[vodacom3g]

Since this good start to the morning, I have not been able to connect again.

"A connection to the remote computer could not be established..."

Shaun is on his way to you. Check with him what the current status on coverage/backhaul is in Techno. Sounds like it's your problem.

I must check if Micro Cells supports 3.6. I know the 3G-repeater at my house does not support 3.6. (So I can either have strong 1.8 signal, or a weak 3.6 signal...:mad:)

[ginggs]

I'm also keen to get feedback on where there is MTN 3.6 coverage and the performance, but either there are no MTN users with 3.6 devices on the forum or there is no 3.6 coverage where there are MTN users with 3.6 devices. ;)
I upgraded a friend's E220 with MTN's 7.2Mbps firmware yesterday, tried it out in central Cape Town hoping to find the one 7.2Mbps tower they have there.

The modem reported that it had connected at 7.2Mbps (but that's the speed the modem and the PC are communicating at), managed to get a whopping 567kbps down and 180kbps up on the iBurst speed test.

At least they've fixed the 64kbps upload limit. :rolleyes:

[vodacom3g]

I upgraded a friend's E220 with MTN's 7.2Mbps firmware yesterday, tried it out in central Cape Town hoping to find the one 7.2Mbps tower they have there.

The modem reported that it had connected at 7.2Mbps (but that's the speed the modem and the PC are communicating at), managed to get a whopping 567kbps down and 180kbps up on the iBurst speed test.

At least they've fixed the 64kbps upload limit. :rolleyes:

Been wanting to call you to see if you got MTN 3.6 going but am not surprised at what you found, or not.

Maybe call MTN and ask them where these elusive towers are?

The 'Connection Speed' reported is actually just a text entry in the modem setup and bears no relation to reality.

[johandutoit2000]

E220 firmware version: 11.110.05.00.00
USB V2.0.

500MB Data Contract:
760 down
148 up

Shaun advised me that the firmware above is for Mac and Vista.

For XP 11.110.03.... is best.

[johandutoit2000]

Shaun is on his way to you. Check with him what the current status on coverage/backhaul is in Techno. Sounds like it's your problem.

I must check if Micro Cells supports 3.6. I know the 3G-repeater at my house does not support 3.6. (So I can either have strong 1.8 signal, or a weak 3.6 signal...:mad:)


I now get more than 1.5Mbps constantly. Firmware was downgraded.

We also realized, after testing, that my sim gives problems. He will confirm if it is something on the network or if my sim is giving up. He'll get back to me.

Great service from Vodacom. No1 in Broadband.

[Iam3G]

Shaun advised me that the firmware above is for Mac and Vista.

For XP 11.110.03.... is best.

The Firmware version shouldnt make a difference. The "Vista" Firmware is only to make the E220 Comatible with Vista. I dunno what other fixes come with it.

[johandutoit2000]

The Firmware version shouldnt make a difference. The "Vista" Firmware is only to make the E220 Comatible with Vista. I dunno what other fixes come with it.


He stated that they have seen funny things happen with that firmware in XP. It works most of the time though.

[ginggs]

Been wanting to call you to see if you got MTN 3.6 going but am not surprised at what you found, or not.
You don't call, you don't write, you even ignore my PMs, where has the love gone? :)

Maybe call MTN and ask them where these elusive towers are?
You are joking, right?

The 'Connection Speed' reported is actually just a text entry in the modem setup and bears no relation to reality.
It varies from device to device, the E620/E220 modems use it to indicate the maximum possible speed you can get; 236kbps if you're on GPRS/EDGE; or 1.8Mbps, 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps if you're on 3G/HSxPA.
Some lazy devices always report the DTE-DCE (PC to modem) speed; I remember some cheap 56K modems always reporting that they connect at 115200 when the actual link speed could have been 28800.
My Nokia N95 connected as a modem on USB always reports 460.8kbps, even though I'm able to get >1Mbps out of it.

The text entries you refer to in the modem setup (.inf) file tell Windows how to interpret the various strings reported by the modem.

[Dolby]

Why are people getting lowish speeds on 3.6 ... ?

I understand it's the peak, but so was 1.8. Quite a few people could manage about 1.2 or 1.3 (around 25% under the peak), but the same doesn't seem to work for 3.6? I'd have thought to see quite a few over 2mbps ... but most seems to be at 50% of the peak/burst 3.6