View Full Version : Vodacom 3g on Prepaid
mysticBoer
16-11-2007, 01:10 PM
I'm currently waiting on Telkom to install WiMAX at my house. In the meantime, I'm making use of Vodacom 3g.hsdpa 2Gb data bundle through my cellphone.
It works great, and I get reasonable speeds.....torrents go at about 40k.
My problem is that I have a contract (with another network unforunately) and I have to swop out sims every time I want to go online. So much for being online 24/7/365....
So I thought it might be a viable option to get the 3g Modem (e220) and just use it as my mobile solution for when I travel, etc. Lo and behold, the thing costs R1,8K!
My question is : Is there any reason why 3g Modems are so expensive? I can't believe for one second that it can be so much more expensive to manufacture a 3g modem as compared to a ADSL, ISDN, POTS modem which come in at around R400 - R1400, R190 - R400, R100 - R200 respectively...
Please, enlighten me!:confused::confused::confused:
NNAICKER
16-11-2007, 01:12 PM
SO SORRY to read that:rolleyes:
Syndyre
16-11-2007, 01:15 PM
I'm currently waiting on Telkom to install WiMAX at my house. In the meantime, I'm making use of Vodacom 3g.hsdpa 2Gb data bundle through my cellphone.
It works great, and I get reasonable speeds.....torrents go at about 40k.
My problem is that I have a contract (with another network unforunately) and I have to swop out sims every time I want to go online. So much for being online 24/7/365....
So I thought it might be a viable option to get the 3g Modem (e220) and just use it as my mobile solution for when I travel, etc. Lo and behold, the thing costs R1,8K!
My question is : Is there any reason why 3g Modems are so expensive? I can't believe for one second that it can be so much more expensive to manufacture a 3g modem as compared to a ADSL, ISDN, POTS modem which come in at around R400 - R1400, R190 - R400, R100 - R200 respectively...
Please, enlighten me!:confused::confused::confused:
I think it probably is more expensive to make because they all seem to be a lot more. You could always buy a second hand one if you want, might not be a bad idea if you're only using it for travelling etc. If you're using a laptop it shouldn't be hard to pick up a PCMCIA one.
Buy a Nokia 6234 for R 1400 from Game. It's 3G as well.
vodacom3g
16-11-2007, 01:37 PM
I'm currently waiting on Telkom to install WiMAX at my house. In the meantime, I'm making use of Vodacom 3g.hsdpa 2Gb data bundle through my cellphone.
It works great, and I get reasonable speeds.....torrents go at about 40k.
My problem is that I have a contract (with another network unforunately) and I have to swop out sims every time I want to go online. So much for being online 24/7/365....
So I thought it might be a viable option to get the 3g Modem (e220) and just use it as my mobile solution for when I travel, etc. Lo and behold, the thing costs R1,8K!
My question is : Is there any reason why 3g Modems are so expensive? I can't believe for one second that it can be so much more expensive to manufacture a 3g modem as compared to a ADSL, ISDN, POTS modem which come in at around R400 - R1400, R190 - R400, R100 - R200 respectively...
Please, enlighten me!:confused::confused::confused:
There's a moer-of-a difference between a 3G modem and a POTS or ADSL modem, not only in the technology inside (they've got 4 radio, the copper modems don't have) but also the fact that it must fit into a form factor a tenth of the size.
So lots more advanced technology, in a much smaller footprint.
andres101
16-11-2007, 03:30 PM
it is also newer technology. there are a number of reasons why this would make them more expensive, including, the design costs have to be recouped, some companies have patents on the certain components and require royalties, small quantities and lack of competition.
if these companies are making too much money, it will motivate other companies to compete with them and the prices will come down.
the 3G cards are already much cheaper now that the HSDPA cards arrived.
ObeyTheDiode
01-12-2007, 12:54 AM
I also vote get a cheap phone with 3G as dedicated modem. The modem might have a bit better reception 'cause theres more space to fit antenna - just a guess though.
I personally wouldn't pay R1800 for a modem!! I'd rather just go buy 4 radios at hi-fi corp for R100 each ;)
I also vote get a cheap phone with 3G as dedicated modem. The modem might have a bit better reception 'cause theres more space to fit antenna - just a guess though.
I personally wouldn't pay R1800 for a modem!! I'd rather just go buy 4 radios at hi-fi corp for R100 each ;)LOL, just wait until !CASA confiscates those 4 radios due to clogging up the FM band with attempted data transmissions...
There is a fair amount of 'rocket science' bundled into the IC that controls the radios, and those chips are not cheap.
You can effectively "pay off" the modem interest free by getting it on contract for R85 pm x 24. Includes 40 MB data per month.
vodacom3g
04-12-2007, 08:21 AM
LOL, just wait until !CASA confiscates those 4 radios due to clogging up the FM band with attempted data transmissions...
There is a fair amount of 'rocket science' bundled into the IC that controls the radios, and those chips are not cheap.
The real challenge is fitting everything into such a small form factor. On the base station side you've got buildings to house the kit. On your laptop, a few square centimeters.
vodacom3g
04-12-2007, 08:38 AM
You can effectively "pay off" the modem interest free by getting it on contract for R85 pm x 24. Includes 40 MB data per month.
Ajax, joining us (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?p=1365845&posted=1#post1365845) for a year-end get together?
Ajax, joining us (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?p=1365845&posted=1#post1365845) for a year-end get together?
Did you specify the right link? It went to something about home automation.
So when/where?
ToxicBunny
05-12-2007, 07:49 AM
Hunt around in the thread somewhere..
He mentions about the meet at his place, beer provided for by him :D
Smitty
05-12-2007, 10:26 AM
My problem is that I have a contract (with another network unforunately) and I have to swop out sims every time I want to go online. So much for being online 24/7/365....
I brought a little dual sim adapter in March from a guy Elro Braak. He imports these little gadgets. Cost me R140. Works like a charm. Both networks cannot be online all the time, but it's very easy to swap. No need to switch of and restart. I do MTN HSDPA for speed and Virgin for calls and cheap surfing. He's in Cape Town. I'll try and find his contact details and post it... Lost it when I ungraded my n95 firmware (don't say it).
Smitty
06-12-2007, 11:43 AM
Here goes. His number is 082 901 4976 or 021 424 6642. Found him on bidorbuy.
Elro Braak
407 Commerce House
57 Shortmarket Str Cape Town
8000
South Africa
Shipping Locality: Cape Town