MTN - Not Much Telecoms

[Michael_M]

OK, so I changed the letters around, but the concept is the same, MTN 3G service is terrible. I'm in Durban North, 30th May I was getting speeds of 30kps (my old dial-up modem got better results!) and I don't overuse so I can't be throttled (surely) on my 3gig lite service.

Just ran the speed test, current download is 0.32Mbps, Upload is 0.25Mbps.

According to the top broadband connections, MTN comes out at a dismal fifth place at an average of 2.74Mbps.

Does MTN deign to wonder these corridors and prove that they have a quality service. Because right now, I am not getting one. Wonder if there is an CPA way I can lodge a complaint? This is seriously rubbish service!

[Ecco]

OK, so I changed the letters around, but the concept is the same, MTN 3G service is terrible. I'm in Durban North, 30th May I was getting speeds of 30kps (my old dial-up modem got better results!) and I don't overuse so I can't be throttled (surely) on my 3gig lite service.

Just ran the speed test, current download is 0.32Mbps, Upload is 0.25Mbps.

According to the top broadband connections, MTN comes out at a dismal fifth place at an average of 2.74Mbps.

Does MTN deign to wonder these corridors and prove that they have a quality service. Because right now, I am not getting one. Wonder if there is an CPA way I can lodge a complaint? This is seriously rubbish service!

The problem with mobile broadband is always going to be signal quality. While your speeds are terrible, some people down the road from you could be getting excellent speeds.

I have a similar problem to you, all the service providers signal quality is rubbish near my home, probably has to do with all the hills around us. But at work, and in other parts, signal is solid and speeds are great.

[TowerGuru]

OK, so I changed the letters around, but the concept is the same, MTN 3G service is terrible. I'm in Durban North, 30th May I was getting speeds of 30kps (my old dial-up modem got better results!) and I don't overuse so I can't be throttled (surely) on my 3gig lite service.

Just ran the speed test, current download is 0.32Mbps, Upload is 0.25Mbps.

According to the top broadband connections, MTN comes out at a dismal fifth place at an average of 2.74Mbps.

Does MTN deign to wonder these corridors and prove that they have a quality service. Because right now, I am not getting one. Wonder if there is an CPA way I can lodge a complaint? This is seriously rubbish service!

Exactly where in Durban North are you? Be more specific so I can see what can be done.

[Michael_M]

Hi Tower Guru
I am in Underwood Road, Umgeni Park. There is an MTN tower at the top of the hill. When I first got this (and I also have a 2gig 3G with MTN), the speed was brilliant, although I never did a speed test, but was very happy. But over the last 2 months, I have seen a steady loss of speed.
If you're able to assist, that would be fantastic, thanks.

[TowerGuru]

Hi Tower Guru
I am in Underwood Road, Umgeni Park. There is an MTN tower at the top of the hill. When I first got this (and I also have a 2gig 3G with MTN), the speed was brilliant, although I never did a speed test, but was very happy. But over the last 2 months, I have seen a steady loss of speed.
If you're able to assist, that would be fantastic, thanks.

I live in Browns Drift Road. I get my signal from the same tower. I am feeling your pain as well.

Please log your problems with MTN Coverage Department via 083 900 1212 or coverage@mtn.co.za - the more people that log issues the more likely it will be chased faster.

[Michael_M]

Thanks TowerGuru. I have dropped a mail to that address. Surely, in terms of the consumer protection act, if I am not receiving an advertised service that I am paying for, there must be some kind of recourse. Like a rebate or refund? I am receiving a service that is substandard (it is slower than the throttled speed and this at the begining of the month and low usage before going over my limit).

[TowerGuru]

Thanks TowerGuru. I have dropped a mail to that address. Surely, in terms of the consumer protection act, if I am not receiving an advertised service that I am paying for, there must be some kind of recourse. Like a rebate or refund? I am receiving a service that is substandard (it is slower than the throttled speed and this at the begining of the month and low usage before going over my limit).

I cant comment on that. But I hope you included that in your email.

[ambroseg1]

Thanks TowerGuru. I have dropped a mail to that address. Surely, in terms of the consumer protection act, if I am not receiving an advertised service that I am paying for, there must be some kind of recourse. Like a rebate or refund? I am receiving a service that is substandard (it is slower than the throttled speed and this at the begining of the month and low usage before going over my limit).

LOL its actually quite funny because its so ridiculous. Paying for a service and only getting a fraction of that service delivered. Imagine if your garden service only pitched once a month even though you pay them to do your garden once a week. LMAO

[Michael_M]

That's exactly that. I think the CPA was put in place to protect uneducated people who were falsely led to believe they were not being ripped off. I think in this case, we are being sold pork pies about what service is being provided. Simple fact, I pay R289 a month for 3G reception. I am NOT getting 3G reception.

[Michael_M]

Currently, I have download of 0.05Mbps and Upload of 0.07. My cellphone (Blackberry) is right next to my laptop and has 100% 3G signal, and on my laptop, 80% 3G connection. So this is not a signal issue but a service delivery problem. I have written to the help centre, have yet to receive any response aside from an automated email. Not sure of the next step.

[TowerGuru]

I will be monitoring the situation. There are external factors outside of MTN's control w.r.t. this site. Speeds are marginally better tonight for me. And I only get 2bars mostly from where I am. Keep fighting the good fight.

[Michael_M]

Thanks TG. 4 out of 5 bars and 60kbps speed. Shocking.

[terencej]

Ok, I've searched the internet a bit and got my final answer on Hallopeter. haha. If you go to all the complaints on hallo peter concerning the MTN uncapped lite package, you will see that if you complain, they try to correct things so that their name do go down the drain!

All with almost the same response!
http://www.hellopeter.com/mtn/compla...trenght-811224

If you have problems and feel you have been cheated then go and complain!

[supersunbird]

They dont care about fraud either, check my sig.