Recommend a Service Provider?

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smallearth53

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Can anybody recommend a reliable, fast and reasonably priced source of 3G data for me?

I currently use pay as you go data with Vodacom. I like the service, I like the flexibility. But I am looking to reduce my costs.

My problem with Vodacom contract data is their out of bundle rates are HELLISHLY high, and my wife has a tendency to not check up when the data bundle is either expired or used up. This has cost me several thousand to date, so I'm not going there again unless there is a way to manage this.

FNB Connect's 'special' rate is laughable as it is the most expensive on the market, unless I'm reading wrong. And slow..

Please advise any alternatives.
 
On Vodacom just ask for a topup deal. Then you cannot go OOB. So then you can get the 3 GB at R199 deal for example or the 2GB at R149
 
Reliable 3G is like asking for an honest politician. Just get adsl if you want reliable. Then you can also get uncapped.
 
ajax said:
On Vodacom just ask for a topup deal. Then you cannot go OOB. So then you can get the 3 GB at R199 deal for example or the 2GB at R149
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It will still eat all preloaded money, unless balance is R0.00 Then you can say it cannot go OOB.

Which deal? Depends on usage and network coverage. Not many:

1. There are two prepaid deals worth to mention valid to the end of next month.
- MTN special bundle 2GB R189 bundle
- 8ta 2+1GB GoBig Special R149

2. Longer term prepaid deals:
- CellC 2GBx12 RR1299, 2GB allocation valid one month. Also 5GBx12 not remember what it costs now.

3. Peace of mind deals: all prepaid data valid for 12 months:
- CellC 3GB SmartData voucher R399
- 8ta GoBig Special R1800 60+60GB

8ta GoBig specials work only on 8ta network, no roaming to MTN. They also have the best standard data bundle rates and these will use MTN roaming. And most important for your wife, internet stops when bundle runs out, she will be redirected to 8ta WEB site, so she can decide if willing to go OOB or deny.
 
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ngadao08 said:
If there is 8ta coverage in your area, then get the 8ta 10GB special, its R199. Best Mobile Broadband deal on the market.
Click to expand...
Above is contract. The best prepaid deal is even better: GoBig Special 60+60GB R1800 once off valid for one year.
It goes average 5+5GB R150 p/m
 
sajunky said:
Remember you have mentioned Topup contract, not data only contract.
Click to expand...

Let's not argue over semantics. To clarify, see here

So on a topup basis you can get 2 GB for 24 months and if you don't load extra airtime, there's no risk of going OOB.
 
Roger that. Now it is clear that it is a new data-only contract, not added data to existing Top-up contract - here OOB apply. Not arguing about semantics, just to make it clear.
 
sajunky said:
Roger that. Now it is clear that it is a new data-only contract, not added data to existing Top-up contract - here OOB apply. Not arguing about semantics, just to make it clear.
Click to expand...

Contract as in you have to sign for 24 months, but no OOB as it is on topup i.e. no inclusive airtime is provided, just a data bundle is loaded on the sim every month by Vodacom.
 
ajax said:
Contract as in you have to sign for 24 months, but no OOB as it is on topup i.e. no inclusive airtime is provided, just a data bundle is loaded on the sim every month by Vodacom.
Click to expand...
Now I have to argue. Not because of Top-up, but because it is data-only contract and no inclusive airtime is loaded. :)
There is only one thing (or lack of) because of Top-up: No Night-Owl
 
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I'm on the Voda 2+2GB 12 month promo that started last year for R150 pm (including usb modem stick)

If I finish those gigs it starts charging me R2 per MB but I think it's because it's an old contract
 
CoolBug said:
I'm on the Voda 2+2GB 12 month promo that started last year for R150 pm (including usb modem stick)

If I finish those gigs it starts charging me R2 per MB but I think it's because it's an old contract
Click to expand...

Yes, the original promo wasn't available on a topup basis. The promo's this year are.
 
CoolBug said:
I'm on the Voda 2+2GB 12 month promo that started last year for R150 pm (including usb modem stick)

If I finish those gigs it starts charging me R2 per MB but I think it's because it's an old contract
Click to expand...
Not because it is old. But definitely yes, as you have Night-OWL data, it will go OOB. If you sign a new contract today with Night-OWL option it will be the same. Nothing has changed, as explained below:
- contract with Night-OWL - OOB shark
- contract data only without Nigh-OWL, no OOB unless you load airtime, then OOB as above
 
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ajax said:
Yes, the original promo wasn't available on a topup basis. The promo's this year are.
Click to expand...

Was facepalming in the shop when they said I couldn't top up with data bundles, glad this has changed
 
Also worth mentioning are MTN's new deals. Some very similar to Vodacom's.
See page 14/15 here

The OOB costs on the MTN deal according to this add at 19c/MB are much lower than on Vodacom,
I'm sure I saw it mentioned for MTN that their normal contract deals are also available on topup, can't find that add now.

Vodacom asks R1 per MB OOB on contract and R2 per MB on topup
Promotional MyGig 2 bundle, out-of-bundle rates
Broadband Standard MyGig 2 Contract - R1 / MB including VAT
Broadband Standard MyGig 2 Top Up Contract - R2 / MB including VAT
Click to expand...
But if you don't load extra airtime on topup your internet connection will just cutoff when the inclusive data is finished.
 
CoolBug said:
Was facepalming in the shop when they said I couldn't top up with data bundles, glad this has changed
Click to expand...

Haha, it's difficult sometimes to word yourself such that they understand what you want.
Just point them to this link
Clearly states available on topup.

Or have Ockie's (ocleroux's) number on standby - he will sort them out.
 
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