3G is NOT 3G

[AskingRichard]

I don't know how many of you know this, but Vodacoms 3G is NOT actually 3G.

Try creating a new profile that allows only 3G to connect, can you connect? I can't!

After discussing this with Vodacom, they confirmed that if you can't connect with 3G, either because it's not available or because the network is OVER SUBSCRIBED to then you will connect with GPRS, with the default profile, the only way to confirm this is to make a new profile.

That is why you may be able to see all the wonderful bars for great connection when connected, but guess what those bars indicate GPRS more than 3G. That is why when you download a compressed file it takes so long, or so long to download that e-mail that contains the jpeg image you want to see.

Basically Vodacom are RIPPING us off as well.

 

[Diago]

*shakes his head* I think for most of us it is common knowledge that when 3G is not available it switches to GPRS. You may see this as a rip off but I do feel it's an advantage because even though slower I am gaurenteed connection as long as I can see the network.

The rollout for 3G is slow but will improve over time.

 

[vodacom3g]

After discussing this with Vodacom, they confirmed that if you can't connect with 3G, either because it's not available or because the network is OVER SUBSCRIBED to then you will connect with GPRS, with the default profile, the only way to confirm this is to make a new profile.

That is why you may be able to see all the wonderful bars for great connection when connected, but guess what those bars indicate GPRS more than 3G.

If you look next to the 5 bars indicating signal strength, you'll see an indication if you're on 3G or GPRS.

 

[diabolus]

Eh, my card have switched between GPRS and 3G a few times. First sign usually is the blue led becoming a green led [blue = 3G, green = GPRS]. Now i don't know if the '3G' is really 3G or not, but it's definitely faster than the GPRS i get, alot faster. Speed difference is enough to make me dread seeing the green led going on. Besides i have been surfing on only GPRS for a whole month before i got 3G, whatever the 'fake' 3G is, it's a whole lot better than GPRS.

 

[vodacom3g]

Remember, the forum is frequented by technology savvy people who would not stoop so low to merely look at the colour of a LED to see if they're on GPRS or 3G.

We'd want software confirmation of the fact.

Embarrassed translation of the above dribble:

Diabolus is, of course, correct. Look at the lights and you'll know which network you're on. Green: good, Blue, better.

 

[mbs]

...the above dribble:

dribble? drivel? Hee-hee - picture of V3G staring wide-eyed and slack-jawed at multi-coloured LED's flashing on and off, sputum drooling down from the side of his mouth, headset loudly screeching complaints from DIABOLUS... Heck, I've really got to get back to reality...

 

[ant101]

I must disagree. Everytime I've checked I got 3G. I did not always have 3G from the start, which was about 3 weeks ago. But since 2 weeks ago I have had an excellent steady connection, with no disconnects. One of the two areas over the last 2 weeks was rated at 58% coverage, and still my connection is as reliable as ever.
Hopefully your connection will improve as the networks are rolled out, perhaps get an external antenna (if your model allows) -in my case it helped significantly.

The improved dashboard software version released on Friday is great - And I have not had any dash hang-ups since installing the new version! Both on a laptop and PCI adaptor card.
Thank you vodacom3G!

 

[Harley79]

AskingRichard, before you make false statements why not ask rather than state. It is people like you that give things bad names when they do simply not deserve them. Read the forum and ...... dont Ask Richard

 

[diabolus]

Well of course i'm aware you can look on the dash as well to get that software confirmation of being on GPRS/3G. But i don't keep the dash open and i don't open it after i connected either. So the only other 'quick'n'dirty' indication is the LEDs on the card.

Now if the tray icon actually popped up/flashed a message when switching between GPRS/3G, now that would be progress i'd say.

On that note, i did a network scan with the dash and it picked up MTN GPRS and CELL C GPRS...will i be able to connect to it with the appropriate sim inserted?