Afrihost CAPPED ADSL Feedback (MTN)

[caroper]

I think it was never the intention for this to be a one-size-fits-all solution, this is just an add-one for clients that want to add a bit of extra value to their accounts.

If Afrihost Plus+ proves popular enough, I am sure the options will be increased as well as some options to customize it.

And I am sure they will too, which is the point you are missing. Before long choosing a data package will be as complex as choosing an Air Time package.

We can no longer make calls at x Cents per min, it is now buy this add that and you get this price for 48 hours then this +y during off peak etc.

Data is data, don't start adding complexity just provide a good basic service at a good price. I know I don't have to buy your addon, but be realistic, it opens a can of worms and other ISP's will follow. It wont take long before everyone is offering so many gimmicks that the true cost and value of the data is hidden.

But then that is what happens when Marketing and MBA's start running a company that was started by Engineers. The Engineers/Technicians get pushed aside and the Marketing guys forget what the initial product was that the company grew out of.

 

[AfriGenie]

And I am sure they will too, which is the point you are missing. Before long choosing a data package will be as complex as choosing an Air Time package.

We can no longer make calls at x Cents per min, it is now buy this add that and you get this price for 48 hours then this +y during off peak etc.

Data is data, don't start adding complexity just provide a good basic service at a good price. I know I don't have to buy your addon, but be realistic, it opens a can of worms and other ISP's will follow. I wont take long before everyone is offering so many gimmicks that the true cost and value of the data is hidden.

That is definitely a valid point... I will mention it to the Higher-Ups.

Do you think the way in which Afrihost Plus+ is implemented would make a difference?

 

[caroper]

Do you think the way in which Afrihost Plus+ is implemented would make a difference?

No I don't.

By all means add Simfy and Airtime/3G bundles to the Client Zone and let us buy them at a discount when needed, just like we can Top Up data, but any structure that says if you want Mobile Data you have to take Simfy, (or whatever is bundled whit what) is just adding gimmicks to obscure true value.

My pet hate is web sites offering "Free Download", downloads were always free, it was the content of the download you payed for, but the Marketing guys like the word FREE even when it is pure misdirection.

Don't start taking a great company down that road.

 

[Prof.Merlin]

Can anything possibly be done about netflix streaming. 4mbit line and is buffers 3 to 4 times in a 30 minute session. I used to be able to run netflix fine on a 2mbit line

 

[AfriGenie]

Can anything possibly be done about netflix streaming. 4mbit line and is buffers 3 to 4 times in a 30 minute session. I used to be able to run netflix fine on a 2mbit line

The streaming should definitely have improved, what sort of speeds are you getting on your line at the moment?

 

[Bedford]

I never used the Double data, in hind site I guess I should have, but I carefully counted my actual use over a period and took a cap that would meet the demand. When AH started giving double data I remained on the same package, treating the extra as a buffer zone. I Never expected it to last so made sure I was never dependent on it.

What annoys me about Plus+ is that it represents the thin edge of the wedge. We should be simplifying things not making packages complex. All I want is the best service at the best price for the amount of data I choose to use. R20 per gig is what got me to move, I didn't want Facebook extras, twitter Hunts, Double Bonus if you scratch the card. I wanted Unshaped Data at the speed of my line. AH spent so much time on marketing and gimmicks that they lost the plot, this thread shows the result.

I am not interested in 20Gig any time, 40gig midnight to 7am, 100gig if you use facebook on a hull moon. I Just want a solid network that provides the service I pay for. To my mind the money spent on marketing gimmicks is better spent on improving the network or reducing the cost.

If I want simfy or mobile data or air time or top ups I will buy them as needed, and not try to calculate the true value of a package by adding this, subtracting that and dividing by number of months etc.

I wont lie, since the showing of this AH+ service I have somewhat felt violated... AH were the team that came in and showed how things should be, but now it feels like that was all a guise to herd us all in and now the gate is closed behind us. Im sure it was all covered in their T&Cs for this particular event, but doesn't change the fact.

I think what makes matters worse is I was a damn pom pom supporter for team red, singing their praises and awesome products to so many and now that trust was abused. Now it feels like one of those ads "and if u buy now u get to keep ur package".

When the time comes ill cancel my mobile contract and if for some reason I cant, ill begrudgingly see the course and move on.

I honestly believe that AH is committing self suicide with this new AH+ and its a step back in progressing SA internet.

Agh anyways, enough of this K@K weekend is nearly here.

 

[AfriGenie]

I wont lie, since the showing of this AH+ service I have somewhat felt violated... AH were the team that came in and showed how things should be, but now it feels like that was all a guise to herd us all in and now the gate is closed behind us. Im sure it was all covered in their T&Cs for this particular event, but doesn't change the fact.

I think what makes matters worse is I was a damn pom pom supporter for team red, singing their praises and awesome products to so many and now that trust was abused. And now it feels like one of those ads "and if u buy now u get to keep ur package".

When the time comes ill cancel my mobile contract and if for some reason I cant, ill begrudgingly see the course and move on.

I honestly believe that AH is committing self suicide with this new AH+ and its a step back in progressing SA internet.

Agh anyways, enough of this K@K weekend is nearly here.

Afrihost Plus+ is a completely optional product, we definitely will not force anyone to make use of the product at all. All of our other products will remain completely unchanged, and exactly as they are now. The cancellation terms will also definitely not change at all.

The introduction of Afrihost Plus+ does also not automatically mean that all the Double Data will end come December, Plus+ will just ensure that if / when Double Data ends, you will continue to receive it on your package.

 

[Prof.Merlin]

The streaming should definitely have improved, what sort of speeds are you getting on your line at the moment?

I am getting 3.4mbit out of 4mbit, which is not too bad. But buffering is an issue

 

[AfriGenie]

I am getting 3.4mbit out of 4mbit, which is not too bad. But buffering is an issue

How was the latency on the speedtest?

Could you please send me a PM with your account details, I want to check something on my side quickly.

 

[Bedford]

The introduction of Afrihost Plus+ does also not automatically mean that all the Double Data will end come December, Plus+ will just ensure that if / when Double Data ends, you will continue to receive it on your package.

It is possible that I have miss read it. So just to clarify im currently on 100+100 package, when the double data ends will I need to pay in to keep that +100gb?

 

[AfriGenie]

It is possible that I have miss read it. So just to clarify im currently on 100+100 package, when the double data ends will I need to pay in to keep that +100gb?

If the Double Data ends, the Doubled Data will fall away, you can then choose to take Plus+ and then Double the Data on that account, you aren't however obligated to take Plus+.

 

[caroper]

It is possible that I have miss read it. So just to clarify im currently on 100+100 package, when the double data ends will I need to pay in to keep that +100gb?

From the Afrihost Page

* All Monthly Capped DSL Packages (excluding 1 GB) get FREE Double Anytime data on top of the normal monthly
data allocation until 31 December 2014 at which point the offer will be revised or extended.
FREE Double Anytime Data do NOT apply to Capped DSL Bundles.

So the chances are that as of 1st Jan 200Gb will cost you R799, unless you opt for Plus+ at an extra R99 or settle for 100GB at the current R399.

it is the "...at which point the offer will be revised or extended" is the key, do you opt in to Plus+ only to find it is extended by 6 Months or take the chance and find you should have bought their insurance?

Personally I pay for 160Gb per month, the extra 160GB is never touched. But as my line has been so bad for the past 6 months there was never any chance to actually use that much data anyway.

 

[furpile]

No offense to you AfriPeople, but the double data wouldn't be listed as one of the main benefits of Plus+ if you didn't plan to stop the normal double data deal soon. I only joined AH recently, and luckily I have only had a good experience so far with no network issues. But the reason I chose AH was because your packages suits my needs, data to use anytime I want to. I don't really need after midnight data, so those packages from other ISP's don't really appeal to me. I just want a simple account, pay X, receive Y, use anytime. But if you do lose the double data I will have to re-investigate my options to make sure I have the best package for my needs.

 

[AfriGenie]

From the Afrihost Page


So the chances are that as of 1st Jan 200Gb will cost you R799, unless you opt for Plus+ at an extra R99 or settle for 100GB at the current R399.

it is the "...at which point the offer will be revised or extended" is the key, do you opt in to Plus+ only to find it is extended by 6 Months or take the chance and find you should have bought their insurance?

Personally I pay for 160Gb per month, the extra 160GB is never touched. But as my line has been so bad for the past 6 months there was never any chance to actually use that much data anyway.

I think its safe to take a wait and see approach, if you need the additional data, and the Double Data is not continued - which I cannot confirm nor deny - you can then opt to take the Plus+ option to lock in the Double Data for your account, and make sure you get the Double Data for as long as you need it.

 

[AfriGenie]

No offense to you AfriPeople, but the double data wouldn't be listed as one of the main benefits of Plus+ if you didn't plan to stop the normal double data deal soon. I only joined AH recently, and luckily I have only had a good experience so far with no network issues. But the reason I chose AH was because your packages suits my needs, data to use anytime I want to. I don't really need after midnight data, so those packages from other ISP's don't really appeal to me. I just want a simple account, pay X, receive Y, use anytime. But if you do lose the double data I will have to re-investigate my options to make sure I have the best package for my needs.

I think it is important to consider that the Double Data applies to both ADSL and Mobile Data packages, so I probably wouldn't read too much into what the Plus+ add-on means for ALL Double Data promotions.

Plus+ is meant to give each of our users more choice, and to allow them to decide on customizing their packages to suite their needs better.

The Double Data allocation and 2-for-1 Top-ups can be assigned to different Afrihost accounts on your profile.

 

[Thor]

Im not paying for this month. Still on ADSL.

 

[Bedford]

If the Double Data ends, the Doubled Data will fall away, you can then choose to take Plus+ and then Double the Data on that account, you aren't however obligated to take Plus+.

Then my original statement still applies...

Look im not here to argue semantics with you, the afriTechs on the forum have been great and have helped me on countless issues. Its been giving the taste of something good and now we have to pay in to keep it.

And the problem is by doin this you fall out with ur competitors and try to justify it with the added extras u will be getting from opting in for AH+.

I joined AH because of the simplicity of their products. I never had to worry about when I could or couldn't download, or if it was shaped or any of the other FUP crap other ISPs came up with.

1. Simfy Africa music streaming - This feature is available freely on the internet. A simple google search reveals countless services, excluding just goin to youtube and searching for playlists.
2. Free 500MB mobile data. - In todays time this is a meaningless amount and more perhaps a nice to have.
3. Double data all the time: - This was an industry changer and what separated you from everyone else.
4. Permanent 2-for–1 topups: - This was an industry changer and what separated you from everyone else.
5. Soft-capping on capped DSL: This is a nice to have feature, but with data being so cheap its almost pointless.
6. Double turbo charges - If you were on say a 4mb uncapped adsl but ur line synced at 10mb, this was a nice feature for emergency quick downloads. But again very much a fluff concept.

I know on paper this is all great and when added up individually proves to be a great deal, but never something your average client needs. People joined you because of things like double data, why cause at the time this made u considerably cheaper than most. But now R399 will get me 100gb but if I look at say Web Africa's equivalent I get 120gb + 240gb after hours. That 240gb is far more valuable to me then listening to music or having 500mb extra. Is it inconvenient, sure but manageable.

 

[caroper]

But now R399 will get me 100gb but if I look at say Web Africa's equivalent I get 120gb + 240gb after hours. That 240gb is far more valuable to me then listening to music or having 500mb extra. Is it inconvenient, sure but manageable.

I agree, I subscribed to Simfy for a year or so and canceled as I hardly used it. The 500Meg of data is only usable if you are an MTN Contract subscriber or have a MyFy device, even then I have only ever managed to get a connection, other than EDGE, for one evening in Bonnyville. That is no use to me when I live in Hout Bay and have most need of the data when visiting Ladismith, which hasn't even got cell coverage from MTN let alone data.

I have never, to the best of my knowledge, ever exceeded 120Gb on Afrihost, so that WA package would save me money and provide a good buffer for large downloads over night.

But AH fixed the streaming issue, I am not going to jump ship as long as the data remains stable, but I would rather not have my intelligence insulted by Marketing Guys telling me how much extra value I get in services I neither want nor asked for.

If they tell me I get Mcafee Antivirus for free with every download I make (installed For FREE in the background), I will definitely move on

 

[Thor]

Will I have VDSL today.... I highly doubt it

 

[Thor]

Wait! Just got a mail! VDSL 40 is active