Are there too many problems with Vodacom once-off data bundles?

[Sly21C]

I am currently using my cellphone as a modem in order to connect to the internet. I buy MTN airtime, then convert that airtime into 2GB once-off data every month. I have had no problems so far with regards to connecting to the internet and getting my data. I use MTN pay as you go.

After reading a number of posts in this forum, I am starting to think that Vodacom is not reliable at all as far as loading data bundles is concerned. I have another number, a pay as you go vodacom number, which i do not use often and I wanted to use that number and sim card to connect to the internet via a data card. I thought of maybe purchasing a Huawei R1750 data card, insert my vodacom sim in that data card and surf the net. I'll probably purchase standard once-off data bundles.

Do you guys think I should just stick to MTN? Or are vodacom problems only isolated problems?

 

[Park@82]

I have no problems buying/using data bundles from vodacom. The only "problem" is price...

 

[Nuro]

I have no problems buying/using data bundles from vodacom. The only "problem" is price...

Same here.

 

[Mantis]

Same here.

Same. been using it like this off a top up contract for a few months. Had down time I think 3 times that I could remember.

But remember, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So it MTN works for you, why change over?

 

[Sly21C]

Same. been using it like this off a top up contract for a few months. Had down time I think 3 times that I could remember.

But remember, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So it MTN works for you, why change over?

Because I want to use my MTN number and sim card for my cellphone only, and I want to use my other number (which is a Vodacom number) and it's sim card for data.

I hope I understand how this whole thing works, but a sim card is inserted inside a data card right?

 

[ginggs]

Do you guys think I should just stick to MTN? Or are vodacom problems only isolated problems?

Personally, I've had fewer problems with Vodacom once-off bundles than MTN once-off bundles. I've only had problems with Vodacom's "Advanced" bundles, so if you stick to the "Standard" ones you should be fine.

Just remember, Vodacom bundles expire at the end the next calendar month, not 60 days from purchase like MTN bundles do.

 

[Terencek]

If you are fortunate enough to have equally good data signals from both providers, then going for Vodacom prepaid data bundles definitely makes sense on price alone:

1) if they continue their current 'extra 20%' offer that means you get one-fifth more data for your money than with MTN. The hope that MTN might match Voda in this has not materialised.

2) if you can afford it, only Voda offers a 'bulk-buying' discount on prepaid airtime: buy a R1,000 airtime voucher from any outlet and you actually get R1,100 of airtime. Again, MTN has not matched this offer, which has been going for years (and if you are clever you can buy that R1100 of airtime and then distribute chunks of it around your family through airtime transfers = huge savings!)

 

[Mantis]

2) if you can afford it, only Voda offers a 'bulk-buying' discount on prepaid airtime: buy a R1,000 airtime voucher from any outlet and you actually get R1,100 of airtime. Again, MTN has not matched this offer, which has been going for years (and if you are clever you can buy that R1100 of airtime and then distribute chunks of it around your family through airtime transfers = huge savings!)

Don't they only allow you to send R500 airtime per month or something like that?

I'd say test the waters first. Its prepaid so you're not really gonna lose out. If you get good signal on Voda, I'd say go with them.

 

[Park@82]

Because I want to use my MTN number and sim card for my cellphone only, and I want to use my other number (which is a Vodacom number) and it's sim card for data.

If you want to stay with mtn, just buy another sim (its like 2 bucks or something stupid), but like ginggs I prefer vodacom...

I hope I understand how this whole thing works, but a sim card is inserted inside a data card right?

Yeah. Its easy to buy airtime through internet banking then convert it to data (there are various ways of doing this e.g: vodacom4me.co.za)

 

[Terencek]

Don't they only allow you to send R500 airtime per month or something like that?

Yes I think it's around half of what you buy and load initially. But if that works for you and you have the cash upfront, you've got an instant 10% discount, plus whatever % you also score buying at a discounting outlet like Pick & Pay or Pep. Really a shame for those of us with a better MTN signal that MTN has never opted to match that bulk-buying offer; and I think the largest MTN airtime voucher is only R180 which is a pain for those of us buying for large data bundles.

 

[Sly21C]

Yes I think it's around half of what you buy and load initially. But if that works for you and you have the cash upfront, you've got an instant 10% discount, plus whatever % you also score buying at a discounting outlet like Pick & Pay or Pep. Really a shame for those of us with a better MTN signal that MTN has never opted to match that bulk-buying offer; and I think the largest MTN airtime voucher is only R180 which is a pain for those of us buying for large data bundles.

I buy a two R180 MTN airtime and another one for R60. In total it's R420, I then load my airtime and then convert that to a 2GB data bundle which costs R390 and then I'm left with R30. That's what I do monthly.