Are we being ripped off?

[alchamy]

V3G, I have a question for Vodacom, asking it here because I would love to see other peoples comments and thoughts on the topic.

Why is it that I get billed the same regardless of distance, IE I phone someone 1000km and its costs me RX.X but if I phone someone who is sitting next to me I get billed the same amount.

In my mind it should be cheaper since less infrastructure is getting used, the call stays on the same tower. If I phone someone in CPT the calls is switched several times and most likely travels along Telkoms network at some point.

Anyways, just a question of interest. Perhaps you could get some feedback on the topic, my apologies for making you do extra non-3G work.

 

[Edinetz]

The answer is simple and that is most people don't know where the person is where they are calling so when I make the call you would not know what you would be paying.

number portability brought in this problem in Europe so networks provided an IVR so you could query which network the number was on.

 

[vodacom3g]

As with most technical issues it's not quite so simple. Give me a day or so to compile a more complete answer.

 

[VMS]

I would say that the cost is leveled out. Sure, the system will put in more effort if you made a call from Johannesburg to Cape town, but there are standard procedures for the call to go through.

Applying that to internet can be scary. If I am in Johannesburg and downloading directly from IS as compare to downloading from a server in Capetown or New York then applying distance will bankrupt you.

Most communication systems are being pooled. You pay for getting into the system. Costs will seem to be the average between long (maybe a bit more) and short distance.


BTW. Keep in mind that two handheld units cannot directly talk to each other. Each will make a connection to the tower and each unit will be connected as if they were many kilometers apart. Like mailing a letter to you neighbor. The mailman is not going to see that this letter is in the same neighborhood and go and drop it off for you. It will go through the post office, sorted, and then handed back for delivery. The only difference between local and long distance mail is the trip to the receiving post office.


VMS

 

[magus]

The title of thread could just as well be "Are we getting a great deal?" Calling long distance from cellphone to cellphone is a bargain compared to Hellkom's rates. If you call the guy sitting next to you by cellphone, then you are not being ripped off -- you are just paying the price for your laziness

 

[alchamy]

This is definately along the lines I was thinking just looking for some solid answers.

BTW: def agree with the possible thread name. Hellkom is a disgrace. I would love to know how they justify charging more to phone a local cell phone than they charge if I phone America.