Being prepared

[SecretCode]

OK, so if, hypothetically, I wanted to order Telkom DSL 384 with SIO and no contract, and a different ISP, the Telkom monthly charges would be R100 for the line and R245 for ADSL. No installation charge and a free modem.

(My exchange is ADSL capable according to the relevant Telkom page.)

From this board it looks like it's best to order in a Telkom store. I'll go in armed with a printout of this page (thanks to CrazyFig here).

Is there anything else I can do to be prepared for possible hassles? I can picture it:

Me: I'd like to have an argument please.
Telkom rep: I'm sorry, this is Telkom.
Me: <speechless>

Me: I'd like to order ADSL 384K with the self-install option and get the free modem.
Telkom: Certainly sir, just sign this 24-month contract.
Me: No, look here...
Telkom: Sir, you can't get the free modem unless you pay for installation.
Me: Yes I can, it says here...
Telkom: You have to buy the bundled DoBroadband if you require self-install.
Me: No I don't, it says here...
Telkom: Sir, that can only be ordered by phone to 10219.
Me: But...
Telkom: ...

Also, is it still the case the you can painlessly upgrade from 384K to 512K etc, but they sting you if you want to downgrade?

Do you get a microfilter to plug in a regular telephone, or is that a separate charge, and if so where is it best to get them?

thanks all!
Joe

 

[kilo39]

Do you get a microfilter to plug in a regular telephone, or is that a separate charge, and if so where is it best to get them?

Most pc shops should be able to sell you a microfilter.

Also, is it still the case the you can painlessly upgrade from 384K to 512K etc, but they sting you if you want to downgrade?

I be simple mortal without training in all arcana of the dark beast; sublimate yourself before him and perhaps you will get some answers.

 

[SecretCode]

There's a dark beast who actually gives answers?

 

[Speedster]

@secretcode - when your SIO gets logged you can go to your closest Telkom shop and pick up the "self-install kit". The kit contains the Wi-Fi modem and 2 POTS filters. Then you simply plug in and wait for activation

 

[SecretCode]

Thanks Speedster. I assumed there would be filters in the kit but you never know with this outfit!

Ordered today at Telkom Cresta. Now to see how long it takes...

 

[biometrics]

When I got my ADSL 8 months or so ago, I specified the "Self Install" option but they ended up billing me for it anyway which required a trip to a Telkom branch to object. A week or two later a Telkom accounts person phoned to inquire about it and reversed this charge without much debate.

Point is, they'll probably still charge you the install fee and you need to object to credit it.

 

[SecretCode]

Ordered today at Telkom Cresta. Now to see how long it takes...

Update: I got a few missed calls from Pretoria (012) numbers I didn't know ... from Saturday 12th. These guys do not leave messages - answer your phone if waiting for that confirmation call! And you can't get through if you call back. Finally got the call this morning.

Collected by modem at the Telkom store this afternoon. The line synched without a hassle, but the verification (www.telkom.co.za/verifyadsl) did not seem to work. But later on it said "Your ADSL Service request has already been processed." so I think it's more an issue of misleading messages than not working.

I was assuming it could take much longer so I hadn't signed up with an ISP, but I got onto Web Africa and bought a prepaid bundle (about 7pm). I wasn't sure how long it would take to activate ... if they would need to receive the payment first ... so I phoned (an hour or so ago). I was "number one in the queue, your call will be answered shortly" for a while ... but I got answered, and they pushed through the activation. Pretty cool.

Now I'm surfing ADSL!

 

[feo]

Good to hear you're up and running, me on the other hand is not . I ordered do1 with SIO on the 7th and nobody has called me to tell me its activated. I phone yesterday to find out whats happening and I got a call from a guy who said Ill get a call within the next few days...sigh

 

[SecretCode]

It's hardly predictable, this telkom service.