Best 3G (mobile) data offering

[dbz0e]

Hi guys,

Sorry if the question was already answered, but which is the best 3G data offering. Telkom Mobile or Cell-C, not sure if there are others. If telkom, has there CC improved; problem is if you have issues, one cannot get through to them (!), always drives me insane

 

[LCBXX]

At the moment it is Afrihost.

 

[sajunky]

Depends on your usage.

 

[valiente]

Afrihost! It roams on MTN network but is very nicely priced. I'm currently using Telkom Mobile 15 + 15 month to month and another 5Gb from Afrihost

Afrihost is also month to month!


I hate contracts...

 

[nicroets]

I have multiple devices (Wifi hotspots, tablets for someone in my family etc) and follow a rather complicated but very cost effective syst:
1. A few months before you need the data, get 8ta more prepaid. Recharge with approximately R100 per week. Use the "free" airtime for SMS and calls.
2. When you have R1,800 of regular airtime, get 60+60. It can be on a second sim, just transfer the airtime. Put this sim in the device with the lowest usage i.e. occasional browsing.
3. Keep on recharging with approximately R100 per week (on another sim). Use the "free" airtime for SMS and calls.
4. When you have R1,800, get another 60+60 and replace the sim you used in (2). The sim that came out go in your highest use device, e.g. downloading. This rotation will ensure you use all your GBs before the 12 months end.
5. Set up https://home.8ta.com/access-manager/protected/view/my8ta so that you can see where the data and airtime is.

Assuming you get R600 of value from the calls and SMSs, it costs R20/anytime GB. And that includes you're mom's occasional browsing.

 

[NeonNinja]

Cell C, R1800 for 200GB once-off. 50GB day time and 150GB night time. Without night time, works out to R36/GB, which is still a kill in the mobile arena.

 

[mak2000]

Cell C 100GIGA @ 2499 comes to 25/GB. Good value and you get 100 gigs anytime !!

 

[RichardG]

Many things need to be taken into consideration if you will be joining any mobile provider for data.

First Step:
1) Check Coverage Map(Telkom Mobile, CELL C, MTN) or Alternatively purchase the SIM Card or go to branch and RICA it.
2) Load airtime, do speedtest results even though it will cost you probably R50 to run test on all networks
3) Once you have your benchmark results, then decide which network you wanna join CELL C, Telkom Mobile or MTN(Afrihost).
4) If joining CELL C / Telkom Mobile bare in mind if going on holiday you will probably not have any coverage as there will be no base station and roaming isn't allowed on Telkom Mobile or CELL C(If you going to take advantage of their promotion it only applies to on-network ONLY and roaming is exempted)
5) Depends on your budget as well and your requirements. Currently I am on MTN(Afrihost) 10 gig at R197 per month equates to R19,70 per gig use this basically as a backup and if I am on vacation or as backup in case Telkom Mobile/ CELL C go down.
- CELL C = value for money but I am very disappointed as their data network works is slow, even after hours
- Telkom Mobile/8ta - works superb and the network speed results show for themselves never fluctuates continuous at 5 meg
- MTN(Afrihost) have no hassles with them whatsoever just the small tethering issues they experience now and then.
6) COVERAGE COVERAGE is IMPORTANT! Go buy the sim card and test their networks first hand to see if you satisfied with the speeds.
7) Mobile Data isn't meant to be used for online gaming, latency, latency! Fluctuates ping rates

 

[sajunky]

Don't forget RBM starter pack R99 200MBx12. Good to start with...

 

[RichardG]

Don't forget RBM starter pack R99 200MBx12. Good to start with...

That reminds me - alternatively you can also shop around IF there are still any available bundled Vodacom(Vodafone Modem)+100 meg per month for a duration of 12 month once-off R99, highly doubt you will find any. Shop around at CNA,EDGARS,MAKRO,ETC

 

[dbz0e]

Thanks guys. I just need mobile connection that fast (can't be bog down by slow internet connection; at the pace I am moving I need information at fingertips; be it a youtube video etc.) I'll look at all the options as advised.

 

[Reelix]

Thanks guys. I just need mobile connection that fast (can't be bog down by slow internet connection; at the pace I am moving I need information at fingertips; be it a youtube video etc.) I'll look at all the options as advised.

Telkom Mobile for price - Afrihost Mobile for quality.

 

[eancollier]

I'm using telkom and never had a problem so far, except for slow connection at times but I guess that's normal .it really depends on your use like how much of mobile internet do you need!!

 

[surfs-up]

Telkom Mobile for price - Afrihost Mobile for quality.

That depends from area to area. I have been with TM/8ta for 2.5 years. I regularly do speed tests in my area to compare. TM consistently has the fastest network...by far, in my suburb.

I agree however, TM coverage is poor once you get out onto the road - probably due to TM being such a new operator. EmptyN and Vodacon have had a huge start advantage - they have been setting up base stations for 18 years. TM have only been setting up sites for 3 years now.

 

[Dirk44]

Telkom Mobile for price - Afrihost Mobile for quality.

My experience as well!