Best prepaid data

[jasonbot]

I got an iPad 1 3G but haven't activated data yet. Mainly because I don't know what the cheapest data out there is or its compatibility.

Theres a few options out there but I've already ruled some out:

Vodacom: NO! Way too costly.
Cell C: 3G band not compatible with iPad 1.

Which leaves:
MTN: Not too sure what they cost?
Virgin: Is their 3G iPad compatible?
8ta: I noticed their iPad deals but I cant afford R120 per month for 512mb. besides, I dont think I'll use that much.

So what does everyone else use for their iPad? What's the best option for me?

 

[TYR]

8ta: I noticed their iPad deals but I cant afford R120 per month for 512mb. besides, I dont think I'll use that much.

Oh, you will use that much ... and more.

Mine is on WiFi most of the time, so I don't buy bundles anymore ... when not on WiFi I use FNB Connect at 59c/MB, pure prepaid.

 

[Elimentals]

Why not get Cell-C on a cheap or second hand phone and use the Wi-fi hot spot option?

 

[TYR]

Why not get Cell-C on a cheap or second hand phone and use the Wi-fi hot spot option?

Phones that have WiFi hotspots are not cheap! (new or second hand) ... and it causes hassles and beats the purpose of having a 3G model iPad.

 

[Pavan]

Sell the iPad 1, buy a new iPad 2 and then get yourself a Cell C data promo sim

 

[Park@82]

... get yourself a Cell C data promo sim

If you can still get one...

 

[Elimentals]

If you can still get one...

You can still get them and I think the only reason Cell-C still calls it a promo is so-that Vodacom and MTN don't follow suite and drop there pricing and this eliminating the competition at Cell-C's Price range.

 

[jasonbot]

Oh, you will use that much ... and more.

Mine is on WiFi most of the time, so I don't buy bundles anymore ... when not on WiFi I use FNB Connect at 59c/MB, pure prepaid.

Seems like the best option. I'll check it out. Thanks.

EDIT:

So I signed up for the service but the site is VERY complicated and I cant figure out what I need to do to link my Standard Bank card with the account so I can buy bundles.

Also, I cant figure where to link my iPad data sim's phone number with the account.

 

[TYR]

Hi jasonbot, sorry I failed to mention that I have a Vodacom contract number ... For some reason Vodacom and MTN will only provision their contract sim's to link off to FNB's APN .... https://www.fnbconnect.co.za/3g_requirements.shtml

If you do have one of those, don't buy the bundles ... Those are only for adsl. Their 3g is purely prepaid at 59c per mb. Not sure how to pay using Std bank account. I have access to my FNB accounts when I log into their site and can topup straight from them ... You can even use eBucks.

 

[jasonbot]

I'l try go in to a branch tomorrow and see whats up. I have a Top Up sim though so thats probably a bit of a fail. Sigh. Why does South Africa make internet and telecommunications in general so hard.

 

[mk_aldatym]

How much data do use a month? 8ta is your best bet mate, it's super cheap but I don't know how the speeds are? Vodacom is costly but proven consistent speeds.

 

[BrokenRSA]

I haven't had issues with 8ta speeds myself. Most of the time it uses the MTN network.