Beware when activating a data bundle!

[HapticSimian]

Hi guys. Maybe everyone knows this, but for the benefit of those who dont...

I added a 1(+1)gig data bundle onto my ProCall120 contract, to go along with my snazzy new N95. Of course, the moment my 3G card became active (over the past weekend, nogal) I went ballistic on the 'net!
Monday it dawned on me that my bundle was not synchronised with my billing cycle, so I started to investigate - it seems MTN give you a pro-rata bundle depending on the time 'till your next billing cycle. I was within 30meg of going over! I could've racked up an IMMENSE bill had I not had a moment of clear thinking!

PS - Is there any way, not around, but to combat this? I've got a long weekend coming with 30meg available! The agony !! Snakepit, pitbull - any ideas?
PSS - Can't wait for my bundle to kick in! Only getting EDGE reception at the mo' but it's still waaay better than the dialup I'm used to!

 

[Datura]

The request probably pends until the 1st. Pitbull will have a better idea though.

 

[Pitbull]

This is the problem.

The bill cycles work on certain cycles.

eg: 13th - 13th.

The billing works the same.

With that being said take the following into consideration:

1. You sign a 24 month contract (To the date) not the closest month
Eg: you activate your contract 18/02/2006 it's valid till 17/02/2008.

2. The billing has to align with that. Now the following will happen
Eg: 18/02/2006 - 13/03/2006 Billed pro-rata
at the end of the contract 13/02/2008 - 17/02/2008

The same applies to the bundles.

Hope it make a little sense. I don't think I'll be able to simplify it

 

[HapticSimian]

Thanks...

I get that now, thanks pitbull. All I'm saying is that people tend to get all starry-eyed and not think about all the kinks in the cable when getting a new bundle.
I understand why it works like it does, but if someone wants to give me an extra gig to use over the long weekend, I won't complain...

J/K

 

[Pitbull]

I get that now, thanks pitbull. All I'm saying is that people tend to get all starry-eyed and not think about all the kinks in the cable when getting a new bundle.
I understand why it works like it does, but if someone wants to give me an extra gig to use over the long weekend, I won't complain...

J/K

Your question is actually very valid. We receive to many complaints from people that where under the assumption that the activaion date is the Cycle begin date for that bundle.

Thanx for asking it atleast now it's posted here might prevent some complaints

 

[rph72]

Activating Data Bundles

My billing cycle ends 26th monthly. I had a 10mb bundle which was depleted, so I cancelled it & activated a 100mb bundle today. On MTN Active's Unbilled screen there is two amounts for the 100mb data bundle: R30.41 & R70.17. The first amount is pro rata I presume.

Does this mean I only have 42mb until the 26th & 100mb only thereafter?

 

[rph72]

So, can anyone tell me how much data I have? Dialing into 162 it tells me I still have a 10mb bundle with 0.0mb available. Isn't the MTN system supposed to update overnight?

 

[Pitbull]

My billing cycle ends 26th monthly. I had a 10mb bundle which was depleted, so I cancelled it & activated a 100mb bundle today. On MTN Active's Unbilled screen there is two amounts for the 100mb data bundle: R30.41 & R70.17. The first amount is pro rata I presume.

Does this mean I only have 42mb until the 26th & 100mb only thereafter?

Correct you'll only get the pro-rata allocation based on the amount charged pro-rata

 

[rph72]

Correct you'll only get the pro-rata allocation based on the amount charged pro-rata

So, can anyone tell me how much data I have? Dialing into 162 it tells me I still have a 10mb bundle with 0.0mb available. Isn't the MTN system supposed to update overnight?

Thanks Pitbull, so when will 162 update? I cannot log into Active on my work PC. Dialing 808 is useless as well.

 

[Pitbull]

Thanks Pitbull, so when will 162 update? I cannot log into Active on my work PC. Dialing 808 is useless as well.

From the activation it takes about 2 - 24 hours to reflect on there

 

[rph72]

From the activation it takes about 2 - 24 hours to reflect on there

Thats so slooooow, come on I feel the need for speed!!!

 

[Pitbull]

Thats so slooooow, come on I feel the need for speed!!!

PM me your number if your with MTNSP... I'll check quick

 

[rph72]

PM me your number if your with MTNSP... I'll check quick

You have PM.

 

[Pitbull]

You have PM.

Got it + replied

 

[diabolus]

PS: Somewhat off topic [but applies to the title]

I would still beware in the next few days because i STILL don't see any official confirmation that you will actually get an additional 1GB if you buy 1GB after 18 May.

I wonder if MTN is first going to try an catch a few people off-guard or something before they do something official.

My Vodacom bundle is running out soon, there is no way i'm buying 1GB MTN in the next week without an official statement.

 

[rph72]

I am only buying month to month bundles in anticipation of Neotel's broadband offerings. Will not be tied down to a 24 month contract just yet.

I wonder what will happen if Neotel comes in the market with a real decent broadband offering. Will the demand for data bundles drop drastically?

I believe Telkom can be thanked for the growth in the wireless market, so lets see what will happen with Neotel on the scene.