BitCo Consumer Review

Abzolute said:
Ok, thanks for clarifying. That's personally a bit of an issue for me though, given that I just recently went with another WISP (which I won't mention here, since I don't want to knock one company in favour of another, especially in a thread specifically about their service). I paid a similar amount for installation, but all the equipment is now mine outright.

In fact, I paid R5k, but that's because I had a complex install to "luckily" get LOS, and to accommodate my requirements for an additional wireless and cabled APs in the house, and installation done on a weekend with a 1 day lead time. A normal install would probably have cost arount R3k. And yes, it will be my cost if something happens to the equipment, but I have household insurance for that.

.....
Click to expand...

If your equipment gets zucked by lightening, does this company that made you buy the equipment replace it for you at no cost?

If the answer is no, then I the bitco route is still better.
I'm unsure why you would want to go month to month with bitco, once you use them you not going to want to leave them so the contract period is negligible.
 
Got a price from company that apparently covers where I'm moving to, 2mb uncapped around R3400pm :wtf:

Oh, and no more than 300 concurrent connections at a time.

I think not.
 
Murmaider said:
If your equipment gets zucked by lightening, does this company that made you buy the equipment replace it for you at no cost?

If the answer is no, then I the bitco route is still better.
I'm unsure why you would want to go month to month with bitco, once you use them you not going to want to leave them so the contract period is negligible.
Click to expand...

As I mentioned, I have household insurance to cover that. And I currently pay the same for a faster connection too.
 
I must say, R4300 for installation costs for a dish is quite expensive no matter how you look at it... can I apply to become an installer? :D. I'd be happy with the 12 month contract option to reduce that cost... but I understand the fear of those who might one day have to move.
 
Hi Gentlemen. Out of curiosity for anything technical can anyone post as to what equipment they actually install at the house?
 
Hi Guys

We are taking note of everyone's concerns regarding the installation fee for the month to month option. It is really meant only for people who are absolutely against committing to a 12 or 24 month contract. You also need to remember that if a company does not deliver what is promised to a consumer you are protected by the CPA. No company can hold you to a contract if you are not getting what you were sold.

We are still new to Home Internet and will take into account all the feedback we have received on the forums. Out of the 50 or so home users we have installed in the last 2 months we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received and hope to make our offerings better and better in future.
 
I'm in Cpt saving up for that once-off fee! I'll do prepaid SIM data for now until this becomes available here.

Until then, enjoy the service up in Jozi and well done on your offering BitCo!
 
Geselskap said:
I'm in Cpt saving up for that once-off fee! I'll do prepaid SIM data for now until this becomes available here.

Until then, enjoy the service up in Jozi and well done on your offering BitCo!
Click to expand...

There are options down here in CPT if you are really interested.

Here is a myBB speedtest via my WISP.

Last Result:
Download Speed: 3952 kbps (494 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 3926 kbps (490.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
Latency: 10 ms
21 May 2014 at 9:55:43 PM SAST
 
garthvs said:
Hi Guys

We are taking note of everyone's concerns regarding the installation fee for the month to month option. It is really meant only for people who are absolutely against committing to a 12 or 24 month contract. You also need to remember that if a company does not deliver what is promised to a consumer you are protected by the CPA. No company can hold you to a contract if you are not getting what you were sold.

We are still new to Home Internet and will take into account all the feedback we have received on the forums. Out of the 50 or so home users we have installed in the last 2 months we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received and hope to make our offerings better and better in future.
Click to expand...

Hi Garth,

Please bare with me on the below. I have read similar concerns but none really answered to my situation. I recently moved and I'm renting a place for now just till we find a place to buy.

Let me use this example:
I sign up for 24 months (instalation is free) at my current address. I move to a bought house in let's say 8 months. I have coverage still and obviously have months left on my contract. Will the installation be moved for a nominal fee? Or would I have to cancel contract 1 and sign a new one for the installation at the new address? (Early cancelation penalties?)

Adding onto that:
As per my lease agreement any perm fixtures need to stay where they are. So if I vacate the property can the equipment still be removed? (Sure this can be arranged with the landlord from my side just need clarity before I speak to her).
 
Pitbull said:
Let me use this example:
I sign up for 24 months (instalation is free) at my current address. I move to a bought house in let's say 8 months. I have coverage still and obviously have months left on my contract. Will the installation be moved for a nominal fee? Or would I have to cancel contract 1 and sign a new one for the installation at the new address? (Early cancelation penalties?)

Adding onto that:
As per my lease agreement any perm fixtures need to stay where they are. So if I vacate the property can the equipment still be removed? (Sure this can be arranged with the landlord from my side just need clarity before I speak to her).
Click to expand...

To my experience with other suppliers, a relocation will have a once-off fee as previous installation was free of charge (unless you negotiate a possible free re-installation before signing, which is valid). All equipment was moved to new premises (Antennas and Poles are not permanent fixtures) but new cabling have to be put in place.

Now, you may face the following issue: You have a 24 month contract. after month 8 you have to relocate. You are happy to continue the service, but.... what if there is no coverage at the new place? will the provider cancel the contract as "no service can be provided" without any fees/charges?
 
webtailor said:
Now, you may face the following issue: You have a 24 month contract. after month 8 you have to relocate. You are happy to continue the service, but.... what if there is no coverage at the new place? will the provider cancel the contract as "no service can be provided" without any fees/charges?
Click to expand...

This has already been answered more than once in this thread already...
 
Hi Guys

We are busy confirming our move fee, but I can say it looks like it will be a nominal fee to uninstall and re-install the link at a new location.
 
i thought i can share some info regarding Bitco ...

I have two properties, current property in Northcliff and i will be moving to the second property in few months 4-5 months. So i got Bitco to come and do a site survey at the two properties.

The techs found LOS to two towers based in JHB CBD from my current property and only issue is couple of branches on the tree , which i can cut just to ensure that there is clear LOS without any interruptions.
Than they went to the second property to check the LOS and unfortunately they couldnt find anything. Discussing this with Bitco representatives (Michael) via email they mentioned that they are definately going to be installing a HiSite (base station) at Northcliff Hill in the next few months which i have clear LOS to.

So i decided to go ahead and get them to install at my current property and then in 5-6 months hopefully they will have the HiSite at Northcliff Hill by the time i move and move the equipment at the new property.

Today i get a call that Bitco cannot install at my current property as well because of no LOS. And when they did the survey they confirmed LOS... so i guess no Bitco Wireless for me at all... The confusing part is why technicians confirm LOS to two Hi Sites and then when you apply they say Sorry no LOS :)
 
macedon said:
i thought i can share some info regarding Bitco ...

I have two properties, current property in Northcliff and i will be moving to the second property in few months 4-5 months. So i got Bitco to come and do a site survey at the two properties.

The techs found LOS to two towers based in JHB CBD from my current property and only issue is couple of branches on the tree , which i can cut just to ensure that there is clear LOS without any interruptions.
Than they went to the second property to check the LOS and unfortunately they couldnt find anything. Discussing this with Bitco representatives (Michael) via email they mentioned that they are definately going to be installing a HiSite (base station) at Northcliff Hill in the next few months which i have clear LOS to.

So i decided to go ahead and get them to install at my current property and then in 5-6 months hopefully they will have the HiSite at Northcliff Hill by the time i move and move the equipment at the new property.

Today i get a call that Bitco cannot install at my current property as well because of no LOS. And when they did the survey they confirmed LOS... so i guess no Bitco Wireless for me at all... The confusing part is why technicians confirm LOS to two Hi Sites and then when you apply they say Sorry no LOS :)
Click to expand...

Sigh, this is what will put me off... Hopefully maybe just some communication problems between the Tech that was there and the sales people?
 
Hi macedon

I will investigate on Monday why the team confirmed LOS and then reversed it. That is definately not ideal. I do remember hearing something about tree branches for a particular installation and it may have been your installation.
 
Hi garthvs, well overall Bitco have showed to me that they are not interested in getting me as a client that will be paying about R 2000 p/m for internet.
Also from the link above regarding LOS , i went up the roof just now and i can see the whole of JHB CBD clearly and the HiSite antennas that technicians pointed that are Bitco hi-sites.
The cutting of branches was recommended by technicians to ensure no interference , but the branches are not preventing LOS. Hazel suggested that perhaps i am confused...lol :)

On other side last week Friday you asked me to give you a week time for you to find out whether you will be installing a Hi-Site at Northcliff Hill in the next 4-5-6 months, but haven`t heard from you about it either.

So stuck with no Internet Access for now...
 
Hi macedon

I can assure you we would love to have you on our network. I will investigate on Monday as to the exact reason why we were not able to install.

Regarding the new highsite in your area to improve coverage... We have been negotiating with the landlord (government) for almost 3 years and I cannot give you an exact date as to when they will allow us to start the build. We do believe we are fairly close to concluding the negotiation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X