BitCo Consumer Review

Just for interest sake, depending on the frequency used and the signal strength, LOS does not have to be an absolute requirement. Diffraction of a signal can even be used to your advantage i.e. over a building or hill/mountain. There are calculations for these. Also, if the volume/type of conductive objects in the way, i.e. leaves, can be estimated, penetration of the signal can be roughly determined. I mentioned earlier the frequency; the higher the frequency, the less penetration. Unfortunately the 5GHz frequency used is highly attenuated by these objects, so clean LOS is ideal. Less so for 2.4GHz. That is why Cell-C go on about their 900MHz frequency use as having more penetration than their competition. Software such as Radiomobile can partly factor in the effects of these types of interferences within the Fresnel pipe, but nothing beats a real signal test. If the signal is fairly strong, say within no less than about 15dBm of the receiver sensitivity, and is stable, that should be good enough for data. We have numerous private radio-links at 5GHz set up for our company that do not have clear LOS, but have been running absolutely stable for many years. For commercial use I can imagine the tolerances used being more strictly set.
 
larryn said:
Just for interest sake, depending on the frequency used and the signal strength, LOS does not have to be an absolute requirement. Diffraction of a signal can even be used to your advantage i.e. over a building or hill/mountain. There are calculations for these. Also, if the volume/type of conductive objects in the way, i.e. leaves, can be estimated, penetration of the signal can be roughly determined. I mentioned earlier the frequency; the higher the frequency, the less penetration. Unfortunately the 5GHz frequency used is highly attenuated by these objects, so clean LOS is ideal. Less so for 2.4GHz. That is why Cell-C go on about their 900MHz frequency use as having more penetration than their competition. Software such as Radiomobile can partly factor in the effects of these types of interferences within the Fresnel pipe, but nothing beats a real signal test. If the signal is fairly strong, say within no less than about 15dBm of the receiver sensitivity, and is stable, that should be good enough for data. We have numerous private radio-links at 5GHz set up for our company that do not have clear LOS, but have been running absolutely stable for many years. For commercial use I can imagine the tolerances used being more strictly set.
Click to expand...


I think we all know and agree. I do see why Bitco is so adament on the clear LOS. They are signing up new home based users and would like to make sure the experience is 100% as oppsed to getting mixed reviewes from start-up.
 
Hi Guys

We have finalised the pricing to move a Home Internet link. To move a link to a new location it is R 950.
 
You are 100% correct Pitbull. We made a decision that we would not compromise on quality, even if that meant turning away some clients, which we hate doing.

This policy has served us well and we have a really good reputation in the market and will hopefully be giving the incumbents a run for their money.

We will be applying for high demand spectrum when ICASA finally decides on a model to release it.
 
Pitbull said:
So they did the site inspection today and then just went ahead with the installation as well?

Please post some results for us :p
Click to expand...

Yeah as soon as line of sight is confirmed, they install. Apparently they test the connection for a couple of days first before you can start using it, so I'll probably only post results thursday/friday.
 
garthvs said:
You are 100% correct Pitbull. We made a decision that we would not compromise on quality, even if that meant turning away some clients, which we hate doing.

This policy has served us well and we have a really good reputation in the market and will hopefully be giving the incumbents a run for their money.

We will be applying for high demand spectrum when ICASA finally decides on a model to release it.
Click to expand...

Actually, I think you guys really like doing exactly that.
In my experience with you guys, I've had nothing but blanket statements.

I do not think you guys know your target market, at all.
You're not the cheapest around when it comes to having Internet: ADSL is still far cheaper than anything BitCo has put on the table.
You may pride yourselves as being the best, but we all know that's not true either. Commercial solutions extend far beyond what you can offer, be it at a price. There are even other WISPs that would be more cost effective in terms of quality vs price.

The main reason people are referred to a wireless solution is due to a lack of Telkom ADSL infrastructure around them.
This is a major problem within South Africa, and will always be. We have too many vast open spaces.
Wireless is a technology which is extremely advantageous in these types of situations.

Being a wireless operator, and not taking that into account is extremely ignorant in my opinion.
 
nand said:
Actually, I think you guys really like doing exactly that.
In my experience with you guys, I've had nothing but blanket statements.

I do not think you guys know your target market, at all.
You're not the cheapest around when it comes to having Internet: ADSL is still far cheaper than anything BitCo has put on the table.
You may pride yourselves as being the best, but we all know that's not true either. Commercial solutions extend far beyond what you can offer, be it at a price. There are even other WISPs that would be more cost effective in terms of quality vs price.

The main reason people are referred to a wireless solution is due to a lack of Telkom ADSL infrastructure around them.
This is a major problem within South Africa, and will always be. We have too many vast open spaces.
Wireless is a technology which is extremely advantageous in these types of situations.

Being a wireless operator, and not taking that into account is extremely ignorant in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Yoh, what warranted this attack?
 
nand said:
Actually, I think you guys really like doing exactly that.
In my experience with you guys, I've had nothing but blanket statements.

I do not think you guys know your target market, at all.
You're not the cheapest around when it comes to having Internet: ADSL is still far cheaper than anything BitCo has put on the table.
You may pride yourselves as being the best, but we all know that's not true either. Commercial solutions extend far beyond what you can offer, be it at a price. There are even other WISPs that would be more cost effective in terms of quality vs price.

The main reason people are referred to a wireless solution is due to a lack of Telkom ADSL infrastructure around them.
This is a major problem within South Africa, and will always be. We have too many vast open spaces.
Wireless is a technology which is extremely advantageous in these types of situations.

Being a wireless operator, and not taking that into account is extremely ignorant in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Baby want his bottle?
 
Hi all,

Just my 2c worth...

I have recently submitted my application to Bitco for a 5 Mbps uncapped account.

While the technicians have not been to site yet to check LOS, I must say that I am highly impressed with the interaction that I have had with Bitco via email and telephonically. All queries have been handled promptly and in a friendly manner, something that far too few companies do these days.

Looking forward to seeing what the technicians have to say.

Cheers,
Ian
 
Also had an enquiry for them for our company for internet and voip. Have had a good response so far. Waiting to see what the quality is like
 
nand said:
Actually, I think you guys really like doing exactly that.
In my experience with you guys, I've had nothing but blanket statements.

I do not think you guys know your target market, at all.
...
Click to expand...

Actually they have their target market pretty spot on.
I want a quality connection, minimal downtime, good & stable latency and I am willing to pay more than what DSL costs in order to get it. I don't care about downloading the entire internet or abusing a service under the false pre-tense of "uncapped".
When I want my internet to work, it must work.
When I want it to be fast, it must be fast.

This is what Bitco offers and there are many individuals like myself who think their solution and service is brilliant.
Judging by the number of people who are taking up bitco and are giving positive feedback is testament itself.
 
Pitbull said:
Yoh, what warranted this attack?
Click to expand...
My review. I wish I could have done it as an avid consumer, but this is unfortunately the closest I'll ever be.

Deadmanza said:
Baby want his bottle?
Click to expand...
I'm entitled to laying down my opinion based on actual experience with them, don't you think?
If you were in conflict with their nature of operation, you would have done the same.

Based on other's reported LOS issues, South Africa doesn't need another operator that only accommodates a tiny portion of people whom they deem are worthy.
We already have Telkom for that, and it's something which I think Wireless Internet Service Providers aught to fix.

I'd like that bottle now.

Murmaider said:
Actually they have their target market pretty spot on.
/snip
Judging by the number of people who are taking up bitco and are giving positive feedback is testament itself.
Click to expand...
I know that there are people who are satisfied with BitCo. But, there's two sides to a coin, this is yours, unfortunately not mine.
 
It would just be REALLY nice if they were to extend services into the VAST UNTAPPED RESOURCES of the East Rand .... it ends in Benoni ...

geez guys there are literally HUNDREDS of people here without Internet and phones because Telkom simply CANNOT grasp the fact that copper should go UNDER the ground ...

For some reason the only people servicing this area are charging really exorbitant prices for their service ...

What are Bitco's plans regarding the East Rand, if any ? Would really like to know ?
 
Last edited:
nand said:
My review. I wish I could have done it as an avid consumer, but this is unfortunately the closest I'll ever be.


I'm entitled to laying down my opinion based on actual experience with them, don't you think?
If you were in conflict with their nature of operation, you would have done the same.

Based on other's reported LOS issues, South Africa doesn't need another operator that only accommodates a tiny portion of people whom they deem are worthy.
We already have Telkom for that, and it's something which I think Wireless Internet Service Providers aught to fix.

I'd like that bottle now.


I know that there are people who are satisfied with BitCo. But, there's two sides to a coin, this is yours, unfortunately not mine.
Click to expand...


So this is all because they either don't have coverage in your area or you don't have clear LOS?
 
Pitbull said:
So this is all because they either don't have coverage in your area or you don't have clear LOS?
Click to expand...
Nope, I have coverage from three individual BitCo highsites according to their coverage map.
 
@ Garth, is there a exact time that the connection has to be tested for once installation is done? Because the install guys said yesterday we should be able to use it by Friday, it sooooo long still:p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X