Can Cell C HSPA be used as backup for ADSL in a business environment?

[Saajid]

Hi. As the Q states, I'd like to use Cell C HSPA (60GB or 24GB promo) as a backup to our current ADSL connection at the office.

Before I go out and buy one of the prepaid promo packages, I have a few questions that need answering:

1. Is it possible to get a public IP address from Cell C? Is this automatic, or do I need to apply for one?
2. What router and/or USB speedstick would you recommend? We definitely need a router, but which speedstick in combination with which router works the best?
   • I would prefer something that I can connect an external antenna to. Router would go into our server room, and we'll put up a pole outside to mount the antenna.
   • Router needs to support VPN.
   • Router needs to support DynDNS.com services.
   • All the usual bells and whistles (port forwarding,
3. What happens after if we hit the cap in each month? Can we top up, and at what prices?

Any assistance would be appreciated. Further advice/comments/criticism welcome as well. Thanks!

 

[Saajid]

Anyone?

 

[undesign]

/Posts to follow thread

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Hi

As for the public IP, you have to apply here : Application for Unrestricted APN

Any compatible router (such as the Huawei B970b) router will work with CellC. (In this case, the B970b will work, but its PPTP VPN passthrough functionality is braindead).

And, yes, it will work if you've got a good signal.

 

[Base122]

Is it possible to get a public IP address from Cell C? Is this automatic, or do I need to apply for one?

Unrestricted APN as The_Librarian has said.

What router and/or USB speedstick would you recommend? We definitely need a router, but which speedstick in combination with which router works the best?

Router: TP-LINK MR3420 or MR3220. Handy if you have wireless clients as well, else just switch the radio off.
Speedstick: Not sure, but one with an external antenna connector would be preferable. Could use an inductive coupler, but not so efficient.

I would prefer something that I can connect an external antenna to. Router would go into our server room, and we'll put up a pole outside to mount the antenna.

Careful not to use too long a cable to minimize signal loss. Most external antenna kits come with 7m cables. Might not be practical for you.

Router needs to support VPN.

check. Although not sure how well this works.

Router needs to support DynDNS.com services.

check

All the usual bells and whistles (port forwarding,

check

What happens after if we hit the cap in each month? Can we top up, and at what prices?

One of these vouchers: http://www.cellc.co.za/internet/page/data-products/3gb-smartdata-voucher

 

[The_Unbeliever]

At this stage I do not recommend the Huawei B970/B970b as PPTP VPN passthrough does not work.

Look at alternatives.

CellC did the right thing by giving us the option of an unrestricted APN

Yay for CellC!

 

[1geoff99]

What router and/or USB speedstick would you recommend? We definitely need a router, but which speedstick in combination with which router works the best?

I would prefer something that I can connect an external antenna to. Router would go into our server room, and we'll put up a pole outside to mount the antenna.

The following modems are available locally, have proper external antenna connectors, and work with the TP-Link MR3420 router:

Huawei E372 / Vodafone K4605
Huawei E367
Sierra AirCard USB 307

 

[Saajid]

Thanks everyone for the useful info and recommendations. Now to get my Cell C package, and start testing.

Will I be able to buy the package, test it for a few days to check coverage, signal quality, and speed, and then return it if it is not satisfactory? How much will I lose out on if I return it?

 

[sajunky]

Will I be able to buy the package, test it for a few days to check coverage, signal quality, and speed, and then return it if it is not satisfactory? How much will I lose out on if I return it?

CPA? Don't count on that! Test it first. Think starter pack R1 plus 3GB Smartdata Voucher R399 valid for one year (or smaller bundle).