Cell C Network Issues: Disconnects, Coverage, Throughput Problems - Report Here

Location: Midrand (Noordwyk, ext 1)
Time of issue: 9pm
Device: ZTE black
Contract type: post-paid
Existing reference numbers: none
Speedtest results: Follow this speedwave
Other: Tonight it is stable - up for over an hour so far. Yesterday I was timing out on FTP connections, unable to browse facebook - unusable. It changes on a daily basis. Connection stays on, but it is unusable.

[UPDATE]
Upload speed is unusable. Like hovering around 0.03Mbps. I had to connect my phone again just to upload a 800KB file last night.
 
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Glipsie said:
Location: Sunninghill, Johannesburg
Time of issue: 19:25 2011-05-04 (ongoing since mid april see http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...wer-problems?p=5958000&viewfull=1#post5958000)
Device (Huawei / ZTE): Huawei 1820
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk:
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): HSPA+
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): http://www.speedtest.net/result/1281398282.png and http://www.speedtest.net/result/1281415308.png
Cell ID (if possible): 19172
RSSI (if possible): -70 dbm
Click to expand...

Speed is ok (not quite 7Mb I was getting in Jan) this morning: http://www.speedtest.net/result/1285219572.png (9:15 Saturday 7 May)
But ping spikes are still horrendous:
Pinging www.l.google.com [155.232.240.19] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=102ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=592ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=77ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=85ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=73ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=81ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=89ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=67ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=75ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=103ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=101ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=96ms TTL=48
Reply from 155.232.240.19: bytes=32 time=420ms TTL=48


*Edit
2011-05-09 23:00
Down to below 2Mb
http://www.speedtest.net/result/1288721971.png
 
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Location: Randpark Ridge
Time of issue: I can't remember when it worked last
Device: Black Cell C modem (E1820)
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: n/a
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): n/a

I get an RSSI of -73 - but won't attach to any tower.

From pings of 50 and downloads of between 3-4mbps - I now get pings of 4 seconds and - if I'm lucky -50-60kbps speeds. If it's not dead entirely, I get slow EDGE (I didn't pay R3,000.00 for EDGE!) or a decent RSSI, but it won't attach to any tower.
 
Location: Claremont, Cape Town
Date & Time of Issue: 12:12PM
Device Manufacturer & Model (e.g. Huawei E1820, ZTE MF190): E1752
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Pre-Paid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: na
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): ALL
www.speedtest.net results (if possible):
Cell ID (if possible): Livingstone Tower
RSSI (if possible): 63
Any other information relevant to the problem: No throughput on either Cellphone nor White Speedstick. Call centre keeps disconnecting. Cannot make calls to anyone, without the call being dropped. 084 155 5555, also disconnects straight after Trevor speaks. Getting really annoyed with this now.
 
Physical address, location or Coordinates: Ednam Road, Newlands, Cape Town
Type of service (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid
Time of Issue: Since April
Dongle / handset used, Make and Model: Huawei 1820
What OS and version are you using on the connecting device (Windows / Mac / Linux): Windows
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): http://www.speedtest.net/result/1286752967.png
CELL ID: 40502
RSSI: ranges between -77dBm and -87dBm

My problems in order of frustration:

1. My connection is SLOW. See the speedtest.
2. My connection drops regularly. Especially during peak times.
3. This morning (2011/05/08) I could connect to CellC but had NO data throughput.
4. 1 of 5 times I connect, I can only access the CellC website (yes this is still an issue!)

All of the above are recurring problems and have been so since APRIL, a month after I purchased my 21Mbps Speedstick!!!
Yes I have called CellC, I have logged multiple tickets since April, cant find any reference no's right now - im looking through correspondence and it seems I wasnt given any.
084 155 5555 DOES NOT WORK, its silent and hangs up my call after 10sec!!!
I have written multiple complaints on HelloPeter. Got called by a CellC Rep. Fruitless discussion. On that note.. Please fire Nothando Sicongwana Admin Escalations Cust Exp - out of a cannon into the moon
I filled out a Network Problem Investigation Sheet sent to me by a CellC Rep (Christian Zuma <[email protected]>). No response. Even sent a follow up message - NO response. He's a useless individual - oxygen thief!

Im all for a full refund. Anyone with more info on the Consumer Protection Act please post. I have been a loyal CellC customer for around 6 years now, but I agree this is scandalous!
 
Location: Northcliff, Randburg
Time of issue: last couple of weeks
Device (Huawei / ZTE): E1820
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): prepaid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: n/a (haven't bothered phoning yet - it's pointless)
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): HSPA+
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): http://www.speedtest.net/wave/8105320449a6b577
Cell ID (if possible): 12292
RSSI (if possible): -85dBm
Any other information relevant to the problem: very slow speeds and almost non existant uploads, poor pings too, this has been ongoing for the last couple of weeks, sometimes as per my previous posts there is no throughput at all
 
Location: Kyalami, Midrand
Time of issue: past 2-3 months
Device (Huawei / ZTE): E1820?? - White speedstick
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): prepaid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: no response from queries logged with technical
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): HSPA+
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): When it works, about 1,5 - 2Mb/s, otherwise 10Kb/s
Cell ID (if possible): 16143
RSSI (if possible): -87dBm
Any other information relevant to the problem: Full signal strength, but no throughput. Constantly have to disconnect and reconnect to do anything. If you leave it idle for 2 minutes, then no throughput again. Have 2GB bundle but cannot finish it fo rteh month due to the throughput and the constant need to disconnect and reconnect...
 
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Location: Noordwyk, Midrand (ON LEVER ROAD - VERY CLOSE TO VODACOM WORLD)
Time of issue: past 2 months
Device (Huawei / ZTE): Huawei E1820 (Black Modem)
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): prepaid.
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: gave up with helpdesk.
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): between 80 and 96% signal strength HSPA+...less then 1mps...extremely slow.
Cell ID (if possible):
RSSI (if possible):

Any other information relevant to the problem:
Full signal strength, connected but no throughput. Disconnects every few mins, sometimes it refuses to connect at all. Sometimes the modem seems as if it has hung. i.e. blue light on modem remains fixed. Constantly have to disconnect (unplug) and reconnect. (with & without router) . If idle for few minutes, then no throughput again. Same modem tested with vodacom sim works 100% connected for weeks on end. What is going on in the Midrand area?
 
Hi All

******ATTENTION RANDBURG AREAS*********

we have had a meeting with networks. we are going to send tech to all your street address.
Please can you PM contact numbers and street address......
i do require info ASAP

Regards
~AM~
 
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Are techs being sent to Randburg simply due to the volume of complaints coming from that area? I pointed out a network issue in Fourways to tech support a week ago and there doesn't seem to be much motivation to correct it.

Location: Fourways, JHB (right next to Fourways Crossing)
Date & Time of Issue: Problem since May 1, zero uptime since then
Device Manufacturer & Model: Cell C whoosh 2gb/5gb sims in Huawei E1820 and/or Samsung Galaxy tab
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: TT 1368444
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): Haven't been able to get off Edge
Any other information: Walking around entire complex and can't get off Edge, even though I was confirmed to be in a full coverage area. Sims work perfectly when taking them to another area not far away.
 
Just bought me a R1499 2Gb prepaid speedstick (E1752 White Huawei 7.2mbs) yesterday (2011/05/10), took It home and these are my results:

Physical address, location or Coordinates: Douglasdale, Fourways (pretty much at Fourways High School)
Date & Time of Issue: 2011/05/09, 18:00 - 23:00
Device Manufacturer & Model (e.g. Huawei E1820, ZTE MF190): Huawei (White 7.2mbs one from Cell C)
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid (R1499 for 2Gb/month)
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: n/a
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): Constant cyan light when connected (Bottom left says WSDMA when disconnected, then HSPA when connected, 98% signal strength)
www.speedtest.net results (if possible):
http://www.speedtest.net/result/1288445760.png
Cell ID (if possible): unknown
RSSI (if possible): -95dBm


After midnight I managed to get a 75ms, 5Mb/s DL, 2.03Mb/s UL - unfortunately I'm usually sleeping then. If it's not fixed within 5 days I'll have to take it back :(

Edit: More specific RAT added.
 
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Location: Eagle Canyon
Time of issue: Since November
Device: Black Cell C modem
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: n/a
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): n/a
Any other information relevant to the problem: Was told the Honewdew Spar tower 21682 would be converted to 3G - was never done. Speeds abysmal - 5kbps etc.
 
Location:pta doornpoort
Date & Time of Issue: every night from 4pm - early am
Device Manufacturer & Model: ZTE MF190
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): post paid
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: n/a
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): HSPA+
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): 2.3kbps Down/Up 8.1kbps
Cell ID (if possible):29013
RSSI (if possible):-81dBm
Any other information relevant to the problem: SUPER SLOW SPEEDS for hspa!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Location: Birch Acres, Kempton Park
Time of issue: Since February
Device: White Huawei Speedstick
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): Prepaid 2GB per month
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: 1364723 & various others
www.speedtest.net results (if possible): n/a
Any other information relevant to the problem: Since the USB stick was purchased in February it constantly disconnects or starts flashing and I have to manually disconnect. It never stays connected for more than a minute or two. The best I ever got was 10 minutes one Sunday afternoon.
I logged the complaint numerous times on the FB page and was contacted a number of times by technicians who did not seem to understand the problem, and various solutions were offered, none of which worked.
I was then asked to send the stick in for "repairs" which I did and it came back 2 weeks later with the software updated.
Since then the problem has persisted. Eventually I was told that it was a network problem and I would be contacted by a technician and I am still waiting. When I look at the coverage map, it seems as if the entire area round where I live is covered except for the block (literally) where I live.
I need a solution as I am obviously losing out on a lot of Gigs worth of bandwidth.
 
neetz108 said:
Location: Noordwyk, Midrand (ON LEVER ROAD - VERY CLOSE TO VODACOM WORLD)
Time of issue: past 2 months
Device (Huawei / ZTE): Huawei E1820 (Black Modem)
Contract Type (pre- or post-paid): prepaid.
Existing reference numbers from Helpdesk: gave up with helpdesk.
RAT (2G/3G/HSPA+): between 80 and 96% signal strength HSPA+...less then 1mps...extremely slow.
Cell ID (if possible):
RSSI (if possible):

Any other information relevant to the problem:
Full signal strength, connected but no throughput. Disconnects every few mins, sometimes it refuses to connect at all. Sometimes the modem seems as if it has hung. i.e. blue light on modem remains fixed. Constantly have to disconnect (unplug) and reconnect. (with & without router) . If idle for few minutes, then no throughput again. Same modem tested with vodacom sim works 100% connected for weeks on end. What is going on in the Midrand area?
Click to expand...

any word on this @cellc? ive barely managed to use 40mb from this months 5GB....:mad:
 
Cellc , may we please get a few updates on the issues here? Another month is going without being able to use our cap!
 
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