Cell C SMTP problems?

[Tick]

Hi, anyone else having difficulties with the Cell C SMTP server? I have recently had to switch to using my Cell C for email, and am using 'mail.cmobile.co.za' but am frequently having problems when trying to send email, getting 'host has refused the connection' errors. The thing is, sometimes it works fine and the emails go out. But very often it doesn't work (maybe 30% of the time? not sure). Often it will be 'down' for hours or even half a day, and then suddenly it just starts working again (exact same emails in my outbox, so it's not the content of my emails).

The rest of the connection also works fine the whole time, e.g. browsing will work well and am getting speeds 2 or 3 Mbits/sec, so it's not a general problem with my connection. Disconnecting and reconnecting also doesn't seem to help.

Any ideas? If it was a general problem I would assume there would be lots of complaints here but I don't see any, so I guess the problem could be my side but I don't see how. Any alternative SMTP server I can use? (I tried using my regular SMTP server but it sometimes seems to block my Cell C IP address and that's outside my control.)

 

[Glingfram]

There is a general problem with Cell C's smtp servers, buyt it's not affecting everybody. They are currently compiling a list of affected users, and cannot give an estimated time to repair.

 

[Cell_C]

Hi, anyone else having difficulties with the Cell C SMTP server? I have recently had to switch to using my Cell C for email, and am using 'mail.cmobile.co.za' but am frequently having problems when trying to send email, getting 'host has refused the connection' errors. The thing is, sometimes it works fine and the emails go out. But very often it doesn't work (maybe 30% of the time? not sure). Often it will be 'down' for hours or even half a day, and then suddenly it just starts working again (exact same emails in my outbox, so it's not the content of my emails).

The rest of the connection also works fine the whole time, e.g. browsing will work well and am getting speeds 2 or 3 Mbits/sec, so it's not a general problem with my connection. Disconnecting and reconnecting also doesn't seem to help.

Any ideas? If it was a general problem I would assume there would be lots of complaints here but I don't see any, so I guess the problem could be my side but I don't see how. Any alternative SMTP server I can use? (I tried using my regular SMTP server but it sometimes seems to block my Cell C IP address and that's outside my control.)

Good day Tick

I have Email you a forum please can you complete.
I'll get on it and see what can do to help with issue.

Regards
~AM~

 

[Terencek]

Yes this does seem to be a general problem. I've had it intermittently for more than a week now.

 

[rjonker]

Cell C 3G data - Prepaid PROBLEMS

I have 2 distinct problems with Cell C 3G I recently bought. I have opted for the 5G 12 month prepaid option (R 3000 in all). I was told at the Cell C (shop in Centurion Mall) that Rustenburg & Kroondal is covered by Cell 3G only to find out that this is not the case! This was very upsetting. Now I am using this at my Centurion (PTA) home and use my 8ta 3G in Kroondal – 100%. Second problem – the 3G, although indicated as “connected” after a time just goes into a “mode” that requires me to unplug the USB device, put it back in again & restart the application. This I have to repeat approx 3 – 5 times everyday!!

I am hugely disappointed by Cell C 3G (and their TV advert is MISLEADING) & to compare this with 8Ta = no comparison. 8Ta speed & the stability is far superior and I wish Cell C can take this back to that I can get another 8ta 3G.

 

[Goobie]

I don't know if this is related but for the last couple of months I constantly have to click reload so that a webpage finish loading on CellC. It is especially bad when surfing by wi-fi on my HTC Desire. Constantly tapping reload so the page would finish loading. This was NEVER like this when I signed up. N E V E R!. Fortunately not too long before my 12 months are up. Considering moving to 8ta.

 

[sajunky]

Second problem – the 3G, although indicated as “connected” after a time just goes into a “mode” that requires me to unplug the USB device, put it back in again & restart the application. This I have to repeat approx 3 – 5 times everyday!!

If you cannot control your device from PC, you have another problem, not network related. It can be triggered by network condition (usually signal strenght), but it is still here and will come back eventually if you do not investigate it.

 

[rjonker]

Thanks for the feedback. It is only Cell C that does this with almost full signal strength. From the same PC, Vodacom 3G & 8ta 3G works 100%. The problem is squarely a Cell C problem, whether Data (not coverage) or with the Chinese (device vendor) device? I think however it is the first suggestion…

 

[sajunky]

Today most of devices devices are Chineese, all my devices at least. You are right to the point. However you must be aware that USB specification is not sufficient for modern modems requirements.