Cell provider conundrum

[JP_KavCal]

Hi All,

I have been trying to figure out all the ins and outs about the different networks as I am looking to move off of cell c (20 odd percent call success rate has finally thrown me off). I am just struggling to fins a comparable package. I was on the straight up 100 (100 mins, 100sms and 100mb) which I would top up with an extra 500mb data, this is more than enough for me. The sms's aren't a need. What I would however like is as short a contract as is possible (Mont-month or 6 month) or alternatively to move to prepaid.

I have tried a Telkom mobile card in my area and the reception is abysmal, even with the roaming. So I'm really only left with Vodacom or MTN, both of which do have coverage in my area. I don't know whether it is just me, but I find their websites not informative enough/user friendly, so have gotten lost a few times. If anybody is on these networks, could you please let me know what the reception is like (Particularly in the Durban and surrounds area) and throw any ideas at me regarding the way forward. Maybe some of the network reps could provide some info.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Debeer165]

I'll personally never give my business to Vodacom ever again in future, so if I was in your shoes I'd take MTN and add on an Afrihost data bundle. MTN should have 6 month contracts available, though I've been having issues finding competently staffed stores as none of them know about anything other than the 24 month option. I rarely call, so I'd take the smallest contract, the Anytime Topup 50 which is 29 bucks a month, then add Afrihost data as needed, likely 1 or 2 GB a month in my case.

I assume you have a cell, and just need a provider?

 

[JP_KavCal]

Thanks for the response Debeer! That's it. I have a cell. I was actually just looking into the Afrihost data option. Do you use it? If so, how is the coverage? Do they simply ride on MTN?

 

[Debeer165]

I'll be heading in to an MTN branch again this weekend to hopefully get the actual contract (have to wait for cancellation on Voda to go through first). I did have one of the direct SIMs from Afrihost though and signal worked very well for me during my holiday at Richards Bay, and I'll have 4G in pta where I stay. The 3G tested at 10mbps at home via the dongle.

Yep, Afri are basically just piggybacking on MTN and the data runs through them, while MTN is still the carrier for voice etc. Can't say much about the calling rates on MTN though since I'm more concerned with the data than the actual telephony haha, luckily it is a Topup so no OOB crap and you control how much you put on it.

 

[sajunky]

I have tried a Telkom mobile card in my area and the reception is abysmal, even with the roaming. So I'm really only left with Vodacom or MTN, both of which do have coverage in my area.

I hardly believe this, as roaming to MTM is seamless and roaming data is full speed (like Afrihost). Perhaps you tried with non-roaming SIM or roaming SIM with non-roaming data package. SimSonke can roam MTN now, you should try again, I think.
SimSonke is great @75c/29c call rate. Not so good for data, as you need to purchase all networks bundle. And remember to load it.

If you want contract, there is a new Telkom Business offer: Smart One Rate postpaid or topup. If you don't need handset (BYO) there is also month-to-month subscription. All cellular services are roaming to MTN with one flat rate:
- Monthly subscription R49p/m (no bundled minutes/data/SMS)
- voice 79c p/m
- data 15c/MB
- SMS/MMS 21c
- WiFi 10GB before throttling

This offer is more suitable in higher usage scenario, but check maybe it also matches your normal voice 100min/pm usage.

 

[Debeer165]

As sajunky said, telkom also has roaming on MTN. Sadly that 15c/MB is hella high, and having to buy all network bundles would work out more expensive than straight up Afrihost.

Then the big question becomes, how much do you call? At a certain amount of calls the 79c/pm saving overtakes the reduced data cost and Telkom then becomes the better option.

 

[JP_KavCal]

I tried the sim-sonke card. I hadn't loaded any data, but my signal was on 1 bar... I forced it onto MTN, which gave me full strength, but it didn't allow me to use data. I'll try load a data bundle and some airtime tonight and give it another try.

I'm currently paying around R175 at cell c, on sim sonke I can pretty much get the same for R170 (R75 for 100mins and R95 for 500mb roaming data), so no real price difference.

One last question for the day. Is it possible to force it to roam on mtn?

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[Debeer165]

Hmmm I think you can force it yes, it depends on your phone I guess. Thing is with Telkom you get Telkom data and all network data, the Telkom data (which is what you likely purchased) only works through Telkom, not on roaming. For roaming you'd need to buy the more expensive all network bundles.

 

[JP_KavCal]

The good news is that I did manage to force it onto MTN using the more expensive data bundle, I also managed to make a few calls out with a lot less hassle. I think I'll give it a bash next month on the sim-sonke, forced to mtn, and see how it handles.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Oh and just as a heads up, I went into MTN yesterday asking about the my MTNChoice (To use with Afrihost) contract on a 6 month contract and nobody could give me an answer. If you read the Terms and conditions at the back of the Yello magazine it states that the contracts are available in 6, 12 and 24 month lengths. None of the staff, including the manager had seen that before though. I am still waiting for them to call me back with more info.

 

[Debeer165]

I had the exact same issue with the staff at the Brooklyn mall when I last went, pure and utter incompetence and lack of training. The 6 month contract exists, it is available, but you need to find a branch that knows wtf they are doing.

 

[JP_KavCal]

I ended up contacting the MTN south africa facebook page and got an answer reasonably quick. He confirmed that 6month contracts are only available for MTN Anytime packages and no other contracts.