Cheapest wireless with good coverage

[Scientific_Realist]

Hi guys,

I am looking for the cheapest wireless solution with the least fuss for my new laptop that I am getting soon (hopefully). I am currently happy with my iBurst desktop internet. I was just wondering if it is a good idea just to stay with it and get a laptop iBurst modem or move onto other service providers.

I am specifically looking at the cellphone companies' 3G offerings and how they compare to iBurst coverage-wise.

What I want is:
Good price (Number 1 priority)
Good coverage (Number 2 priority)
Good speed (ping is not an issue as I won't be gaming online on the laptop)
Easy setup (E.g. USD modem, not too many wires, easy dial-up setup etc.)
Good service
Easy top-up

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Ockie]

Vodacom pricing for prepaid:

Cheapest modem you looking @ about R940 -R1000.

Data Bundles prepaid:

MyMeg 5 5 R 9.25 R 1.85 R 2.00 R 2.00
MyMeg 20 20 R 28.00 R 1.40 R 2.00
MyMeg 75 75 R 88.00 R 1.17 R 2.00
MyMeg 150 150 R 119.00 R 0.79 R 2.00
MyMeg 250 250 R 139.00 R 0.56 R 1.50
MyMeg 500 500 R 189.00 R 0.38 R 1.20
MyGig One 1024 R 289.00 R 0.28 R 1.20
MyGig Two 2048 R 389.00 R 0.19 R 1.20
MyGig Three 3072 R 589.00 R 0.19 R 1.00
MyGig Five 5120 R 989.00 R 0.19 R 1.00
MyGig Ten 10240 R 1,989.00 R 0.19 R 0.50
MyGig Twenty 20480 R 3,899.00 R 0.19 R 0.45

for Vodacom coverage see http://www.vodamap.net/3g/

U can get the modem on a 24 month contract also should you wish to go that route.

It is always a good idea to test your coverage with a 3G phone to make sure ure signal is sufficient.

The 3G modems are now all USB and plug and play. Easy peasy.

OC

 

[Scientific_Realist]

Awesome, thank you very much for the reply. I currently have a talk 120 contract at Vodacom and I think I am due for an upgrade end of October. I will definitely consider it and hopefully get the 3G USB modem for free with the upgrade.

 

[Ockie]

What brand of phone do you like?

 

[Ockie]

Blackberry 8520 + K3520 USB modem @ R19.00 cash pay in on Talk 120.

If you tell me what phone you were hoping to get then I can adjust it.

 

[jasweb]

If you live in Pretoria, join PTAWUG. Cheapest (free, just buy kit) wireless with great coverage. See www.ptawug.co.za. No more expensive Windows, Antivirus, Linux... updates

 

[jasweb]

Then get 200Mb bundle for other Internet access...

 

[Scientific_Realist]

Blackberry 8520 + K3520 USB modem @ R19.00 cash pay in on Talk 120.

If you tell me what phone you were hoping to get then I can adjust it.

Sounds good. I like Sone Ericsson phones and phones that are not the size of bricks. I don't do too much on phones except the usual sms, call and occasional browsing to read e-mails. Nothing fancy, but if it has a nice camera it is a bonus I guess.

If you live in Pretoria, join PTAWUG. Cheapest (free, just buy kit) wireless with great coverage. See www.ptawug.co.za. No more expensive Windows, Antivirus, Linux... updates

Looks promising. Are there WUGs in other areas as well?

 

[Pilgrim]

Looks promising. Are there WUGs in other areas as well?

Yup.

 

[Scientific_Realist]

Oh I see, thanks. How much to get started e.g. kit and other accessories etc.? And is it good enough for a bit of online gaming? Low enough pings to play on international servers? I guess location is a factor. if it is the best possible location, how good is the speed (ping-wise)?

 

[Ockie]

Sony C902 + K3520 usb modem @ R249.00 cash pay in on Talk 120

 

[Scientific_Realist]

Thanks for all the input. I think the best for me atm is to go for that Vodacom upgrade with the USB modem. The Sony C902 does not look bad either.
Enjoy the weekend .

 

[Ockie]

U are welcome. Hope you enjoy enjoy ure new phone + modem

 

[Tweak]

If you live in Pretoria, join PTAWUG. Cheapest (free, just buy kit) wireless with great coverage. See www.ptawug.co.za. No more expensive Windows, Antivirus, Linux... updates

do it