Choosing an ISP - Help!

[Kalmah]

Hey everyone!

First post here, boom!

I have an ISP decision to make and would like some more savvy assistance in doing so. First time doing this all myself.

I'm moving into a new house in Fish Hoek, I unfortunately can only get a 4Mps line (To my disappointment, was hoping for Fibre/VDSL) so I'm only looking at those options atm.

My "profile" would be: I'm a gamer, I stream a lot, download big games from Steam etc. Want to get something like Netflix eventually. Would like to do a bit more downloading in general, but not really a data guzzler.
I want to have reliable and stable internet for 2 people who game and stream etc.
I'm not really too fussed about price anywhere up to R800pm, I want to have quality—but the cheaper the better as usual.

Question 1: Uncapped or Capped?
First big question is whether to go with Capped or Uncapped. I've been advised that Uncapped accounts are more likely to be shaped and have slower speeds etc. and that I should go with a Capped account, but I've also been told by potential ISP's that this isn't necessarily the case. What to do?

Question 2: Which ISP?
I've trawled through multiple MyBroadband posts and there is equal like and dislike for every ISP. Nothing very decisive other than trying to remember how much positive/negative comments their are regarding the ISP. Lol.

I looked at the Q1 poll on which is the top ISP for 2017.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/adsl/196402-best-adsl-ftth-and-mobile-isps-in-south-africa.html

My choices then being the top 3 contenders.
In general the "Premium offers seems more appealing to me.

Quick info from websites:
Sorry if errors, but I think it's accurate.

Uncapped options:
ISP: Cybersmart
Price: R579pm
Package: 4Mbps Home Uncapped

ISP: Crystal Web
Price: R628pm
Package: 4Mbps Premium Home Uncapped

ISP: Axxis
Price: R499pm
Package: 4Mbps Premium Uncapped Combo

Capped Options:
ISP: Cybersmart
Price: R618pm
Package: 4Mbps Capped
Data: 200GB
Perks: 1000GB Free 12:30am to 7:00am
Options: GrowForLife and Cap Saver - for extra money pm

ISP: Crystal Web
Price: R628pm
Package: 4Mbps Xtreme Home Capped
Data: 250GB
Perks: Uncapped from 12:00am to 18:00

ISP: Axxess
Price: R539
Package: 4Mbps Capped
Data: 300GB
Perks: 3month data rollover, Unlimited data between 12:00am and 6:00am


I think I'm leaning towards CrystalWeb for highest rated "Network Quality" (Which is most important to me), the way the packages are marketed such as:
"It is ideally suited for low-latency applications such as gaming, and employs our unique No-Buffer streaming network systems to ensure smooth playback of the best shows the world has to offer."
and the 18hrs of Uncapped data per day if I went with the Capped package.

Any help steering me over the final decision making bump would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance. ^_^

PS. I've considered maybe some sort of wireless option such as Wiber? But for consistency for gaming I'm quite against that, naturally. But if more educated info on an option such as this—I'm all ears.

 

[JOEY_8]

Capped is the way to go. I'm sure you wouldn't want to deal with the shaping and throttling that comes with Uncapped.

With regards to ISP, I have capped accounts with both Axxess and Afrihost. Axxess seems to be more affordable, since the accounts are completely unshaped. Always on the ball, notifying users very quickly on any Network Issues.

Afrihost's only benefit is FreeTime between 12-8am. They run on the same Network so issues affecting Afrihost affects Axxess.

CrystalWeb has been a huge favorite for the past few months, but recently they have been having many issues. Also, they do shape accounts 'whenever necessary'.

My advice is to get Free 1GB Accounts with these ISP's and try them out for yourself.

 

[moedawood]

I got the uncapped 4Mbps promo from Telkom.

It's R 599 with all rentals included. The package is unshaped.

There is 2 FUPs though.
@180GB - throttled for 3hrs a day. (7pm - 9pm)
@275GB - throttled from 7am - 11.59pm.

Any usage between 12am - 7am doesn't count towards FUP.

 

[m0zy]

1. Capped is the way to go. I'm sure you wouldn't want to deal with the shaping and throttling that comes with Uncapped.
3. My advice is to get Free 1GB Accounts with these ISP's and try them out for yourself.

2 bits of very good advice!

 

[Kalmah]

Thanks so much for the replies.

So that starts to narrow down my options towards capped products.
@ClasherJ8: I think you your right in saying that testing a few different ISP's might be the best option.

Is it safe to say that capped products generally won't be shaped during peak hours?
Like get home from work and you just want to stream something but it keeps on buffering until you just give up kinda thing ;P

 

[JOEY_8]

Is it safe to say that capped products generally won't be shaped during peak hours?
Like get home from work and you just want to stream something but it keeps on buffering until you just give up kinda thing ;P

Yes, it is. That's why its important to test the 1GB accounts out during Peak hours and see which one performs the best. Some ISP's do shape non-realtime services (http downloads, Torrents) during peak hours on Capped Accounts. Streaming and Gaming services shouldn't be affected