Data add-on to MTN voice contract - cheapest method?

hellfire

hellfire

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So I'm about to renew my MTN contract.
Going from BB to Android.

One of my big concerns is data costs.
It appears that MTN have structured their deals quite cleverly in that a customer can get a good deal on a cell contract, and a good deal on a data contract - but not on the same sim card / line.

Thus if I want data to be used on my phone, I need to buy add-on bundles at R289/GB per month as opposed to getting the preferential data rate of a data contract at R149/2GB per month (R75/GB).
In terms of rand-for-rand comparison, that same R149 gets me 2GB on a data contract but only gets me a 300MB on a data bundle add-on.

So my questions are these:

  1. Is it possible to somehow get data-contract priced data on my phone contract?
  2. If it isn't possible, how do all you Android/iPhone/other users get decent data for your money?
  3. Any other suggestions as to how not to be screwed by these charges.
 
Really?
62 people who have read the above post aren't using data on their phones?
 
Sorry I can't help but I was meaning to post the same thing but as regards Vodacom, and I suppose the answers to your questions would help me too.
 
For the next month or so you can bolt on the R189/2Gb deal they're busy running.
The other option is taking the data contract, putting in on Wifi and using it when you are home.
 
ginggs said:
I'm using this:
http://www.cellc.co.za/cell-phone-deals/prepaid/cell-c-3gb-sim-on-3gb
You don't have to buy the SIM card, you can have it loaded as a bundle.
Click to expand...

The problem is that it's a Cell C offer and I'm using MTN

R13... said:
For the next month or so you can bolt on the R189/2Gb deal they're busy running.
The other option is taking the data contract, putting in on Wifi and using it when you are home.
Click to expand...

I have data/wifi at home already and can use that when I am there. However most of my time is not spent at home
 
Have the same problem, but mainly covered by wifi. I also can't convert my R 200 top-up credit to data bundles. Why? Because thats how they make their money :) I have considered getting their ridiculous Smartphone bundles for R49 for a better OOB rate, which would use my top-up credit at a better rate than lower end data bundles.
 
bvonfintel said:
Have the same problem, but mainly covered by wifi. I also can't convert my R 200 top-up credit to data bundles. Why? Because thats how they make their money :) I have considered getting their ridiculous Smartphone bundles for R49 for a better OOB rate, which would use my top-up credit at a better rate than lower end data bundles.
Click to expand...

That's actually a decent idea
 
So there also seems to be an option via FNB Connect.
They have a pay-as-you-use rate of 59c/MB; cheaper than the bundle rates of the "smartphone add-on".

Are there any other providers that have partnered with MTN and provide a different APN for data?
 
ginggs said:
Well, you did ask why there had been 62 views and no responses.
Click to expand...

There must be one myBB forumite who uses Mtn for voice and data, and has managed to wangle something in terms of data price
 
Today sent in my upgrade application from Blackberry to Galaxy Note. In exactly same boat as you. Once I have a solution will let you know
 
Options:
1. Go to the SP who allows to convert topup airtime to data bundle.
2. Want to stay on MTN network? Get 8ta contract, it can roam 3G (but no GoBig promotions).
3. Dual SIM device. I works stupid on voice (so called standby dual SIM), but maybe it allows simultaneous 3G data on one SIM and GSM voice on another. Check it out.
 
sajunky said:
Options:
1. Go to the SP who allows to convert topup airtime to data bundle.
2. Want to stay on MTN network? Get 8ta contract, it can roam 3G (but no GoBig promotions).
3. Dual SIM device. I works stupid on voice (so called standby dual SIM), but maybe it allows simultaneous 3G data on one SIM and GSM voice on another. Check it out.
Click to expand...

  1. My actual contract end date is in August - can't move until then. My growing hatred of my Blackberry, as well as my need for instant gratification means I just don't want to wait that long
  2. See point 1. Without the GoBig promotions, 8ta's offerings are not very attractive
  3. I want a Samsung Galaxy SII. It isn't a dual sim device
 
Since this thread is open - my MTN contract only give's me 10mb p/m - can I add prepaid data to phone on contract?
 
Hemps said:
Since this thread is open - my MTN contract only give's me 10mb p/m - can I add prepaid data to phone on contract?
Click to expand...


Yes you can. That's the whole problem :D
You can buy prepaid add-on bundles for phone contract, but can't buy an contract bundle for your phone contract
 
sajunky said:
Use Nokia 1616 R130 for calls, Galaxies for anythinh else. :)
Click to expand...

Tried the two phone thing previously. It doesn't work for me.
Took the plunge in terms of the upgrade - now playing with the Galaxy SII
 
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