Data Transfer Charges Comparison

[Spindrift]

Hi,

Thought I'd do some cost comparisons for the various different methods of transfering data around the vodacom network. After all, everything ends up as data in a GSM/GPRS network. Also I'm not an expert on GSM network so if you notice any mistake in my calculations let me know. The charges are calculated from the Vodacom 4U package which is what i have.

Here it is:

Voice (Full rate)
Cost: R2.99 per minute
Max Data transfered: 13kbps duplex = 26kbps = 0.186 MB per minute
in MB: 0.186MB
Synchronous: Yes, network send/receive immediately
Cost per MB: R16.08

SMS:
Cost: R0.80 per message
Max Data transfered: 280 bytes (140bytes*2 including free delivery report)
in MB: 0.000267MB
Synchronous: No, data only send when network is free
Cost per MB: R2996.25

MMS:
Cost: R0.80 per message
Max Data transfered: 300 kilobytes
in MB: 0.293MB
Synchronous: No, data only send when network is free
Cost per MB: R2.73

GPRS:
Cost: R2.00 per megabytes
Max Data transfered: NA
in MB: 1MB
Synchronous: Yes, network send/receive immediately
Cost per MB: R2.00


So to summarise the cost per meg:
Voice: R16.08
SMS: R2996.25
MMS: R2.73
GPRS: R2.00

I also readjusted cost with respect to GPRS (which is the cheapest). I'm sure someone will say ' no you cant do that', 'apples and oranges', 'different cost model', 'market forces' etc. but hey its just for comparison. This is the cost if vodacom were to run everything over GPRS (which they might already be doing):

Voice: 38c per min
SMS: 0.0534c per sms + free report
MMS: 58.6 cents per sms

Some comments:

1. I think one thing we can say for sure is that SMS is way overpriced since it isnt even synchronous. They can price it way cheaper by running it over GPRS. This means sms should cost much less than a cent each (with free delivery report).

2. GSM Full rate codec only need 13kbps which means that it is possible to carry the voice data over GPRS for cheaper. Why arent the handset manufacturer make phones that can do this? This will reduced the voice call to 38c per min. I'd be nice if my phone can do voice over gprs using the already built-in GSM encoder/decoder in my cellphone.

What do you guys think?

Spinz

 

[Vio]

I'm sure someone will say ' no you cant do that', 'apples and oranges', 'different cost model', 'market forces' etc.

LOL that almost sounds like a Telkom manager in training

 

[cyberbob]

now why would Vodacom (or anyone else) want to do that, I mean going from 80c/sms to 1c/sms (rounded) that's a rather big profit cut.

Personally, I wish the would ... but what are the chance?

 

[Spindrift]

now why would Vodacom (or anyone else) want to do that, I mean going from 80c/sms to 1c/sms (rounded) that's a rather big profit cut.

Personally, I wish the would ... but what are the chance?

Because they already have a big cost cut. GPRS allows them to provide the service for much cheaper. They should pass the saving along? They can maintain the same profit margin.


Spinz

 

[cyberbob]

ahh, you used the key word their ... "should" ...

yes, we all would hope that they "would" pass the saving along, but weather (is that the right one ) or not they do pass it along is another story!

 

[cyberbob]

frankly though, at the moment I'd just be happy if my 3G service was restored ... since late friday night, it's been hellishly slow (normally pretty damn fast)!!!

what's going on??? I'm in the wynberg/plumbstead area in CPT!

 

[Tazz_Tux]

This is the cost if vodacom were to run everything over GPRS (which they might already be doing):

Hey Spindrift,

Here are those comments :

1) Vodacom don't make up the GSM Spec.
2) You are comparing two networks to each other, GSM Voice and data
3) You "can't" use GPRS for voice due to a couple of things like lag on the channels, lack of channels. Yes PPT does it, but in bursts.
4) SMS Was intro'ed into GSM as a GSM service, as you saw, rather send a MMS
5) Your 280 bytes of data....hhhhmmmm....wouldn't 160 bytes be better ? Since I think you should take what the avg. Joe (no Joe's on forums I hope ) "can" send
6) Nokia has already bought out a VOIP phone. Just think at the huge change it brings, you now need Directory Services to tie IP's to "phone numbers" etc.

Don't get me wrong, I am sure Vodacom will agree with me on this, I would LOVE to see everything as data, with QOS, the works ! For Vodacom (or anyone) it is easier to work with data packets than with didcated channels. Imaging joining Vodacom and MTN via a VPN instead of the how ever many diginets they have now.

The Future:

Your call from SA to some-very-far-away-place, can now be made via the internet, you call someone and they can answer from their computer, or "ON SCREEN !" on their home theater system. You decide what movie you wanna watch, download it to your Multi-CPU (tm) PDA (hehehehe) and transfer it to you TV when you get home. All over data !

Man - that would rock !!!

Give it time, they take a while to release the specs (GSM,GPRS,UMTS) but they seem to know what they doing so let them work !

Laterz !

 

[Spindrift]

Tazz_tux,

I am indeed comparing two different networks (but they do share the same endpoints). Although you wouldnt be able to tell that looking at the pricing. It is clear that MMS and GPRS are priced similarly because they run over the same network, while voice and sms while both run over GSM (supposedly), the prices are not in sync. You'd think that SMS is sent over some superduper network that is made out of gold and platinum (or just a telkom network lol).

In fairness I should perhaps have used voice charges as comparison for SMS charges. Doing this means SMS should be charged 3 cents (rounded up).

However, the reason i made the comparison with GPRS is that GPRS is a better network to send sms over, because of the factors you yourself has raised. GSM is more reliable and synchronised, while sms requires neither. It does cost more to run a GSM network and hence the network is justified in charging higher for traffic running over GSM. However, my logic here is that SMS is more efficient to send over a data-centric, asynchronous network like GPRS and I'd be surprised if they are not already doing that. If they are, then my comparison is justified. SMS should cost less than a cent. However, I'd settle for 20c per sms - giving them (at least) a huge 5000% profit. (or if they want less profit they can send my sms over GSM and make only 600% profit. Which one would you send sms over if you were vodacom?

I do look forward to the future too. It does sounds cool.

Spinz