FAQ Discussions - please read the sticky FAQ thread first

So if I want to buy a 3G card today, and I want to be totally sure that it will support HSDPA when it arrives, what do I need to ask the dealer to supply (and can they supply it now)?
 
HSDPA Release Date

Does vodacom3G or anyone else have any news about the release date of HSDPA? Is it going to be April/May as previously stated??Is it worth waiting for?
 
Still on track as per myADSL press release:

Vodacom’s HSDPA rollout, which will take place in three stages, has begun and the results look very promising.


Vodacom’s initial rollout plans were delayed due to the late delivery of software, but the new rollout is on schedule contrary to a previous media report.

The new HSDPA service, which will supply users with a mobile broadband service producing speeds of close to 2 Mbps, is an upgrade from their existing 3G service.

Vodacom is one of the leading Vodafone affiliates regarding HDPA rollout and it is indeed encouraging to see a South African company taking the lead in the broadband arena.

The first stage of Vodacom’s rollout involves a controlled trial in the Midrand area. The results from this trial look promising and Vodacom is confident about moving to phase 2 of the rollout.

The second phase will involve ‘friendly user’ trials at 50 sites throughout Gauteng and will run for a month.

This phase will start in the beginning of February and feedback from users will be utilized to ensure that all aspects of the service, including the new software and network, are up to scratch.

The third and final phase of Vodacom’s HSDPA rollout will start towards the end of March.

Users throughout South Africa can expect the commercial service to be on the shelves from April.

Vodacom has investment in a significant upgrade of their Internet backhaul and is confident that no bottlenecks will occur when users break out of their network.

The cellular giant currently makes use of both SAIX and Internet Solutions for bandwidth, but is looking into acquiring their own international bandwidth via satellite.

They are also part of the EASSy project which will supply them with international connectivity in future.

The new HSDPA cards will have HSDPA, 3G, EDGE and GPRS capabilities.

With around 30% of Vodacom’s network being EDGE enabled this new functionality is an added bonus for those predominantly mobile customers.

MTN is expected to launch their HSDPA service in the second quarter of this year but no firm commitments have as yet been made from their side.
 
And how much would this cost? I'm a student and this seems very promising and sincerely hope Vodacom will be reasonable with pricing.
 
You'll notice the data contracts are based on usage (i.e. you pay per data unit) and not speed, so (according to my understanding) the pricing will be as current.

You'll just get a much higher connection speed.
 
HSDPA indefinitely delayed

UNderstand HSDPA indefinitely delayed due to need for further testing. Seems it is not just data bundles that are giving problems!

Bruce
 
What causes puzzlement, IC? Am interested in upgrading to HSDPA and contacted Vodacom re potential date in April given have seen no ads for the service and April is only two weeks away. E-mailed me back to say "kindly be advised that we have extented our testing period and have no confirmation date as to when this service will be available." which suggests that Voda have encountered problems and have put back delivery date for commercial introduction to an unspecified time, at least as I read this comment. Either the web-page doesn't know what is happening (which would not be unusual) or April at least is off the table, it seems. Nother case of 'oops, we bungled' it seems like with the data bundles.
 
I'll try and trace the origin of this message. I've not heard of any delays.

For sure the network is ready afaik, for example every single 3G base station in the province I'm in is already on HSDPA....
 
Would appreciate, V3G. Need to know whether there is a genuine delay or this is more misinformation from inside the company. You don't need another data bundles debacle.
 
which download

Two questions please.
1. I have an existing 3G500 contract. Can I get the router at the advertised rates?

2. How do I know which Option card I have? I see 3 options Colt, Quad lite, Fusion. My card is about a year old, and I cannot see any name on it. Can I deduce it from a serial number or IMEI number?

PS. I recently installed an High gain antenna and works great.
 
1) I would assume so, but it will be a new, second contract. In your case an outright purchase would be the option to go for.

2) Probably the Colt if it's a year old. PM me the number on the card and I'll check up.

I'll also add it to the FAQ.
 
V3G,

Vodacom really have to keep their e-mail service up-to-date on what is or is not happening! At least we now know we don't have another prepaid data bundles! Thanks for the info.

Bruce
 
vodacom3g said:
The press release went out today stating commercial availability on the 2nd of April.
Click to expand...

Congrats vodacom. Quite impressive thats we ahead of the UK and Americans wrt cell technology.

Will it be available in all places where 3g is offered automatically?
 
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