Fishing for new ISP

[RudolfHenning]

Until recently (today) I was using Uninet as a service provider but due to their totally pathetically weak service and customer care I've canceled everything. What I would like to know is what other options are 'out there' that might be comparable but also temporary as my home is in the market and getting a fixed line won't make sense now.
I had (was suppose to ) a 256kbs connection with no cap but it was shaped. Was paying around R600/Month (yes, ripoff I know)

Any suggestions are welcome.

Oh yes, I stay in the Cape Town northern suburbs

 

[Saajid]

... getting a fixed line won't make sense now....

So basically, you're looking for a Wireless option? Then I'd suggest you stay away from iBurst, and even further, much further away from Neotel. Your best bet is to try Vodacom HSDPA.

But I still think ADSL is the best solution. If you already have a Telkom fixed line, then just phone Telkom, and apply for ADSL. They'll be able to tell you over the phone whether your line supports ADSL or not. Remember not to go for any 24 month contracts or other crap.

Tell them you only want to apply for the ADSL access portion, and that you will choose your own ISP.

Then get a 1GB Afrihost ADSL account, at R29, and topup with additional GB at R14.50 per GB (top-up price of R14.50 per GB is only for November).

Then when your house finally gets sold, and you need to move, just cancel your ADSL line, and maybe your Afrihost account. Then apply for ADSL at your new place.

You can use the same modem you purchased.

In any case, whether you choose iBurst, Neotel, Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom, you gonna have to fork out for a modem, either upfront, or amortised over a 24 month contract. So decide what you want to spend your money on, and what internet connection you want to use in the long run.

But whatever you do, don't sign any contracts, and choose month to month. With all the changes happening in the market, you'll want to be able to move to the cheapest ISP...

I highly recommend ADSL, especially if you don't need mobility, and if you already have a Telkom line.

 

[RudolfHenning]

Thanks for the info. I forgot to mention I have an MTN HSDPA modem for my laptop which I used as a backup (limited to 500MB/Month). My other machines are all desktops so they are sort of 'fixed'. I need something that I can share among them all - as I have an existing network with switching/router etc. For now they'll all have to manually share the MTN modem.
Unfortunately I don't have any Telkom line at home - nor would I apply for one now. Once the home is sold and I get a new property I'll apply for ADSL again.

 

[guest2013-1]

Unfortunately you won't find a wireless ISP other than 3G being affordable or the effort to get, almost all of them require you pay for the equipment upfront and they install antenna's on your property.

What I'll do is stick that R600 you used to pay into a data bundle and use that. You're going to need to get used to watching your usage though, but like you said, it's temporary until you can get ADSL again.

To me it would be useless to pay up to R2k for someone to come install wireless at your house that you're selling anyway, then have to move (possibly) out of coverage and need the guy to reinstall again.

 

[RudolfHenning]

Thanks

 

[Saajid]

Unfortunately I don't have any Telkom line at home - nor would I apply for one now. Once the home is sold and I get a new property I'll apply for ADSL again.

How long do you expect until your house is sold? In my experience, with all the paperwork and lawyers and banks and bonds and water & lights accounts etc. that need to be sorted out, it'll take at least 2-3 months once the buyer signs an offer to purchase...

I'd prefer to be on ADSL even it's just for 2 or 3 months, than pay the ridiculous HSDPA rates, and be subject to Wireless quality...