Hi, I'm a bit confused. If looks like I'm being charged for downloading using my blackberry (on device).Phoned 808 this morning to find out: "browsing is free but downloading NOT" WTF!! Can someone give some clarity: if I browse (on my blackberry) to a website and I click on a link to a mp3 file(podcast) and it asks to save file and I download it, is it still free to download? (Browser = internet browser)
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Free or not
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oronte
Expert Member
Assuming you're using the Blackberry Internet Browser it should be free (double check it doesn't say MTN/vodacom, you're charged for that). If your phone asked you to switch to wap for streaming you're charged. Downloads from the internet browser are free.
Sackboy
Executive Member
They appear to define browsing and downloading as separate. There is a limit to how much you can download.
They've also apparently limited the speed to keep control as well.
They've also apparently limited the speed to keep control as well.
bmchunu
Well-Known Member
I thought as much!!
I have a friend overseas so I can download zip's from him.
Any idea on the limits for downloading??
For R150 per month I wouldn't mind 10gb's or so
oronte
Expert Member
They don't limit speed, that is limited by number of users downloading at one time.
Download limits are dependant on type of file and change over time but are not less than 2.9mb.
Zip files are limited to about 5mb, mp3 to about 15mb, etc, but you can download as many files as you want (no limit there). I probably use about 2 or 3gb every month.
Download limits are dependant on type of file and change over time but are not less than 2.9mb.
Zip files are limited to about 5mb, mp3 to about 15mb, etc, but you can download as many files as you want (no limit there). I probably use about 2 or 3gb every month.
10i
Expert Member
BIS is normally unlimited browsing & email.
downloading @ R2 per MB unless a data bundle is loaded
downloading @ R2 per MB unless a data bundle is loaded
lovenalube
New Member
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If you are like me and do not want to get billed for downloading out of the BIS connection, then get an Internet Inhibitor bolted to your Vodacom line (I dunno what they call it on MTN/VM/Cell-C).
An Internet Inhibitor will block any internet access to the Service provider and hence no costs. Unfortunately you will not be able to get internet unless you use the BIS service.
I got my blackberry about a month ago and started getting charged extra when I thought i was using the free BIS service. After bolting my line I have had no extra charges and all my apps work fine.
An Internet Inhibitor will block any internet access to the Service provider and hence no costs. Unfortunately you will not be able to get internet unless you use the BIS service.
I got my blackberry about a month ago and started getting charged extra when I thought i was using the free BIS service. After bolting my line I have had no extra charges and all my apps work fine.
oronte
Expert Member
You can use Bolt to stream through youtube. You are charged on Blackberry browser for any streaming.
Sackboy
Executive Member
Why do you think the number of users is limited??
oronte
Expert Member
That's not what I said, read carefully.
Ok so I went to a MTN store today. They checked on my account and there are no charges outside my BIS usage (chargeable). They say only audio and video streaming is not free - all other downloading free. I have downloaded files as big as 20 MB and average so 100 KB/s - so no limiting on MTN.
Sackboy
Executive Member
Here's the logic. //..//..//
They don't want to limit the speed, so they limit the users (throttle) it to death. Then you get fed up because it's too slow + they don't react to the complaints.
Why bother offering something free if they're not going to provide for fair use?
oronte
Expert Member
Bear in mind your issue is Vodacom's fault, MTN users see slightly lower speeds during the day but your can still download and browse (downloading is just a little slower but quite doable).
Budza
Executive Member
Do you okes leave your BBs on downloading 24/7? If so, and one can pull in a few GB a month, this is quite a good service... Can you copy your downloads off a memory card when done to watch them on PC? Is there some service similar to a news server where the files are broken into parts smaller than the max sixe (2.9MB??). Otherwise, what/where can you download?
I use symtorrent on my 5800, and hit any hotspots I can find (restaurants etc). Have managed to pull in quite a bit this way. You reckon something similar exists for BB users??
I use symtorrent on my 5800, and hit any hotspots I can find (restaurants etc). Have managed to pull in quite a bit this way. You reckon something similar exists for BB users??
oronte
Expert Member
You wouldn't manage torrents, the BB service limits size by file type. I can download pics, short videos, small program files, music (legally purchased thank you)