Response to queries
(a) Please try using the 1555 call centre as well for data specific enquiries, they are better equipped to do so.
(1) The method of setting up your phone is on the website, and to setup gprs just dail *123# as AK65 suggests. The settings will be sent to your phone. Conneting a modem to you laptop follows exactly the same routing as connecting a landline or any other device:
(a)Connect the laptop to the GPRS phone via serial/ bluetooth etc,
(b) Setup the GPRS modem drivers on the laptop, manufacturers have these drivers on the CD that they supply with the handset.
(c) *99# is the universal method of access a GPRS modem.
(a) MTN does offer the option of a GPRS bundle on hybrid, prepaid or contact and have been doing so since July 1'st 2005, our competitors have not responded yet.
(b) If a datacard is needed, it is offered on a 2 year contract, with the data bundle of 1GB for R649.00 from your service provider.
(c) Yes you are correct, GPRS is cheaper that connecting to the internet via landline as you get free INTERNET ACCESS, and only get charged for the data you use, there is no time related charge. 1 GB is the same cost as 21-40 hours on the internet ( depending on how much you download) with landline local access charges. We have advertised it as a web surfing tool, and have educated our point of sale staff about the cost-effectiveness of accessing the internet. But we rely on you too, our MTN customers to spread the word.
(d) We are rolling our 3G nationally as well, however at the same time we have a dual strategy of rolling our edge for customers who want access to higher data speeds. 3G operates in a much smaller footprint than edge and so we want to make sure that at most of our customers have access to broadband and all its benefits. Edge operates at a max of 236 KB/s . Which is not substantially slower than 3G but with a higher penetration throughout the country. Our goal is to have every MTN customer have access to broadband and while demand is starting to pickup, we need to cater for high demand 3G densities first.
(e) We have demonstrated HSDPA at GSM AFRICA and announced that corporate trials will commence in early 2006. It is a technology that MTN is very excited about, and will be looking at widescale deployment.
(f) HSDPA will need a different chipset, and the devices will need to support HSDPA. During the course of the year ( 2006), devices will be available to support this technology.For example the Sierra Wireless AC850 supports GRS, Edge, 3G and HSDPA
(g) There are working phones at the outlets, and asking a representative will give you access to these.
(h) Thanks for your opinon about Yello, the word and its associated colour is internationally recognised, which is important consideration for our international growth strategy.
(i)VOIP: currently we do not seprate VOIP traffic from any other, and do not apply the charging model. The issue really is quality and whether we can offer the same levels of quality for VOIP traffic as we do for our normal voice traffic. This will have to be done with substantial investment in network elements to ensure the standards that our customers have come to expect from MTN. Should customers want VOIP specifically we will then have to apply a charging model for it ( as specified on the web), and also ensure that it operates in a manner that is reliable, always available and of sufficient quality. At the moment this is at a permium because a great deal of investment is always needed at the start of a new technology.
