GPRS Modem for Desktop

A

ambo

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Was doing a bit of a price comparison:
Telkom line rental + dial-up charges + ISP costs vs Vodacom GPRS

GPRS came out tops by quite a distance!!! Especially once the new pre-paid data bundles come out.
Now since this is the current situation - and i have a client who wants a dial-up solution (not ready for broadband) - i was wondering: what is my best option hardware wise for giving this customer a GPRS connection on their desktop machine. They really don't need the speed of 3G but if it works out at a similar price then what the heck...
 
I dunno, these GPRS modems looks nice and all, but i belive R1400+ for one is a bit much. I would then simply just buy a 3G datacard + PCMCIA adapter (which plugs into a PCI slot) Will probably cost somehwere R2000-R2500 in total and then you have GPRS+3G at your disposal. 3G and GPRS data costs exactly the same anyway, so it's only the device that matters. Of course if you can get your hands on a 3G+EDGE+GPRS device [other than a cellphone] even better...

I have 3G+PCMCIA adapter setup in my desktop and it works great.
 
grubsner said:
Have a look at

http://www.falcom.co.za/default.asp?pageID=52846732

This is a GSM/EDGE GPRS modem. You only need to supply your own SIM card. I have not used them, so I can't comment on their performance.

Hope this helps
Click to expand...

Hi guys, You must not forget that The Samba 75 has EDGE . Thus I can achieve speeds of 140kbps. However, you need MTN as I have yet to see Vodacom on EDGE. No pun intended. On VC - only GPRS .

I Have Samba 75 on MTN running EDGE and GPRS depending on my location. On GPRS speed test drops to 46kbps. Works great for my VPN as well.
 
TaiRoss, one of Vodacom's better kept secrets is that they have the largest EDGE network in the country. At the last Broadband Shootout, MTN gave a 23% EDGE coverage and Vodacom 26%.

I still need to post a coverage map.
 
vodacom3g said:
TaiRoss, one of Vodacom's better kept secrets is that they have the largest EDGE network in the country. At the last Broadband Shootout, MTN gave a 23% EDGE coverage and Vodacom 26%.

I still need to post a coverage map.
Click to expand...


You may boast all you like. I still do not have EDGE @ home. Neither MTN nor Vodacom I have to live with GPRS. No ADSL either as "the exchange cannot accommodat ADSL @ the moment.

Help if you can!
 
vodacom3g said:
No boasting, Vodacom's just been too quiet on the fact that is does have an EDGE network. I've posted more info in a new thread.

Don't you get 3G in your area?
Click to expand...

I doubt if 3G will be available. (No sentec, no i burst, no ADSL, No EDGE) Only GPRS or Telkom Only one choice to make @ moment.
 
vodacom3g said:
TaiRoss, one of Vodacom's better kept secrets is that they have the largest EDGE network in the country. At the last Broadband Shootout, MTN gave a 23% EDGE coverage and Vodacom 26%.

I still need to post a coverage map.
Click to expand...

Vodacom3G

Your boasting helps me none. In Pretoria North I do not get EDGE. If your coverage is so good. It seems your claims does not quite match.

I Get EDGE on MTN @same location with same hardware.

Looking forward to seeing your service??
 
We must also remember that even if 1 network has EDGE in 1 location and the other doesn't, one location can't be taken as proof that 1 network's EDGE coverage is wider/better in general than the other.
 
ic said:
TaiRoss, IMO you are misinterpreting v3g's intentions, my interpretation is that v3g is trying to assist you in determining whether you have Vodacom coverage [i.e. EDGE and/or 3G], and not boasting.

I suggest that you post some 2G cellids in the areas you need EDGE/3G, which v3g can checkup on [to assist you], more info about cellids in the sticky FAQ thread.
Click to expand...

1.I did not mean to step on any one's toes, however, the proof of the pudding is still in the eating. The 3G coverage map does not give anything north of Wonderboom. So it would seem that I am out of luck.

2.How do I get the cellid's?
 
ajax said:
We must also remember that even if 1 network has EDGE in 1 location and the other doesn't, one location can't be taken as proof that 1 network's EDGE coverage is wider/better in general than the other.
Click to expand...

With all due respect, the % coverage of one network above the other is irrellevant to me. I am interested in what service I do have, and if I dont have service, then when will it be available.

I have EDGE of one network(MTN) @ my work address,(Pretria North CBD) Where I also have 512 ADSL. I do not pick up anything better than GPRS on Vodacom at this address.

@ Home, I have only GPRS on both networks. I would like someone to tell me if EDGE will be available in my area. I dont care who gets there first, as long as I get the coverage.
 
vodacom3g said:
On a normal 2G GSM phone (obviously a Vodacom one!) you should see the name of the tower you're connected. That's the cell-id.

Otherwise PM me your address.
Click to expand...
Hi Vodacom 3G

The towers alternate between:
Roodeplaat - 1
Roodeplaat - 2
Kameeldrif -1

I trust that this helps

Thanx for the trouble
 
According to the regional radio guys; Kameeldrift is already 3G enabled and Roodeplaat is scheduled for an upgrade next year.

Maybe you must try and get your hand on a 3G device and see if you can reach the Kameedrift tower, even if you have to use the high-gain antenna.

This will give you 384Kb/s max.
 
This is all fine. HOWEVER I allready have a EDGE device(Samba 75). So @this stage it is unlikely that I will be purchasing another device.

Vodacom3G could you tell me if there is any EDGE coverage in Pretoria. I would like to drive there and test Vodacom's EDGE.

I does not help me to tell someone, that they can have a service unless I have tested and used it myself.

The 3G coverage map, only mentions 3G. I dont have Vodacom EDGE in Pretoria North CBD at all.
 
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