Huge 3G monthly Bill

D

defsoul

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Hi,
I tried to use a 3G router on a network with about 4 users,it was only used for browsing and emails. I then got a bill of R15000 for a month, I've tried to dispute this but vodacom just snd me a report saying so much was downloaded on a particular day and from what time to what time but sometimes when you see how much bandwidth was used at a particular time, it doesn't make sense when compared to the dowload speeds you get from the 3g. Has anyone has had a crazy bill from vodacom and how did you sort it out
 
That is the thing with a router. I can use about 40 meg in a evening with light browsing (and this is with opera that has got a function to compress and use less data). 40 meg x 4 users = 160meg a day x 7 days = a little over 1Gig. Or, almost 5 Gig for the month. That is just on my average. Could be higher depending on the user/s on the router.
 
Change from Vodacom to MTN, their out of data bundle rates are not much cheaper. Unfortunately we are neither Vodacom or MTN will give you any sort of hope there. ADSL is a much cheaper option if you can have it. Otherwise the connectivity will have to be managed on the 3G. Turn off windows updates and updates for HP and any other non essential programs.
 
The updates are a bandwidth chowing bitch! Also don't leave your connection on even if you not using it. Change autoupdate to check for updates but let you choose when to download them. You can also get Zonealarm which will enable you to choose which programs gain access to the internet and which are blocked.
 
I use a hsdpa router on vodacom 1gb bundle for browsing on 2 laptops and use the same account on my smartphone daily. Mostly its enough, except when I'm aware I've hammered it more than usual then I reach my limit before month-end. I usually get an sms warning from VC, then I switch off my router or buy an extra bundle depending on my needs at the time.
 
Oh, and I don't skype, game or watch online videos. Mostly browse for about 3 hours average every day and the occasional software download of a few meg once in a while. anti-virus updates every day on both machines no problem. when adsl dual line charges drop I'll move over, until then hsdpa is more cost effective for my application.
 
Yeah, just don't use the internet as it was intended to be used...
 
Gatecrasher said:
Yeah, just don't use the internet as it was intended to be used...
Click to expand...

:erm: ....I do have a real life outside of cyberspace too, u know.

But I know what you mean ;)
I look forward to the day I can rent my movies via internet download and save myself the inconvenience & petrol it takes to run down to the local videohire. And would'nt mind being able to keep tabs on my house at anytime while I'm at work by connecting to a constantly streaming IP camera.

Even then, it's only just started to become a viable proposition with the dsl prices crashing the past week.
 
For a bill that large, get them to price it at their cheapest 3G rate- ie, the 2GB or whatever bundle rate per MB, not their R2/MB kark. Bend over for 3G.

Good luck, idiot. Never do that again will you?? :D
 
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