is 8ta data worth it?

R

Rodders007

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Yesterday i took the bold move of getting a 8ta sim card and a 100mb data bundle to test connection in my area (Rondebosch, Cape Town) before committing to R1800 for the 60+60Gb promo when my 5GB/m cell-c expires end of feb.

So far, data is not working at all (connects and immediately disconnects - calls are fine though) - called 8ta hotline and the dude told me its a network problem.. so not a good start and 24 hours later the problem remains..

The other issue i noticed is the constant 8ta/MTN network switching.

So first impressions are that i need to find something else before blowing R1800 on something that never works properly.

Anyone out there who is happy with 8ta data connections?
 
Yes just send an email to [email protected] asking them to enable your sim to connect to the 8ta network. It takes a few days and then you need to manually search for and connect to their network. Their network is called 65502. Voice calls will still work as normal and you will be using the 8ta data network which MUCH faster than the MTN data network just about everywhere I have tested it. Just remember to manually connect to MTN again if you will be travelling outside the 8ta coverage area which you can view here: http://www.8ta.com/coverage/8tanetwork/
 
Best to call 183 (8ta data centre) for the change rather than emailing them.

If you call, speak to an operator and ask to have your simcard converted to PSB data (8ta network exlusive- no mtn roaming).

Everything should be changed once you end the call. Wait a few minutes and switch your phone to wcdma/umts and search for 8ta network (65502 or SA02).

Then go about testing your connection.

Hope it all works out.
 
JMP said:
Just remember to manually connect to MTN again if you will be travelling outside the 8ta coverage area
Click to expand...
Not sure it can be done. T&C specify that it can't be reversed.
 
sajunky said:
Not sure it can be done. T&C specify that it can't be reversed.
Click to expand...

I do it all the time on my galaxy S phone using a 8ta prepaid sim. After connecting to MTN the signal strength indicator shows that the phone is roaming and I have voice and data even when away for a weekend in a place such as Clarens where there is no 8ta and almost no vodacom signal outside the town. If you get one of these special deals like the 10gb for R199 the sim will be locked to the 8ta network only.
 
I have had an 8ta 10Gb contract since Dec2011 - I have had amazing speed and service from them until last week, suddenly I started getting no internet connection - then after disconnecting and connecting again it would work for about an hour or so and then happen again - can someone help - I have reported the problem but haven't gotten a response from them yet.
 
NOT good in Stellenbosch

If in Stellenbosch - service is spotty at best. We have the following note from 8ta on 2 March 2012.

Good day
The reason fo slow internet speeds is because you have one site in your area, there is a planned site improve the slow internet speeds issue, Please see below comments from engineers and do reply if you need more clarity
Phillip Ramalata WCD:ANA

Message with Hand To : There is only one site in the whole area ; this is why the customer is experiencing slow throuput due to high traffic on the only serving site (WR_Stellenbosh_Exch,among the congested cells).However as the new site WR_Valerida_Centre comes on air, the traffic will be releave from WR_Stellenbosch_Exch and improvment will be noticed.Kindly liaise with 8ta Planning for more information about the planned site WR_Valerida_Centre.-Customer's Location 33.942573 18.859149.

FOR US:
We struggle a lot during the day with speeds that are indeed very low - DWN < 0.070 Mbps and UP <0.01 Mbps - yes <70 kbps DN and < 10 kbps UP. Reminders of a decade ago with dialup.

This is for the 10GB Internet 5 promo which does not allow you to use the MTN network.
We'd certainly recommend high caution and not any use of 8Ta in Stellies until they add more bandwidth...
Its absolutely impossible for other than simple emails and even that in the heat of the day is of questionable efficacy.

Maybe in a year when they add the next tower or antenna.
 
Last edited:
Hi Ant007

Please can you supply us with your reference number so we can follow up if you are still experiencing this problem?

Regards,
Social Media Team

Ant007 said:
I have had an 8ta 10Gb contract since Dec2011 - I have had amazing speed and service from them until last week, suddenly I started getting no internet connection - then after disconnecting and connecting again it would work for about an hour or so and then happen again - can someone help - I have reported the problem but haven't gotten a response from them yet.
Click to expand...
 
Must admit I am impress so far. Just this month started trying their 2+1 package to see if it worked in my area (Table View). Have been using Cell C but only have one 5GB sim still active and will be need an alternative soon.

Speed has been fine and no disconnect like on Cell C. Only been 2 weeks so holding thumbs.
 
i dont Regret moving to 8ta, very impressed with speeds, the 2+1gb promo is excellent value for money.
 
Thanks for the positive posts guys...

Regards,
Social Media Team
 
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