Mobile Network Data Cost Comparison - Smartphones

[techead]

CURRENT MTN SPECIAL: (ends June 2012)

MTN @ R0.08 per MB - R189 for 2GB

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OK, so I'm creating this in hope that is will hopefully become a sticky. This is a hot-topic at the moment, with mobile networks changing their prices all the time. Thing is that it doesnt attract enough coverage imho.

With the eventual decline of BB's "unlimited internet" / BIS more and more smartphone users will be pressed to use the most cost effective ISP. Its a matter of time before people realise that signing a 24-month data contract is becoming more of a "no no". With the release of Cell C's Straight Up contracts today, we will surely see the move away from 24 month contracts.

As phones use more and more data, people have to add more data onto what they already use.

This is not a contract comparison. Neither is it a comparison of what you get bundled with your package. This is purely extra/over and above/bolt-on MB/GB that we are paying for per service provider.

For sake of not comparing everything , I chose the 1GB packages as a benchmark. I think 1GB usage is fair figure for someone who is active on his smartphone. Feel free to challenge that.

Noteworthy mention is that different providers have different rollovers.

WINNER IS MTN (as long as the current 2GB for R189 special is valid)

I hope this helps someone when coming to deciding upon a contract. The days of considering what free min and incl data bundle are gone. As data usage increased, I hope this thread will become more and more useful.

I will update as the new specials come out, and as rates are adjusted by the relative companies.

edit : I will add 8ta and Virgin Mobile rates ASAP

 

[gotaway]

I managed to get the MTN 2GB for R189 loaded on my contract phone as an ad-hoc bundle...
That said, what I really wanted to do was the 1GB for R149 on a recurring basis. Will see tomorrow what my data balance is after one month of usage on the 2GB bolt on.

Would really have preferred to have the 1GB on a recurring basis. I'm seriously considering going the mini/portable Wi-Fi 3G router with a bolt on data package, and then disabling the data on the Galaxy SII

 

[milomak]

Isn't MTN R189 for 1GB and the special bumped that to 2GB?

 

[gotaway]

R189 for 500MB. R149 special for 1GB. R189 special for 2GB. Could not get the 1GB added to the cell contract

 

[levi456]

I don't know if 8ta still has this deal going but they're offering 10gig for 24 months for R199 per month. Obviously this is great value for money. The deal doesn't include a usb modem just the sim card.
I use it in my galaxy tab and when I need to, I share the data connection with my cellphone or laptop by turning my tablet into a wireless hotspot. I think it's much better solution than getting a portable mifi since the tablet can do more.
A lot of Android phones can share their data connections wirelessly. My cousin has the Xperia mini and he bought it online for about R1000 and it can turn into a wireless hotspot, which is about the same price as those mifi routers.

 

[Jakes1974]

Would really have preferred to have the 1GB on a recurring basis. I'm seriously considering going the mini/portable Wi-Fi 3G router with a bolt on data package, and then disabling the data on the Galaxy SII

Exactly what I did... bought a R201 wiFi router for R799 cash from Game and now only using that. Pro, can also connect my laptop. Con, gotta drag the router with you the whole time.
I've now added a small amount of data to my contract, just for "emergencies"! Still works out much cheaper than buying add on bundles!