More than they can chew

S

Snowolf

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I purchased my VM sim about a month ago and was quite happy with the connection for about 24 hours.
VM was unable to log me on because the network was overloaded !!!
I can fully understand why so many people want to go over to VM, @ 50 C a meg its a bargin.
BUT they are not able to supply the masses.
I do not require speed, just a reliable connection that I can dload emails and do research but sub 1kb/s is pathetic !!!!

I logged on this morning at 5:30 to have a nice open network and what a pleasure, logged on first time and getting about 4-5 kb/s on my gprs connection.

VM please start focusing on the data side, after all the more we surf the more you earn !

when MTN started out they too had the same problems but now their quality of service is great, just very expensive
 
Yeah - good point - they really need to take it seriously, problem is that they don't build their own infrastructure, so who knows if it will be sorted and if so, when... reliance is on Cell-C AFAIK.
 
well that is the problem with them, the infrastructure. If they do decide to build their own infrastructure (unlikely lookin at virgin mobile worldwide) they wont be able to maintain the 50c/MB price. it will have to be increased
 
I heard that government didn't allow them to build their own infrastructure because according to them three is enough. (Source of this I got from a VM rep). Anyway they also told us that they will be using satellites in the future and will be totally independant from any third party network. This means that if they use satellites the coverage will be unbeatable. I know that in Switzerland network operators are NOT ALLOWED AT ALL to even use towers because it is a hazard and can cause cancer and what not over long periods of time. All network operators in switzerland use satellites.
 
netstrider said:
I heard that government didn't allow them to build their own infrastructure because according to them three is enough.
Click to expand...

Why is three the magical number for all govt types - 3GB data usage for Telkom?
 
Whom would give the go-ahead for the use of satelittes? ICASA?

I would assume then that VM are actually working on getting these satellites... i would hope its not just talk, but progressive action.

If Virgin did have its own infrastructure (ie - satellites), that would certaintly certaintly bring the mobile phone industry into a even more competetive mode. Every little bit helps, including, MNP.

Viva Virgin, Viva.
 
I don't know it might all be rubbish but it's just what the rep told us. I suppose internet via the satellites won't be such a great thing though... :confused:
 
Here is the thing, In almost all Instances of Virgin products they dont use their own infrastructure so it is unlikely that things will get better very soon, they will have to lobby cellc to upgrade things... Hopefully they will realise the potential investment and start building their own towers soon.
 
netstrider said:
I know that in Switzerland network operators are NOT ALLOWED AT ALL to even use towers because it is a hazard and can cause cancer and what not over long periods of time. All network operators in switzerland use satellites.
Click to expand...

Really?

I have a friend in Switzerland who earns his living as part of a team doing the tower (radio network) planning for a cellular provider.

If you are worried about the damage radio waves could do to your brains using a cell phone, keep away from satellite phones - one needs a much stronger signal to chat via a satellite than a decent cellular tower.
 
Satellite doesn't increase coverage AFAIK... they still need terrestrial coverage of some sort - what happens when you are sitting in the house? They may have better intl. connectivity, but coverage? Anyone ever tried using a GPS receiver indoors will know.
 
Onepostwonder said:
Satellite doesn't increase coverage AFAIK... they still need terrestrial coverage of some sort - what happens when you are sitting in the house? They may have better intl. connectivity, but coverage? Anyone ever tried using a GPS receiver indoors will know.
Click to expand...

Think you could have satellite backhaul but I don't think as you say you can have a direct sat link with a GSM phone, if you look at Thuraya etc. satphones they're using totally different technology. I roamed on my normal phone in Switzerland anyway.
 
Well Vm helpline (for what its worth) informed me that they are aware of the problem and are going to expand end of november, well proof is in the connectivity, I couldnt give a rats backside about voice calls accross the cellular network, data is afterall the future.
I do not as yet have a EDGE capable phone but when VOIP becomes more affordable ( hopefully) in SA I will invest in the extra speed, just hope the network comes to the party.

peace!


make a man a fire, keep him warm for the day.
set a man on fire, keep him warm for the rest of his life.
 
netstrider said:
I heard that government didn't allow them to build their own infrastructure because according to them three is enough. (Source of this I got from a VM rep). Anyway they also told us that they will be using satellites in the future and will be totally independant from any third party network. This means that if they use satellites the coverage will be unbeatable.
Click to expand...
There's only three network operator licences and it's very unlikely that there will be a fourth in the next decade. According to our wonderful gov every operator should have its own infrastructure which means there's not enough space for all the towers that will be needed. Even with their own satellites Virgin would still need to use somebody's towers or supply satellite phones which are expensive, bulky, and not nearly as trendy.
Boodles said:
Whom would give the go-ahead for the use of satelittes? ICASA?
Click to expand...
Technically they are in outer space and not regulated. You would have to have permission to provide the services though which they already have. The main problem is the price tag at R100million a piece so it's just as expensive as building a network.
 
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