MTN 3G Coverage Map

[BeVonk!]

I got myself a new HSDPA card (Fastlink) and contract based on 3G coverage as per the MTN coverage map (http://www.mtn.co.za/default.aspx?pid=11789).

This map indicates that my area (Hennopspark, Centurion) is well covered with a 95% "signal available" rating where I stay. In reality I have zero 3G reception anywhere on my property (inside and outside). I even drove around with my laptop to test for 3G signal at verious spots in the area and where I got reception it was very weak (1 bar max for short periods).

I phoned the MTN data help desk (5551) but got nowhere with them. I complained on hellopeter.com and was told that their maps are accurate but that they will come back to me. Hasn't happened yet - and the map is obviously not accurate.

My 3G reception is perfect in Midrand (where I work) so there is nothing wrong with my card or settings.

Do these guys know what they're doing?! I'm not impressed.

BTW my company Vodacom HSDPA card works great at home.

 

[zaphod]

My area also shows 3G coverage.
However my 3G/HSDPA signal is very weak. (0 bars on the E620 control program display)
My GPRS/EDGE signal is quite strong. (5 bars on the E620 control program display)

When I set my E620 card to "3G prefered", I it normally uses the GPRS/EDGE signal. I normally only locks onto the 3G signal when I set it to "3G only".

I actually found that the data transfer rates that I get is better with a strong GPRS/EDGE signal, than a weak 3G/HSDPA signal

The MTN coverage map, only states that there is a 95% signal probility. Thre is no indication of the signal strength.

 

[BeVonk!]

I'm wondering if an extra antennae could help - but I don't want to spend more money just to discover its not working either. The extra antennae that came bundled with the Vodacom HSDPA card doesn't seem to improve the Vodacom 3G signal at all. Does anyone have a specific antennae recommendation that will work with the MTN F@stLink E620 card?

 

[3g_rox]

The extra antennae that came bundled with the Vodacom HSDPA card doesn't seem to improve the Vodacom 3G signal at all.

Trafeye, the antenna may appear not to improve the signal due to no increase on the bars received. However, it has been mentioned elsewhere on this forum that it definitely makes for a more stable connection due to an improved uplink when using the antenna.

 

[zaphod]

What happenned to the coverage map?

I got myself a new HSDPA card (Fastlink) and contract based on 3G coverage as per the MTN coverage map (http://www.mtn.co.za/default.aspx?pid=11789).

The above link only takes you to the MTN home page.

Where is the coverage map, where you could zoom in up to street level?



Or, did MTN withdraw it due to all the inaccuracies?

 

[3g_rox]

The above link only takes you to the MTN home page.

Where is the coverage map, where you could zoom in up to street level?



Or, did MTN withdraw it due to all the inaccuracies?

Zaphod, try http://www.mtn.co.za/?pid=11789&mid=7978#

As for the inaccuracies, well, lets not go there....

 

[MTNer]

The map has been updated to show HSDPA coverage as well.
PS, UMTS/HSDPA (WCDMA) operates on the 2100Mhz frequency. This radio frequency has poor wall penetrating properties.
The coverage map does show 95% coverage with an annotation - OUTDOOR coverage.

 

[BeVonk!]

That map asumes the world is flat - which it isn't. The effect of topography is not reflected on this very basic map. Be careful. I've just been through a mapping exercise with MTN's network quality guys in my area and it's shocking to see how the detailed map differs from this online one. I had to cancel my data bundle as we could get no 3G signal in my area - and there will be none for some time to come - although this online map is blue (HSDPA) for my area. I have asked MTN to add a warning to the map to tell prospective clients of the "topography problem" that causes dead spots in some areas.

 

[YelloFever]

I got myself a new HSDPA card (Fastlink) and contract based on 3G coverage as per the MTN coverage map (http://www.mtn.co.za/default.aspx?pid=11789).

This map indicates that my area (Hennopspark, Centurion) is well covered with a 95% "signal available" rating where I stay. In reality I have zero 3G reception anywhere on my property (inside and outside). I even drove around with my laptop to test for 3G signal at verious spots in the area and where I got reception it was very weak (1 bar max for short periods).

I phoned the MTN data help desk (5551) but got nowhere with them. I complained on hellopeter.com and was told that their maps are accurate but that they will come back to me. Hasn't happened yet - and the map is obviously not accurate.

My 3G reception is perfect in Midrand (where I work) so there is nothing wrong with my card or settings.

Do these guys know what they're doing?! I'm not impressed.

BTW my company Vodacom HSDPA card works great at home.

Good day,

Trafeye

Could you please PM me your details so that I can investigate and provide you with feedback. I do apologize for the lack of satisfaction thus far and I'll try my best to get you an answer

Thanks

MTN DD

 

[YelloFever]

Hi all



The HSDPA coverage layer has been included in the public coverage map.

The 3G and 2G layers will be updated soon.



Please give feedback if you notice significant errors in the data.





We’re trying to speed up the coverage drill down using the icon in HSDPDA areas.

 

[BeVonk!]

Good day,

Trafeye

Could you please PM me your details so that I can investigate and provide you with feedback. I do apologize for the lack of satisfaction thus far and I'll try my best to get you an answer

Thanks

MTN DD

Have done so thanx MTN DD.

 

[YelloFever]

Have done so thanx MTN DD.

Thanks for your info I'll provide you with feedback ASAP


MTN DD

 

[Piesang]

Ive just checked out the coverage map.

Do you still think I will be able to use my 3G phone in Parow and Brackenfell before my contract expires April 2007? If not, I think I should rather wait till my 4 contracts expire and sign up with Vodacom.

MTN is going nowhere.

 

[YelloFever]

Ive just checked out the coverage map.

Do you still think I will be able to use my 3G phone in Parow and Brackenfell before my contract expires April 2007? If not, I think I should rather wait till my 4 contracts expire and sign up with Vodacom.

MTN is going nowhere.

Here is the official reply

Hi Clive,



I think you can tell him not to cancel, as we are well underway with our rollout (for now). Phase two should be completed be the end of March, 2007. He’ll have at least a month before his contracts expires. J



I’m sorry it took so long for this reply, but I was waiting for additional info. It is apparent that the Bellville/ Parrow Cluster is marked priority 3, after Sea-Point and Observatory. The surveys and preparations for these sites have been done according to the priority list, and Ericsson will be implementing and activating accordingly. As I said, no promises, yet.

 

[Maelly]

Ive just checked out the coverage map.

Do you still think I will be able to use my 3G phone in Parow and Brackenfell before my contract expires April 2007? If not, I think I should rather wait till my 4 contracts expire and sign up with Vodacom.

MTN is going nowhere.

I cant agree with you more. I got my 3G handset in May last year through MTN contract. I then called MTN to enquire about using 3G in the Bellville area. They told me that 3G will be available before the end of the year (2005). Its now a year later but I still cant access 3G in Bellville!!!

In April this year I called MTN again (1555) and also made an enquiry through the MTN website about 3G availability in Bellville! Someone from MTN Joburg called me to confirm my quey and gave me the Ref number. I later got an SMS from MTN saying: "Good day, 3G should be available by the end of this year. Pls also note that this is only a forcasted date and not definite" I quote!!!

So, I cannot wait to get the N92 on Vodacom Business contract as soon as it's out!! I'm fed up with MTN!!! What really piss me off is that all Vodacom subscribers in Bellville can access 3G whereas I cant!!!

Pissed

EliasMH

 

[YelloFever]

I cant agree with you more. I got my 3G handset in May last year through MTN contract. I then called MTN to enquire about using 3G in the Bellville area. They told me that 3G will be available before the end of the year (2005). Its now a year later but I still cant access 3G in Bellville!!!

In April this year I called MTN again (1555) and also made an enquiry through the MTN website about 3G availability in Bellville! Someone from MTN Joburg called me to confirm my quey and gave me the Ref number. I later got an SMS from MTN saying: "Good day, 3G should be available by the end of this year. Pls also note that this is only a forcasted date and not definite" I quote!!!

So, I cannot wait to get the N92 on Vodacom Business contract as soon as it's out!! I'm fed up with MTN!!! What really piss me off is that all Vodacom subscribers in Bellville can access 3G whereas I cant!!!

Pissed

EliasMH

Guys,

If there are any coverage related issues, can I ask that you please contact the coverage department and I'm confident that can clear up any issues you might have

Thanks MTN DD

 

[Maelly]

Guys,

If there are any coverage related issues, can I ask that you please contact the coverage department and I'm confident that can clear up any issues you might have

Thanks MTN DD

Dude, I hust mentioned above that I followed all the necessary steps.
I still have the reference number for my query. THE FACT IS THAT 3G WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS YEAR OR EVEN EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR THAT MATTER!!! THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. NO WANDER I CANT WAIT TO JPIN VODACOM AS SOON AS THE N92 IS OUT

 

[YelloFever]

Dude, I hust mentioned above that I followed all the necessary steps.
I still have the reference number for my query. THE FACT IS THAT 3G WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS YEAR OR EVEN EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR THAT MATTER!!! THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. NO WANDER I CANT WAIT TO JPIN VODACOM AS SOON AS THE N92 IS OUT

Good day,

Elias

What I can suggest is to call them and ask to speak to there supervisor Allen Walker in terms of the dissatisfaction...............

If you want you can PM me your number and I can get him to call you if you like but other than that I have no control over Coverage or how quickly to get them up and running but all the concerns are noted and have been passed over thus far to our coverage department, and I can assure you I as well as MTN do not want to lose anyone due to coverage related problems so where I can help I will do my best to do so.

MTN DD

 

[Piesang]

I must say, that is great to here.

I've been looking around this passed weekend to see what Vodacom package there is available for me to use my 3G Phone as a modem because I dont have 3G coverage from MTN at work or at home but Vodacom has got 3G coverage.

I live in Brackenfell and work in Parow. I would really like to have 3G reception. But I must say, I'm looking around for a alternative because of the fact that I don't have 3G Coverage.

 

[BeVonk!]

In my case I was told the changing topography of the area (Centurion) is the reason why I have no 3G/EDGE reception. In Brackenfell and Parow they'll probably say the topography is too flat (except for Protea Hights maybe). And the only high structures in Brackenfell are the millions of "braaikamer" chimneys