MTN or Vodacom?

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Fern9do

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I have decided to go the 3G/HSDPA route as a result of the damn cable thievs always stealing our lines. Because I run a couple of websites I need to connected to the internet at all times.

I was just wondering whether I should go with MTN or Vodacom broadband. I posted this here because I wanted to get opinions from both sides of the fence i.e vodacom or mtn broadband users.

So...which one is more value for money because both cost the same.

I have read a few threads in both 3G forums and noticed alot more threads where people complain about MTN.
 
Fern9do said:
I have decided to go the 3G/HSDPA route as a result of the damn cable thievs always stealing our lines. Because I run a couple of websites I need to connected to the internet at all times.

I was just wondering whether I should go with MTN or Vodacom broadband. I posted this here because I wanted to get opinions from both sides of the fence i.e vodacom or mtn broadband users.

So...which one is more value for money because both cost the same.

I have read a few threads in both 3G forums and noticed alot more threads where people complain about MTN.
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Things that might be of importance to you are upload speeds (if you need to upload content to the web sites and/or if you want to host a site behind your 3G card.

Also, the ability to get a open 'IP' might be important. On VC this is done via the 'unrestricted' APN.

Otherwise peeps here will tell you to get a pre-paid SIM on both and test at your location.
 
@ football freak
Is that the type of connection your using to run your site? If so may I ask how much data do you use on average as im thinking(Or hoping!) that 1GB should be enough. Taking into account that i will only be using it to post articles(No youtube,facebook,pron etc)

@ vodacom3g
Im a total noob when it comes to this matter. Why are those points that you mentioned important?
Also i was not aware that we could get it on pre paid. ALL the ads either show it as a 36 month(With laptop) or 24 month deal.
 
Lets say your finshed all you capping because you just had to go wild with the new HSDPA speed that your getting!

If you were on MTN you would have to pay out-of-bundle rate that eats up ALOT!

If you were on VodaCom..ud smile because you can load bundles and dont have to wait your 30days to load another

-Thou network speed/problem wise both get their far share as vodacom3g
vodacom3g said:
Things that...test at your location.
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said you GO ahead test things out.

I worry about cost,and the out-of-bundle rate because this day and age MONEY TALKS.1gb might be enough but you rather be safe than sorry.

Also MTN seems to work alot with SP's I mean once i phoned MTN with a issues and they simply said go to your SP,i was like dude im on pre-paid if your not my SP who the hack is!With Vodacom you know you will get some help when your line goes down or something, MTN helpline sometimes doesnt work at peak times and in most cases they would tell you "got to your SP"-translation: I DON'T KNOW S%&*# GO TO A MTN STORE.
 
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Vodacom - much better than the eMpTy eeN.
And hopefully they will listen to my request of charging 5c per MB, maybe even 1c per MB.
 
Best advise that everyone is not telling you.

Get a prepaid Sim card of both networks and test your coverage and upload/Down load speeds first before you commit to one ;)
 
Agreed with getting a prepaid sim, but make sure you never sign a contract. You'll kick yourself for it later.
 
Staalbal said:
Best advise that everyone is not telling you.

Get a prepaid Sim card of both networks and test your coverage and upload/Down load speeds first before you commit to one ;)
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:D, Both Expensive and Fast. ADSL is still cheaper and slower
 
Okay i think il take your advice and try the prepaid. But then im going to have to buy two of flash drive looking modems no?
 
And yah ADSL is much cheaper R199 for 1GB international + 10GB local. But im sure theres a reasonable explination why 3G/HSDPA costs so much more!:)
 
You'll only need one modem - they shouldn't be network locked, and you can happily swap the SIMs backwards and forwards till you decide which one you're going to use.

While the modem shouldn't be network lock the software often is, so you might need to download generic drivers.
 
It depends alot on location as the ultimate decision, but if we ignore location/coverage for the moment. Alot of the time people pick MTN or Vodacom primarily because they got better reception...which is the most important. BUT if you have reception for both:



1. Vodacom is more flexible on both prepaid and contract as to how you can manage your data . You can effectively -never- go out of bundle with ONE SIMCARD on Vodacom. MTN fails horribly here. Simply put: Vodacom's Prepaid is SO flexible that it's BETTER THAN CONTRACT.

2. Vodacom seems to be improving, both in terms of service and connection , where MTN has been degrading (or remaining the same at best). [For me anyway]

3. The whole out of bundle "surprise massive bills" thing is still a dillemma on both, but at least Vodacom is trying. MTN doesn't even send you a notification.

4. Simply looking at the websites. MTNSP has a horrible website when you are a 3G/HSDPA user. It's slow, lacks functionality and are not accessable [i.e. checking your data usage you need to browse to the ends of the earth]. Vodacom on the other , not only provides ability to recharge your bundles, but also provide it within 2 clicks...


I have a 2GB MTN -contract- , i am now using Vodacom Prepaid as my primary connection . This alone should tell you alot.

I initially used MTN because if latency problems with online gaming. Vodacom wasn't cutting it, but lately Vodacom seems to have improved on the latency side. On MTN though, i can't even get a stable connection, nevermind latency.
 
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Fern9do said:
And yah ADSL is much cheaper R199 for 1GB international + 10GB local. But im sure theres a reasonable explination why 3G/HSDPA costs so much more!:)
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I got the same


Whats the fastest package do telkom offer...
Last I know was the 4mbps and now??????????? for R570+
 
Thanks for all the advice and input. I feel more confident now. Plan on buying the laptop this weekend so maybe next weekend I will buy the modem. How much do they cost anyways? VC and MTN are only advertising the contract price.
 
I would advise you to buy a second hand modem. The new ones are WAY overpriced.
 
Fern9do said:
Thanks for all the advice and input. I feel more confident now. Plan on buying the laptop this weekend so maybe next weekend I will buy the modem. How much do they cost anyways? VC and MTN are only advertising the contract price.
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Usually about R2000-R2500 (HSDPA modems) . Second hand prolly R1000 - R1500.

Oh another tip, if your PHONE got 3G and can connect to your PC...try that first. It should be just as sufficient as a modem [most 3G phones are in fact modems themselves] .
 
Thanks for the heads up diabolus. I signed up for a Samsung Omnia last Friday with MTN. Apparantly its got HSDPA 7.2Mbps. So i mite as well just use my cellphone then hey?
Just wondering how it will compare cost wise with the data contract.
Cant afford to spend another 2k on that modem. My bonus is already going to the Laptop(5k-6K):(
 
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