MTN selling that which they cannot provide...

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georgelappies

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I am living in Secunda Mpumalanga and was suckered into getting one of those MTN data lite uncapped packages for R289 per month. Where I live MTN only has EDGE signal. I have no complains about not having 3g. EDGE is supposed to have a throughput speed of about 25kb/s - way more then enough for the basic web browsing / email I intended to use it for.

My problem is that even if I have full EDGE signal my data transfer rate is never faster then 800b/s - 2000b/s that is atrocious! I am now stuck with a data contract that is completely useless to me. Places in town with full 3g signal I am happy if I get 20kb/s max! I tried this with a variety of modems and or wireless routers and tethering phones.

On the same laptop and iPhone using Vodacom sim cards I get full HSDPA speed at home and in town.

Please anybody reading this make sure you test whether you actually will get any data throughput on MTN before you go for one of their bundles where they sell that which they are unable to deliver and or which they do not have...

Once they have you signed on a contract it is tickets, you have to pay them every month for NOTHING but unfriendly call center staff!
 
On paper EDGE looks alright, but for any actual browsing it is absolutely useless. Just one of those facts of life.
 
You should have tested the EDGE speed before you signed up. I think you have only yourself to blame.
 
ajax said:
You should have tested the EDGE speed before you signed up. I think you have only yourself to blame.
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EDGE speed IS NOT 800b/s come on seriously. And with full 3g signal only getting 20kb/s??? Are you working for MTN or have a lot of shares with them perhaps?

And looking at the other posts in this forum I am not alone.
 
ngadao08 said:
+1

Dump 3G, use ADSL
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ngadao08, I would seriously. I am waiting for 3 years now for ADSL there is no infrastructure available at the Secunda exchange. The only workable solution is to use a Vodacom sim with one of the Vodacom data bundles at present. Not even 8ta is an option here as they piggy back of MTN's non existing overloaded network.
 
Viva said:
On paper EDGE looks alright, but for any actual browsing it is absolutely useless. Just one of those facts of life.
Click to expand...

Viva, why then do I avarage between a minimum of 20kb/s and a maximum of 28kb/s when I set my iPhone to 2g EDGE only and tether it with my laptop using a Vodacom sim? I know EDGE is an order of magnitude slower then 3g. I am HAPPY with 20kb/s as I want to use this for research and email NOT downloading illegal movies or music.

So no, I cannot except the fact that the Vodacom network has a fully functional EDGE signal (and full 3g) but the full 5 bar full EDGE signal on MTN only gives 800b/s. Something is seriously WRONG with the MTN infrastructure in Secunda (or complete lack there of).

Hence the reason of these posts to warn others in smaller towns to avoid the completely useless over loaded MTN network like the plague. Hell they can not even provide service to their own subscribers and then they go and let 8ta piggy back of them in most rural areas :mad:

SELLING WHAT THEY DONT HAVE
 
georgelappies said:
Are you working for MTN or have a lot of shares with them perhaps?
Click to expand...

No need to get personal. EDGE performance varies greatly. It depends how busy the tower is with voice traffic (you could do a speed test at 3am to check this) as voice gets priority over data. It also depends on what coding scheme the tower's equipment is capable of, i.e. is it only GPRS, or can it do EDGE class 10? Class 10 EDGE requires very good radio conditions. How's your signal?

EDGE can perform very well - Kleinmond has a tower, I won't say which network, on which I got consistently around 200 kbit/sec. Browsing was quite usable and I streamed radio without any break-ups. The other network with the same signal strength only gave around 60 kbit/sec.
 
ajax said:
No need to get personal. EDGE performance varies greatly. It depends how busy the tower is with voice traffic (you could do a speed test at 3am to check this) as voice gets priority over data. It also depends on what coding scheme the tower's equipment is capable of, i.e. is it only GPRS, or can it do EDGE class 10? Class 10 EDGE requires very good radio conditions. How's your signal?

EDGE can perform very well - Kleinmond has a tower, I won't say which network, on which I got consistently around 200 kbit/sec. Browsing was quite usable and I streamed radio without any break-ups. The other network with the same signal strength only gave around 60 kbit/sec.
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Apologies if my reply came of as personal. Just kind of felt that you were of the same disposition the MTN staff is with regards to my issue. (We recommended the product to you at our MTN store in Secunda, sorry it doesn't work but hey you already signed the contract = you're problem now)

Answering your questions, yes I do get full EDGE signal on MTN at home. If I move to the living room I even get 3 bars of 3g. With Vodacom I get the same EDGE signal and a bit stronger 3g signal. On MTN I only get 800b/s - 2000b/s with latency in the 10 000's (MTN NEVER switches to GPRS though, it stays full EDGE signal).

In town (Secunda CBD) I get FULL 3g signal on MTN and only 4 bars with Vodacom. But here is the weird thing. Even getting full 3g signal on MTN only lets me download at 10kb/s on the MTN 3g network...

Now 8ta only has limited coverage of their own in the big Metros for everywhere else they use MTN to provide their coverage:

http://www.cyberconnect.co.za/8ta-10gb-3g-special
http://www.igeek.co.za/tag/8ta/
https://www.google.com/search?clien...sing+mtn+for+coverage&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gl=za

So not only will MTN sell weapons to militant dictatorships in order to secure contract for $$$ They will even sell what they don't have to citizens of this country.
 
You should report your speed problems on specific towers to MTN, maybe hellopeter is the route to go.

Just note that full bar is not necessarily excellent signal. If memory serves, full bar is -80 dBm. You won't get full speed EDGE with that. You need it to be in the -60's. Sounds like the 3G tower also has a problem.

Maybe also rule out the possibility that they're throttling you to death on your uncapped. Get a normal prepaid sim and load some airtime and compare.

But if you consistently get this speed problem for months it can be seen as grounds for cancellation without penalties. But report your problems, regularly, and get reference numbers so that there's evidence of your issues.
 
ajax said:
You should report your speed problems on specific towers to MTN, maybe hellopeter is the route to go.

Just note that full bar is not necessarily excellent signal. If memory serves, full bar is -80 dBm. You won't get full speed EDGE with that. You need it to be in the -60's. Sounds like the 3G tower also has a problem.

Maybe also rule out the possibility that they're throttling you to death on your uncapped. Get a normal prepaid sim and load some airtime and compare.

But if you consistently get this speed problem for months it can be seen as grounds for cancellation without penalties. But report your problems, regularly, and get reference numbers so that there's evidence of your issues.
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Ajax, thanks for your suggestions. I will pursue them and hopefully get this issue resolved.

Kind regards,

George
 
EDGE is on the same frequency as voice, and voice takes priority over edge. So if you in a well populated area, speeds will take a huge dip. If at midnight it's still a problem, then problem is with the tower.

But with 3G speeds like that, it probably is the tower.
 
I've had a similar problem with Vodacom, except my data speed is zero all the time and often I can't even make calls. I agree that they should check and let you know what the signal quality and congestion is like where you live.

I think one of the issues these companies face is hypochondriacs and bunny-huggers blocking new infrastructure.
 
Secunda is my area for coverage- what Noxibox has posted is indeed highly factual- ive really tried to get the ball rolling in your area, but im met with resistence to the point that ive had 7 site plans completely scrapped the last 2 years alone.
I have managed to aqcuire some land for a site build, but that rollout is for next year only and theres only 4 sites in Secunda at present ( the one at the NG gemeente is off more than on so technically 3)- i need at least 8...
Im in the Secunda area next week Tuesday- would be great to meet with you to run more tests on site, i should have your contact details so il call you shortly.
 
Voldemort said:
Secunda is my area for coverage- what Noxibox has posted is indeed highly factual- ive really tried to get the ball rolling in your area, but im met with resistence to the point that ive had 7 site plans completely scrapped the last 2 years alone.
I have managed to aqcuire some land for a site build, but that rollout is for next year only and theres only 4 sites in Secunda at present ( the one at the NG gemeente is off more than on so technically 3)- i need at least 8...
Im in the Secunda area next week Tuesday- would be great to meet with you to run more tests on site, i should have your contact details so il call you shortly.
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Thanks Voldemort, hopefully we can indeed get some workable solution. Looking forward to the meeting.
 
Hi all

Update on the situation. Gareth (Voldemort on the forums here) from MTN came out to my place and installed a flat panel antennae. The issue now is resolved. I want to thank Gareth for his professional and speedy service.

Also my initial post might seem a bit harsh but I really reached the end of the road with the normal call centre staff. My opinion on MTN changed as well and I want to apologise if what I said came of as an insult. They actually do care about their clients.

So thanks to Gareth and to MTN for the willingness to resolve this.
 
I busy complaining to MTN about their throttling. They say up to 256kbs, and if too many users are online (peak times) speeds can be slower. Mine are averaging on most days 3KB/s. Other days im lucky and i have 30KB/s for a short time.
With the 3KB/s i cant work. Internet is USELESS at those speeds. We have the booster antenna installed outside + 2 signal stabilizers inside (upstairs and downstairs). Muizenberg area (Capricorn beach). Im guessing this problem is not signal related? Sounds like a overload on users to the tower im connecting to? I know that this is not your area voldemort, but maybe you can answer my questions above? Really need some clarification on this. I see a lot of users are getting the promised speeds after throttling (30-40KB/s) Why am i not?
 
There are too many factors involved to answer your question- i would need to check serving site stats, but thats an involving process- i would suggest logging a throughput complaint with the coverage helpdesk and one of the Cpt guys can have a looksee.
 
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