MTN Speed Test Results

[Neo]

On the line with MTN calldesk to try and find out where the elusive 3.6 / 7.2 coverage is.

Neither the operator nor her supervisor knew what HSDPA is! They've never heard of the service!!

Ok, now I've been transferred a few times and found someone who knows what HSDPA is, but he does not have a coverage map. Will call me back. Let's see.

Worst is, when they put you on 'hold' they just put the phone down on the desk, so you've got no idea if they're talking to you or one of their mates. Interesting though to listen to the conversation between the agents Sounds like they're all lost on this 'HSDPA' thing.

 

[SUPERMAN89]

On the line with MTN calldesk to try and find out where the elusive 3.6 / 7.2 coverage is.

Neither the operator nor her supervisor knew what HSDPA is! They've never heard of the service!!

Ok, now I've been transferred a few times and found someone who knows what HSDPA is, but he does not have a coverage map. Will call me back. Let's see.

Worst is, when they put you on 'hold' they just put the phone down on the desk, so you've got no idea if they're talking to you or one of their mates. Interesting though to listen to the conversation between the agents Sounds like they're all lost on this 'HSDPA' thing.

HAHAHA

 

[Neo]

Ok, went to MTN web site to check if there is any info, but nothing on 3.6 / 7.2. Tried support page: http://www.mtn.co.za/default.aspx?pid=6465 and called 0821808 (Customer Care). (Already tried 083173 above.) These are the only numbers on the Support Page. Guy who answered 0831808 said he cannot help me with any data related queries, I must look on the web....

Ok, buddy says call 0831555. Did, spoke to Linda. He recons ALL MTN HSDPA towers are on 3.6 and 7.2 but I must upgrade the modem to get 7.2. However current firmware on E220 is fine for 3.6. Told him we can't get 3.6 and he's a bit lost.

Linda's story does not seem to tally with MTN's press release onthe 25th that said selected towers are on 3.6 and only a few in Cape Town on 7.2.

Seems confusion reigns and as yet no-one can get the service?

 

[morkhans]

Oh and there is nothing about this so called "launch" on the MTN site. Take a look at the press room: http://www.mtn.co.za/?pid=9522 - nothing. You would think this to be bigger news than some big wigs having their passports stolen...

MTN I am calling your bluff. You don't have a 3.6 service let alone a 7.2 one...

 

[Skeptik]

What speeds will convince you?

What speeds are the competition providing on 3.6 and 7.2?

I can't do any testing at the moment - as much as I'd like to refute or confirm these allegations about all networks.

 

[ginggs]

What speeds will convince you?

If I saw >2Mbps I would believe I'm connected to a 3.6 tower.

What speeds are the competition providing on 3.6 and 7.2?

As far as I understand it, Vodacom aren't upgrading to 7.2 until the backhaul is capable, but on their 3.6 service guys are getting around 2.4, but there is a minority who are still only getting <1.8.

I can't do any testing at the moment - as much as I'd like to refute or confirm these allegations about all networks.

Someone please lend Skeptik a 3.6-capable device! And one for me too!

 

[morkhans]

What speeds will convince you?

What speeds are the competition providing on 3.6 and 7.2?

I can't do any testing at the moment - as much as I'd like to refute or confirm these allegations about all networks.

Go take a look at the speed results posted in the Vodacom forum. I clocked 310kB/s downloading Winamp over the weekend, and we have seen some really good results for people using the speed.vodacom.co.za site (3000kbps +). MTN so far have nothing similar to prove that they have a 3.6 service.

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=2411

 

[Skeptik]

I expect Vodacom will be lodging a competitor complaint against MTN with ASASA.

I wish you would. Then we would have an objective opinion and less whiners.

 

[Neo]

Hmmm 50 posts so far in this thread, and no evidence that MTN has 3.6 anywhere in SA...interesting.

I had it on good authority that MTN's office in Harrington road in Cape Town is the place to get these elusive speeds. So off we went with a duly upgraded MTN device (as per Linda).

We *nearly* hit 1.8Mb/s but not quite.....

I expect Vodacom will be lodging a competitor complaint against MTN with ASASA.

I suspect skeptik as Champion of all Consumers (irrespective of network) will beat Vodacom to it.

 

[morkhans]

I had it on good authority that MTN's office in Harrington road in Cape Town is the place to get these elusive speeds. So off we went with a duly upgraded MTN device (as per Linda).

We *nearly* hit 1.8Mb/s but not quite.....

What are you using to test, equipment and speedtest service?

 

[Skeptik]

I had it on good authority that MTN's office in Harrington road in Cape Town is the place to get these elusive speeds. So off we went with a duly upgraded MTN device (as per Linda).

We *nearly* hit 1.8Mb/s but not quite.....



I suspect skeptik as Champion of all Consumers (irrespective of network) will beat Vodacom to it.

So the previous 'scientific' tests you did on which device exactly (missed Science classes at school did we?)

 

[Skeptik]

neoic
Thanks I'd love to. Sadly very little spare time for at least 10 days. Doing some safety-critical work ATM. I was all over the peninsula today (literally . I'll leave it to Heath Robinson

 

[Neo]

Part 451 in the on-going saga to find out where the 7.2 coverage is in Cape Town.

While trying to find who to call, I saw the page where you can log a call to MTN support. I duly logged the following call:

Name : xxxxxxx
Cellular Contact : xxxxxxxx
Landline Contact : xxxxxxxx
Email Address : xxxxxxxxx
Subject :Network coverage
Message :Can you please provide me with coverage details for the 3.6 and 7.2 HSDPA service?

Just received this answer back:

Please can you contact our Data Support Helpdesk on 1555 (free call from an MTN contract phone) or 083 1555 from a landline for assistance regarding HSDPA services.

Regards

MTN Coverage Helpdesk

WTF, I log a call on the Call Desk and the response is to call the Call Desk..... (I've already called then and they could not give me the info.)

 

[Neo]

So the previous 'scientific' tests you did on which device exactly (missed Science classes at school did we?)

Still trying to detract from the topic under discussion....

Our first tests were with a 'standard' E220, which according to MTN should work on 3.6, as is. You can read it in the Sunday newspapers.

However, Linda suggested we should upgrade the E220 to 7.2 firmware before it'll work on 3.6.

Obviously bull, but to give him the benefit, we did do so.

Still no 3.6 or 7.2.....

Reality is, there is no MTN 3.6 or 7.2 service. At least in Cape Town.

 

[Neo]

<off_topic>@Neo, I cannot help asking this question, Linda @ MTN - is that person male|female|undefined? - it's just an odd name for a guy to have.</off_topic>

A guy. Seen it before (the name), some politician I think. President's spokesperson?

 

[SoTrue]

I remember a Linda Mti, very senior guy at the Department of Correctional Services.

 

[Neo]

I remember a Linda Mti, very senior guy at the Department of Correctional Services.

That's the one!

Just remembered the name from Zapiro taking the mickey.....

 

[ginggs]

<off_topic>@Neo, I cannot help asking this question, Linda @ MTN - is that person male|female|undefined? - it's just an odd name for a guy to have.</off_topic>

A guy. Seen it before (the name), some politician I think. President's spokesperson?

Was it perhaps Lynton @ MTN?

 

[Skeptik]

If you are such a busy bee flitting about all over the peninsula, how do you find the time to post on the forum all the time and not have enough time to do a quick speed test and post the results? - time-saving tip, open up a new tab in your browser and run the speed test whilst tapping out your reply post(s)...

This is my 'down time' dude.

PS: neo != ic, which is obviously what you were causticly trying to imply with "neoic" .

I left out the '/' as in 'neo/ic', used since you both asked the same questions and answer for each other. You live/work together? Best not to assume, 'coz it makes an ass out of u and me (geddit?).

This thread is starting to look like the 'let's bash MTN customer service' one. We are going off topic Voda fanboyz. I can't honestly say that any network shines in the customer service department, do you - so let's stay on track.

 

[Neo]

Like any fanatical fanboy, skeptik is just trying to deflect the topic of this thread: viz the complete lack of MTN 3.6 and 7.2 capability (up to now, at least) and their blatant lies as to the availability of the service over the last 2 weeks.