Need a 3g usb modem and data bundle - advice?

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Re83L

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Hi guys.

I need a data card and bundle.
I'm only going to use it when I'm at the office during the day, as I need to access some sites that is blocked by our company's proxy, and they won't let me access it.

I've tried searching the forums for this, but it seems like most people advise expensive R2400-ish modems and big bundles

I basically need a USB dongle-thingy, and about 350-500MB of data per month.

Any advice on what would be the cheapest option for me?
Regards
 
For ad-hoc 3G use, I would suggest not signing a 24-month contract. There are more flexible pre-paid options available. Check here to look for 3G modems – they start at around R900.

You can then simply buy a pre-paid SIM and get data bundles loaded automatically. See www.flickswitch.co.za for the 3Gmanager service. It basically loads 3G data bundles onto your pre-paid sim automatically, without having to commit for a 24-month contract. Hope that helps.

If you're happy to load bundles yourself as and when required, you could do so on Vodacom4Me, or convert airtime to bundles by dialing *111#.

Hope that helps.
 
Since PPDB's became available there's been NO reason whatsoever to get trapped in a one-sided contract...
 
Whatever you do, don't sign a contract, you'll regret it. Buy the modem up front, cash. I'm sure you can pick up a 2nd hand modem for cheap. Ask around on these forums, you are very likely to find one, or check the Junkmail, classifieds, etc... Alternatively buy a new one if you can afford it. You can get the USB ones for R500-R600 brand new if I'm not mistaken.

Then go with GConnect for data - you top-up with data as you need, and it NEVER expires. Check here for more - https://gconnect.wirelessg.co.za/. Data bundles from Vodacom/MTN will expire, and as you only need a bit of data occasionally, GConnect works out the cheapest - the data price is flat rated per MB (62c per MB). But with Vodacom/MTN the data prices become ridiculously expensive the smaller the bundle.

Just be warned about GConnect's connection manager though... See if you can live with it, many people do, but not me...
 
Have you considered just using your phone instead of buying a dedicated modem? In the same situation as you, I just buy databundles and load them onto my phone, then tether it to get online. No contracts, no extra hardware and if your computer is admin-locked you can bull**** the IT department into installing the software to tether your phone because you want to sync your contacts and other business sounding things.
 
And if you cant afford to buy it cash, and you must go for a contract, take the Top-up 3G Contracts. It works out the same as Prepaid.
 
I can afford it.
Just wanted to find out what's best.

Think I'm going to try and get my hands on a second hand modem, and then I'll just get some sort of data bundle.
Thanks guys.
 
I have been there several times, several modems purchased. If I had to do it all again, I would do what I am currently doing - using my Apple iPhone 3Gs as the modem, and remote connecting using bluetooth. So simple to setup, and the advantages - you already walk around with your phone, so just leave your iPhone in your pocket and wirelessly tether through the phone on 3G....but you MUST NOT have a contract, use prepaid bundles, cheaper and more versatile.

Apple MacBook Pro laptop, bluetooth connection to Apple iPhone 3Gs using 2GB prepaid bundle and I am surfing.....now if only VC can make the bundles cheaper, then I will stop my ADSL at home and buy 5GB bundles and use this system at home and on the road.
 
Last edited:
surfs-up said:
I have been there several times, several modems purchased. If I had to do it all again, I would do what I am currently doing - using my Apple iPhone 3G as the modem, and remote connecting using bluetooth. So simple to setup, and the advantages - you already walk around with your phone, so just leave your iPhone in your pocket and wirelessly tether through the phone on 3G....but you MUST NOT have a contract, use prepaid bundles, cheaper and more versatile.

Apple MacBook Pro laptop, bluetooth connection to Apple iPhone using 2GB prepaid bundle and I am surfing.....now if only VC can make the bundles cheaper, then I will stop my ADSL at home and buy 5GB bundles and use this system at home and on the road.
Click to expand...

Are you able to receive or make calls on your phone while the data connection is active on your phone? Many years ago when I got my first 3G phone I used it as a modem, and I could never receive calls etc while the data connection was running.
 
Hi OC

Yes my iPhone does receive calls while I am tethering on 3G - I have just tried it now.....I am tethered at the moment on 3G, and I tried calling - and the phone rang, and I can make calls while connected. BTW I have the latest software update loaded onto my phone, so perhaps your situation was with older software
 
ocleroux said:
Are you able to receive or make calls on your phone while the data connection is active on your phone? Many years ago when I got my first 3G phone I used it as a modem, and I could never receive calls etc while the data connection was running.
Click to expand...

Hi

Some phones are able to pause a data connection when making and receiving calls.

Regards
VodacomData
 
if you do believe in Satan then a data contract is probably one of the best examples of it's incarnation.
 
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