Nov 2005 Broadband Report

[Gatecrasher]

Hi Krycor

We are finalizing the details of the next testing...should run from 1 - 7September. Details to follow soon.

Please, please, please, ensure that you don't use testing techniques that favour one platform over another. Make sure that testing uses multithreaded software, since that is what peoiple actually use, and how people actually experience the internet. Make sure that testers are utilising their connections to the full. No purpose is served, for example, by including a wireless tester who has a shockingly poor signal. We already know that for wireless technologies to work you need a good signal. It like doing ADSL testing without a copper line. Include mobility, installation times, support etc in your evaluations.

Your past efforts at providing meaingful comparisons have been flawed and misleading, and most certainly have not reflected the average user's experience.

 

[rpm]

Hi Gatecrasher

Thanks for the feedback. I think it is a good idea if I test iBurst at the location from where you are testing it for official purposes. I can also visit you and just check your performance officially as it seems to be far better than the average results sent through by other iBurst subscribers.

Can you please PM me a suitable date/time for this testing please…

Regards,

RPM

 

[bwana]

Hi Krycor

We are finalizing the details of the next testing...should run from 1 - 7September. Details to follow soon.

Wont the results get skewed if people currently using 1024 ADSL dont realise that their lines have been upgraded and to what extent?

 

[Carlhead]

Wont the results get skewed if people currently using 1024 ADSL dont realise that their lines have been upgraded and to what extent?

No, because they'll be testing 4Mbit not 1Mbit... so th results will be just that, results of the 4Mbit ADSL tests.

 

[bwana]

No, because they'll be testing 4Mbit not 1Mbit... so th results will be just that, results of the 4Mbit ADSL tests.

But not everyone who currently has 1024 will be able to get the full upgrade to 4Mbit, some might only be able to get 2Mbit or even less. I'm guessing telkom will continue calling it a 1024 line esp while the service is being tested.

 

[jamieb]

cost of adsl

does the ADSL costing incorporate ADSL line rental, telephone line rental, telkom charge, plus ISP charge for 3gb? the report needs to clarify this.

 

[jamieb]

wireless

Please, please, please, ensure that you don't use testing techniques that favour one platform over another. Make sure that testing uses multithreaded software, since that is what peoiple actually use, and how people actually experience the internet.

That is how they experience the Internet. These are real tests from real users out in the field. Wireless technologies such as iBurst are hugely unreliable, and cannot be considered a substitute for ADSL, unless mobility is required. The only time you ever seem to get a good signal on iBurst, is if you are sitting right next to a base station. These wireless technologies need to improve dramatically before they can ever be considered a viable alternative.

Make sure that testers are utilising their connections to the full. No purpose is served, for example, by including a wireless tester who has a shockingly poor signal. We already know that for wireless technologies to work you need a good signal. It like doing ADSL testing without a copper line. Include mobility, installation times, support etc in your evaluations.

The whole purpose of the report is to serve as a guide to new users. If the majority of Sentech users have poor coverage, then why would I the consumer want to go out subscribe to Sentech? It is the responsibility of the wireless providers to ensure they offer good coverage.

Your past efforts at providing meaingful comparisons have been flawed and misleading, and most certainly have not reflected the average user's experience.

Disagree wholeheartedly. There have been literally thousands of complaints directed at Sentech, iBurst and others regarding the performance of their connections. I am afraid they do not live up to their marketing hype. This report reflects that, and so it should!

Personally, I feel that the wireless providers should not be permitted to use their theoretical maximum throughput in advertising campaigns. It is hugely misleading given that in reality, on average, they offer speeds that are lower than 192kps, which by ICASA's controversial definition, is below what can be considered broadband.

 

[Carlhead]

But not everyone who currently has 1024 will be able to get the full upgrade to 4Mbit, some might only be able to get 2Mbit or even less. I'm guessing telkom will continue calling it a 1024 line esp while the service is being tested.

DSL up to 1024kbps (4Mbps trial) R 516.00

Yup