O2 data roaming costs on MTN SA

[wallace]

Hello there!

Anybody know what O2 charges for data used on MTN network in SA?

 

[Yotch]

If that figure of 7.05 GBP per megabyte is correct it would be a much better idea just to purchase a prepaid SIM in South Africa from any MTN cell shop, supermarket or convenience store.
http://www.o2international.co.uk/standardrate_and_data.aspx

If you purchase a bundle from MTN online the cost per megabyte is even cheaper (standard rate is R2 per megabyte). If you visit one of the MTN shops in SA they should be able to assist you to activate the SIM and help you to load one of the bundles shown above if you think that you might have trouble. You would need to check that your phone or datacard is unlocked before arriving in SA i.e. can you use your current datacard on any of the other UK networks like Vodafone or 3 just by switching the SIM?

MTN prepaid data bundles
http://www.mtn.co.za/?pid=248769&mid=248779

If it is locked you may be able to get the unlocking code free of charge from the network provider (O2). Otherwise the simplest way to unlock it would be to investigate the service at www.kulankendi.com. This company can unlock most of the current datacards over the internet without you needing to physically mail it to them.

 

[ajax]

Cheapest place to get simcards are at Pick n Pay or Checkers grocery stores. They go for under R5 per simcard, any network actually.

If you got your data modem from O2, chances are it is network locked. As Yotch said, you should try to get it unlocked then.

 

[Yotch]

@wallace: Another option would be to rent a 3G datacard from one of the MTN or Vodacom outlets at the airport. This would also be much cheaper than roaming. Just make sure that you can purchase a bundle (500Meg, 1G etc.) if you need to use the internet a lot as the out of bundle rate seems to be R2-50 per Meg i.e. ~R2500 per gigabyte! See these links to get an idea of the costs. Just post again if you need more information - maybe somebody else can recommend something cheaper.
http://www.europcar.co.za/cell-phone-rentals.html#rate007c
http://www.fellengtours.co.za/services/rent_a_mobile.htm
http://www.ventertours.de/reisehandy.htm
http://www.cellucity.co.za/branches.htm

Here is some information about how to request the unlock code from Vodafone UK. A similar procedure should apply for O2.
http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/showthread.php?t=67901

You might also be able to use hotspots from some hotels or airports etc. Access can be purchased online via a credit card. The cost is around R60 for 100Meg, R140 for 250Meg, R250 for 500Meg etc. Some McDonalds shops offer 10 minutes free WiFi via Telkom T-Zones.
http://hotspot.alwayson.co.za/
http://hotspot.alwayson.co.za/hotspot/help/help.htm
Telkom T-Zones
http://www.telkom.co.za/attheoffice/products/tzone/tzonesites.html

Take a look at this article about the perils of international data roaming ...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3466711.ece

 

[wallace]

Thanks for all the feedback

It was for my iPhone and I just thought that since data is so cheap in SA, O2 may not charge the normal roaming price.