Short TIme, Good Time

[tezz]

Gidday. or should I say howzitt.
I've headed here to the iPhone Forum, quite expecting to be bumped elsewhere. Been through Stickies, posts, FAQs.

I've had zero response, not even acknowledgment from inquiries to the "Howzit" mob or Vodacom in over 3 weeks.

Here goes.
I'll be in South Africa working on the World Cup for 6 weeks, 1 in Jo'burg 5 in Durban.

I'll be bringing my iPhone (unlocked) not jailbroken, and a laptop with ZTE MF626 USB 3G Modem HSPDA ( also unlocked )
Both of these are locally with Telstra, and would be horrific on Global Roaming.

I won't use the phone much for calls, once a week or so for calls back to Oz, expect 250MB of Data over 6 weeks
Laptop could be 3GB to 5GB.

I think there are some month to month plans available now for Data. Not sure on phone/data.

From outside it seems like Voda are the largest in town.

Any advice or referrals to other Forums is greatly appreciated, especially in view of the lack of response from Voda themselves.
They must have too much business.

cya,
Terry

My enquiries to Howzit and Vodacam

 

[MikeCTZA]

I'll be bringing my iPhone (unlocked) not jailbroken, and a laptop with ZTE MF626 USB 3G Modem HSPDA ( also unlocked )
Both of these are locally with Telstra, and would be horrific on Global Roaming.
I won't use the phone much for calls, once a week or so for calls back to Oz, expect 250MB of Data over 6 weeks
Laptop could be 3GB to 5GB.
I think there are some month to month plans available now for Data. Not sure on phone/data.

Howzit, and welcome to the forums. having your devices unlocked is going to help. You will be able to buy a cellphone starter pack which includes a SIM card and phone no. from any local shop/cellphone shop. However there is a new RICA act which means everyone has to register their card before using it - that could be a problem, I am not sure of the procedures for foreign people coming over, searching around online for RICA should reveal some more info.
I would stick with Vodacom (I am on Vodacom so my comments will be based on that) or MTN for data (others don't have 3G/HDSPA) you have 2 options, either a data bundle or out of bundle. Out of bundle is always R2/MB, in bundle which can be bought adhoc - ie is only a once off bundle See: http://www.vodacom.co.za/services/vodacom_broadband/cost.jsp works out a lot less per MB as you buy bigger bundles (but is still pricey - nothing we can do about that) but will be your best bet. There is another ISP called GConnect which works quite well and could another option to look at, they have a 30 Broadband pass that may work out well for you, it is currently on sale in their offerings, but I'm not sure if it is a permanent offering.
I hope that helps to answer your questions, if not just ask and I will try help but with some more info.

 

[tezz]

Hi Mike,
Pretty good info there. Confirms that Voda is the main player. I'll investigate RICA Act and the complications. Still 140 days to go, but for once I'm planning ahead. I'll check with the company hiring me as to whether any deals are being done as well. I know they've arranged local credit card option for ATM use. I won't commit too early, as in GConnect deal, but will look again closer to the time.
I may drop by again if I get other queries to pose. Thanks again very much for the detailed and quick response.
Terry

 

[bwana]

Hi Mike,
Pretty good info there. Confirms that Voda is the main player. I'll investigate RICA Act and the complications. Still 140 days to go, but for once I'm planning ahead. I'll check with the company hiring me as to whether any deals are being done as well. I know they've arranged local credit card option for ATM use. I won't commit too early, as in GConnect deal, but will look again closer to the time.
I may drop by again if I get other queries to pose. Thanks again very much for the detailed and quick response.
Terry

Or 111 . . . which ever comes first.