Signal in Greenstone area

[Cleric]

Ok, update. I ended up with Screamer, and so far it works but the latency is not acceptable and the signal is iffy - some days I have a fine connection, then for a week I can't connect at all. I am still trying to get an ADSL line, but I need the help of everyone who lives in the area.

If we all call in and order, and keep escalating those orders (if you already have an order, escalate it!) Telkom will see enough demand to push the project forward.

Even if you are happy with your current setup, requesting a line only means that they will call you back once the project is complete. You can then decide if you still want the line - if not, no harm done. If so, well, you now have the option of a cheaper lower latency alternative.

 

[labratza]

dam ok then.... yeah well area I stay in as well looks like I have to go wimax route as there is no other coverage and no telkom lines it sucks

 

[Cleric]

Screamer update: the downtimes are definitely occuring less recently, but the latency is still pretty bad. Luckily Screamer seems to be making quite an effort to get me sorted out (coming to see about moving the CPE outside, see if we can boost latency to playable levels). Will update once I know whats up. Just be warned that my signal currently isn't great, and I have a clear view in the direction the tower is (according to the techs), so you may not get any at all.

 

[Winston Wolf]

Any update on your situation yet cleric? What is your signal like with Screamer?

I also went the Screamer Wi-max route now. I've had good days, but mostly bad. I have to position the modem right next to the top corner of my window, to get 1 bar signal strength, 2 bars on a good day. Other days there simply is no signal, no matter what I do or where I look for signal with the modem.

For gaming it actually works ok, I'm able to play certain games like BFBC2 fairly ok, but it can become quite laggy at times.

I've applied for a Telkom line in Jan 2009, still waiting. The lady at the Telkom store in Greenstone said they are rolling out infrastrcture in Bushwillow park, just opposite the road, but don't know about any plans to roll out infrastructure anytime soon in Acacia. She has however said some customers told her they've been getting calls from Telkom to make appointments to come and install lines into Acacia, but officially she doesn't know anything about it. Great service hey?

 

[MarcW]

Signal

Hey guys,

Long time no post from my side, but I have been following the response trail over this year.
I know it isn't necessarily the same issue as the gamers on this list, but our Vodacom voice quality and 3G has remained appalling over the year and despite a signal booster from Vodacom.

I heard from some other folk in Acacia that their MTN signal is much better and it appears that MTN have sorted out a tower around here. I tested with a Pay as you go sim and will be moving both phones and data to MTN as soon as I can next year. Not viable for gaming as mentioned above but at least downloads and voice...

I will take great joy in canning the Vodacom contracts

 

[Cleric]

@winston wolf I have had a pretty rough time with screamer. I have to call them quite often to get my connection back up, and the latencies are pretty terrible (200ms+ local). Telkom can offer Wimax (I have applied and am waiting for the tech guys to call) if you keep calling 10219 until you get someone who will take the application.

Only problem is Telkom need to install a dish on the roof and acacia won't allow it. I am trying to get this changed - I will let you know.

 

[Cleric]

To everyone living in Acacia - please make sure that you have logged an order for a phone line with Telkom. Got a slip under my door yesterday saying only 2 people have applied for lines - I know I am one, I called and checked and Telkom have the Acacia physical address down correctly (23 Emerald Parkway).

If, like me, you are struggling to find a decent phone line alternative please make the effort to make sure that Telkom has your order and to keep hounding them. Please try get your neighbours to sign up too. For all the complaining about lack of lines, it doesn't help if Telkom doesn't know you want them.

 

[Winston Wolf]

Yeah, I also got the note under the door. And I'm pretty sure I'm the other they mentioned that still has an application active with Telkom. I'll get the neighbors to sing up, hope this gets done soon.

 

[rmbaak]

Hi Guys,

I ordered my Telkom line on Friday. Hope there are more people that have done the same since the note was put under the door.

We got the 3G "landline" from Telkom about 3 months ago and the signal has been fine for voice. Have not tried the data though. I use my Blackberry 9700 as my modem and just purchase internet bundles when I need them, however the internet is nowhere near as fast ADSL. I struggle to find 3G if the wind blows even if I try "Force" the phone to look for 3G networks.

Hope Telkom starts with the lines soon...

 

[bal1981]

Hi All

Just moved into Bushwillow Park, I believe that there are ADSL services in the estate.

Is there anybody in Bushwillow or surrounding areas who has subscribed to ADSL? What are you experiences?

BTW MTN 3g in the area is terrible.