Smart Village Alternatives

[kainunable]

I recently moved back to SA from Denmark. There I was living off a 30mb fibre connection which was faster than the road-runner on speed. Now coming back, I knew what I was getting into - at least I thought I did. Turns out my new apartment complex is part of this Smart Village network - meaning that I cannot get an ADSL line into my apartment.

I am now faced with using Smart Village as my sole provider, and quite frankly, I think they are very expensive. For an uncapped line of 4mbs (shaped), they are wanting to charge me R900 a month. Which I think is ridiculous.

So, being very new to the SA internet scene (have been gone for 4 years), I would like to ask for some advice in the matter:

1) Are Smart Village pulling the wool over my eyes? Am I truly unable to get an ADSL connection? Who would I be able to call to see if I have the available network & infrastructure?
2) Would anyone have any other options for decent internet that can bypass this monopolized restriction - i.e. wireless, satellite? I would be looking for uncapped with min 1-4mb speeds.

Thanks

 

[satanboy]

I live in an apartment complex with fibre, we are free to choose which ISP we want (there are only 2 ). In any case for a 1mbps line I am paying R699 per month.

 

[Roadrunner]

You in Midstream by any chance?

Some parts are on the Telkom network and can get ADSL, but the rest are stuck with Smart Village.

You can of course also go the 3G route, but the reception is very poor atm. They are in the process of putting up a few towers, so this situation might just improve in the near future.

PS - I chose not to be offended by your Roadrunner comment.

(I think you were referring to the cartoon and not the IBM supercomputer where I borrowed my handle from, if I am not mistaken.)

 

[kainunable]

You in Midstream by any chance?

Some parts are on the Telkom network and can get ADSL, but the rest are stuck with Smart Village.

You can of course also go the 3G route, but the reception is very poor atm. They are in the process of putting up a few towers, so this situation might just improve in the near future.

PS - I chose not to be offended by your Roadrunner comment.

(I think you were referring to the cartoon and not the IBM supercomputer where I borrowed my handle from, if I am not mistaken.)

I am using 3G at the moment, but I am eating through the data like no-ones business. I am based in Cape Town - seems this Smarat Village thing is everywhere.

PS: Yes, this was the cartoon But a good comparison to the speeds that I am used to

 

[HiltonFester]

Hi.

What choices of ISP on Fibre are there in Midstream? Midlands Estate to be exact?
I was with Smart Village a few years back but the service and quality was pathetic so I do not want to go with Smart Village again. Telkom is also out of the question. I will not use Telkom even if it was given to me free of charge.
Thank you
HF