Telemetry Application - MTN vs Vodacom

[Shaunus]

Hi Guys

I need to recommend a network to a client for a large telemetry deployment and need to get a feeling which network to go with. Both seem to offer similar prices and similar network topologies (in terms of private APNs, MPLS network, and last mile redundant offering). The only big difference I can see so far is that the MTN SIM card contract (Prodata) is month to month, where as Vodacom (Data Messenger Lite) is a 24 month contract per SIM.

Anyone have any experience with the stability and uptime of both networks? Any feedback will be appreciated!

Many Thanks
Shaun

 

[webslave]

stay away from MTN - they will never tell you the truth

Hi Guys

I need to recommend a network to a client for a large telemetry deployment and need to get a feeling which network to go with. Both seem to offer similar prices and similar network topologies (in terms of private APNs, MPLS network, and last mile redundant offering). The only big difference I can see so far is that the MTN SIM card contract (Prodata) is month to month, where as Vodacom (Data Messenger Lite) is a 24 month contract per SIM.

Anyone have any experience with the stability and uptime of both networks? Any feedback will be appreciated!

Many Thanks
Shaun

I have been having constantly bad experiences since signing up with MTN on the basis that I could do the following on my 'new' contract and we checked (the store manager and I over the phone before I signed - I need VPN,VNC and full access through my laptop -yes no problems we have and unlimited product that you can use - once I signed it was basically screw you and take us to court to cancel the contract!

 

[vodacom3g]

I've spent a lot of effort to make sure the Vodacom network is suitable for telemetry.

PM me your contact details and I'll give you a shout.

 

[Insider]

I would recommend that the client makes provision for both networks. One can be the primary network, offering the best rates and packages, the other can be a cheap prepaid SIM which will need periodic activity to keep it provisioned according to the network business rules.

Factors to keep in mind
1. Dual access will require a more complex end-user device (or two devices), therefore more expensive and O&M overheads. But, depending on the value the device generates, one network outage of a few hours may overrrun the cost of an extra device.
2. How many devices and volume of transactions does the client expect - this will justify point 1.
3. Most telemetry uses minimal data which provides very little income to the network provider. It actually runs at a loss due to the overheads of service and account management, high level of support for minor issues, etc.
4. Will the devices be mobile or fixed - look at coverage in client's area of business.
5. The user device must be type-approved by the network. Grey devices may work now, but not after the next software upgrade on the network.

 

[Shaunus]

I would recommend that the client makes provision for both networks. One can be the primary network, offering the best rates and packages, the other can be a cheap prepaid SIM which will need periodic activity to keep it provisioned according to the network business rules.

Factors to keep in mind
1. Dual access will require a more complex end-user device (or two devices), therefore more expensive and O&M overheads. But, depending on the value the device generates, one network outage of a few hours may overrrun the cost of an extra device.
2. How many devices and volume of transactions does the client expect - this will justify point 1.
3. Most telemetry uses minimal data which provides very little income to the network provider. It actually runs at a loss due to the overheads of service and account management, high level of support for minor issues, etc.
4. Will the devices be mobile or fixed - look at coverage in client's area of business.
5. The user device must be type-approved by the network. Grey devices may work now, but not after the next software upgrade on the network.

Thanks Insider and Vodacom3G (have sent you an email).

In responce to Insider:

1) Currently the client can only go with one network thus will need to choose one to recommend.
2) Devices are forcasted to run into 10000+, low data rate per device (roughly 1Kb per device per day)
3) Very true, it will be minimal data so the networks will only make some money on the monthly contract fees. If I am not mistaken, MTN charges R18.77 per SIM per month (R10 Prodata package plus addition R8.77 to associate MISDN to private APN) and Vodacom R17.50 (R10 Data Messenger Lite package and R7.50 for Vodamanage).
4) Fixed only.
5) Noted, the device is being provided by a European partner, not in my scope.

Thanks again for all your help and suggestions, any more greatly appreciated!

 

[Communico]

There is also a solution to monitor telemetry / M2M SIMs on prepaid called Flickswitch SIMcontrol.

 

[rubber_otter]

10 years.

Fascinating.