Without. it's temperamental, the speed goes up and down and up and down continuously throughout the day. Disconnects frequently, the redial setting on windows network connection recovers the connection most of the time but sometimes it just doesn't want to re-connect. It says username/password invalid or can't register on the network or whatever. Then with a bit of patience and waiting for one or two asteroids and saturn to realign it re-connects. Really wonderful stuff, top notch.
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Unimpressed, returning product
- Thread starter benguela
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Without. it's temperamental, the speed goes up and down and up and down continuously throughout the day. Disconnects frequently, the redial setting on windows network connection recovers the connection most of the time but sometimes it just doesn't want to re-connect. It says username/password invalid or can't register on the network or whatever. Then with a bit of patience and waiting for one or two asteroids and saturn to realign it re-connects. Really wonderful stuff, top notch.
RichardG
Honorary Master
I am also experience those problems with Incorrect/username authentication problems are driving me nuts at the moment.....
I have sent in a couple of support tickets, what base station do you connect 2.
Could you possibly not have a faulty device? (the neotel device)
Gee, glad others are also having these issues... I thought it was because I was connecting via a linux firewall (IPCop) ... callcentre acts as if my problems are unique and wants me to test the connection via WinXP ... now I can tell them that people on Windoze also have the same problem.
I also have a redial problem ... the firewall tries to reset the modem with ATZ but that fails, and so it stops trying to redial. Solution is to unplug and replug phone from firewall. Then it tries again... sometimes its an exercise in frustration and patience....
cheers, Ian
orin76
Expert Member
I have the same problem, but only when using linux. Dialling in from Vista is fine. Reconnects work 100%.
Wonderful coverage, and although I would like 1Mbps + , i would settle for ANYTHING over 384. NEOTEL MUST MAKE 384 their minimum and extend the boarders for their coverage for now.
I can't believe the attitude toward users who actually care to make a point & back it up with facts, from the so-called "senior members" on this forums. It's shameful to say the least.
As soon as quality of service (as promised) is questioned, they act like a bunch of bible bashing brainwashees, that try and settle an argument about religion by quoting a line from the bible... I.E. all the "telkom employee" speak.
These forums, as previously stated is for sharing intelligence and experience in order to promote broader knowledge & understanding about these products & services... which is exactly what new member Benguela did, the slating comments in response from the so-called senior members make the user-base of this forum sound like a bunch snot-nosed 14 year-olds, at least mentally.
Unfortunately, via these forums, I've seen that Neotel is all yap and no substance... and the advertising already done by them, in my opinion borders on false advertising.
The CEO mentions that unlike "other" networks, theirs are not affected by increased user-base, promoting consistency - this thread alone proves that one wrong...
Other statements like the "extensive market research" done by Neotel, has to much dismay of the general public, consumer & business alike, brought us the "oh so wow" USB-only handset, which in this very thread, amongst many others does not have a good reputation so far.
Statements like these, by myself, has also gotten me branded as a telkom-lover... though my statements are always backed up. I could carry on thumping Neotel, but it's been done a hundred times over already on these forums.
I've never mentioned it here, but I'm a telecomms activist in SA - and the reason I fight is simple. To create a better overall industry for the whole of SA, not just myself or my family, or to have a better gaming experience and yadda yadda.
Things of great concern is stuff like international investment in SA, boosting the economy - which is being stifled by what? You guessed it.. the abysmal state of our telecommunications industry.
So if you get branded as a telkom-lover by reporting on bad products or services, just don't pay any attention - there are people here who appreciate the awareness created, and you are making a difference, even if it's a little bit. Just ignore the ignorant idiots that don't realise that Neotel is supposed to be the top competitor, though up to date the can't seem to even compete with one of the worst-reputed service providers out there - thanks to the factual info provided by benguela.
So this is why I'm hard on Neotel - they're supposed to, and they are expected to, they're also saying that they are... but they don't, and they're not.
...and so far, it doesn't seem like they're getting better either, in fact it seems like they're getting worse.
As soon as quality of service (as promised) is questioned, they act like a bunch of bible bashing brainwashees, that try and settle an argument about religion by quoting a line from the bible... I.E. all the "telkom employee" speak.
These forums, as previously stated is for sharing intelligence and experience in order to promote broader knowledge & understanding about these products & services... which is exactly what new member Benguela did, the slating comments in response from the so-called senior members make the user-base of this forum sound like a bunch snot-nosed 14 year-olds, at least mentally.
Unfortunately, via these forums, I've seen that Neotel is all yap and no substance... and the advertising already done by them, in my opinion borders on false advertising.
The CEO mentions that unlike "other" networks, theirs are not affected by increased user-base, promoting consistency - this thread alone proves that one wrong...
Other statements like the "extensive market research" done by Neotel, has to much dismay of the general public, consumer & business alike, brought us the "oh so wow" USB-only handset, which in this very thread, amongst many others does not have a good reputation so far.
Statements like these, by myself, has also gotten me branded as a telkom-lover... though my statements are always backed up. I could carry on thumping Neotel, but it's been done a hundred times over already on these forums.
I've never mentioned it here, but I'm a telecomms activist in SA - and the reason I fight is simple. To create a better overall industry for the whole of SA, not just myself or my family, or to have a better gaming experience and yadda yadda.
Things of great concern is stuff like international investment in SA, boosting the economy - which is being stifled by what? You guessed it.. the abysmal state of our telecommunications industry.
So if you get branded as a telkom-lover by reporting on bad products or services, just don't pay any attention - there are people here who appreciate the awareness created, and you are making a difference, even if it's a little bit. Just ignore the ignorant idiots that don't realise that Neotel is supposed to be the top competitor, though up to date the can't seem to even compete with one of the worst-reputed service providers out there - thanks to the factual info provided by benguela.
So this is why I'm hard on Neotel - they're supposed to, and they are expected to, they're also saying that they are... but they don't, and they're not.
...and so far, it doesn't seem like they're getting better either, in fact it seems like they're getting worse.
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While I don't really comprehend the obvious need to pat yourself on the back for being a "telecomms activist in SA" ,pretty much all of us understand the frustration of finding a decent "telecomms" service in this country.
The simple fact of the matter is that we're guinae pigs when it comes to Neotel, just as we were when Iburst came onto the scene. So while you're the "telecomms activist" we're the ones that are trying and testing (for lack of a better word) these newcomers and hopefully helping them make themselves better.
benguela irked some "senior" members with his attitude, and if someone takes exception to that then who's to say he's right or wrong ? He perceived his service as being sub-standard while others did not quite see the bad side of his service/speed.
Maybe being a "telecomms activist" has clouded your sense of perception, or it could be the thin air near that high horse you seem to be perched on. It's all relative, we could thrash this out on the forum all day long and stroke our ego's with how we perceive ourselves and what's right or wrong, but let's be honest for a moment here.... being the new kid on the block will prove to be a bumpy ride for Neotel. But at this moment, compared to the rest ? they look a damn slight better for the long term.
The simple fact of the matter is that we're guinae pigs when it comes to Neotel, just as we were when Iburst came onto the scene. So while you're the "telecomms activist" we're the ones that are trying and testing (for lack of a better word) these newcomers and hopefully helping them make themselves better.
benguela irked some "senior" members with his attitude, and if someone takes exception to that then who's to say he's right or wrong ? He perceived his service as being sub-standard while others did not quite see the bad side of his service/speed.
Maybe being a "telecomms activist" has clouded your sense of perception, or it could be the thin air near that high horse you seem to be perched on. It's all relative, we could thrash this out on the forum all day long and stroke our ego's with how we perceive ourselves and what's right or wrong, but let's be honest for a moment here.... being the new kid on the block will prove to be a bumpy ride for Neotel. But at this moment, compared to the rest ? they look a damn slight better for the long term.
KillerX
Expert Member
I dont agree with you there Molotov. I was VERY interested in Neotel, but I thought let me wait and see what they offer and what user experiences were. I am only interested in their uncapped offering. Uncapped assumes high data usage, and things such as P2P and torrents should be included.
Not only does Neotel make you sign some lame 24 months contract with them (which locks you with them for 2 years, and youre forced to put up with their sh*t service, or you have to shell out a few grand for their device if you cancel, which you cant use for anything else cause its a Neotel only device)
On top of this, their is an IP problem with users sharing IP's, and so you cant use any P2P or torrent app that relies on ports - so that effectively limits you to http downloads - which suck. Rapidshare is nice, but torrents are king - we all know that.
So you effectively have a crippled 'uncapped' service.
Then there is a limitation it seems with the technology - most users are getting like 10-15 kb upload speed. Which is NOTHING. cant host games with that, cant really do webcamming, etc etc..
Not even to mention problems with signal strength, and the internet being 'paused' every time someone calls you - yippee.
All things considered, Neotel is the absolutely last ISP on my list for an INTERNET connection. I would sign up with them in an instant if they offered uncapped ADSL under a grand with no contracts. I would even put up with crappy service cause I hate telkom so much.
Not only does Neotel make you sign some lame 24 months contract with them (which locks you with them for 2 years, and youre forced to put up with their sh*t service, or you have to shell out a few grand for their device if you cancel, which you cant use for anything else cause its a Neotel only device)
On top of this, their is an IP problem with users sharing IP's, and so you cant use any P2P or torrent app that relies on ports - so that effectively limits you to http downloads - which suck. Rapidshare is nice, but torrents are king - we all know that.
So you effectively have a crippled 'uncapped' service.
Then there is a limitation it seems with the technology - most users are getting like 10-15 kb upload speed. Which is NOTHING. cant host games with that, cant really do webcamming, etc etc..
Not even to mention problems with signal strength, and the internet being 'paused' every time someone calls you - yippee.
All things considered, Neotel is the absolutely last ISP on my list for an INTERNET connection. I would sign up with them in an instant if they offered uncapped ADSL under a grand with no contracts. I would even put up with crappy service cause I hate telkom so much.
RichardG
Honorary Master
Nope there was a problem yesterday with P2P, but now it is all sorted.
Just the down fall they give you a static ip or goes in numeric order. Like 10,9
They just block all incoming ports from their side, they thought they were doing Neotel users a favour. MTN/Vodacom does the same. P2P applications rely on incoming ports, because both parties act as a client and a server at the same time. Neotel has stated on their FAQ this fact after many users complained about incoming ports being blocked. I have yet to see a user replying to this forum that states it was removed.
Neotel is not the be-all and end-all, their prices are better for those that have high incoming/download requirements, but not for those that require hosting abilities e.g. WebCam/Game Server/Ftp/Http.
Now in reply to Benguela and Devo-sa:
Taking into account that Neotel is fairly new. Having a 4-bar signal is sometimes misleading. Even though iBurst appeared to be much more stable, Neotel requires different frequencies to operate. Every little thing can have an influence on the product. Most of the users stated that they are indeed happy with Neotel as long as it is a normal web type download (which is a separate issue). Now looking at frequencies here is a good article that will explain in Layman's terms how signal indication causes confusion.
Users like Benguela shouldn't give up and press hard on Neotel to get it fixed and do a proper investigation. This is certainly going to be a rough ride for those playing with a technology never used in this country before. Once Neotel opens up the incoming ports for those that requested it, we should see a decline in complaints of P2P not working.
My 2c
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Nicely put chubster. Well that's what it boils down to at the end of the day, some are willing to take that ride with Neotel and others are not.
In response to KillerX, you put across very valid points with regards to the limitations of the technology at the present time. Personally, i just download, be it off RS or wherever else. I have no need to upload anything (the odd 10MB email maybe) or host anything or online gaming so that bit does not bother me much. If on whichever day/week/month the ports can't be opened (which they are upon request) and I need a torrent then i'll just use an online service and download the torrent via ftp at a nominal amount. It's not everyone's cup of tea but it's what works for me and it's what i'm willing to put up with.
What is being offered to the consumer is by no means perfect, but in this case I can live with it.
Maybe I can sit here and read your insults the whole day, son - fact is, who are they to be irked about his attitude? Senior member here makes you what.. special? No more special than me, and you can carry on thinking that I place myself on a high horse if you like, maybe a thief believes everyone steals right?
So, Neotel may be the new kid on the block - but 1st impressions have already been lower than k@k, in my opinion - I've stated why I think so too. You have one little point, which I think is pretty weak - considering the bigger picture.
So you, and all you other members who like to brand people, and think you own the forums... why don't you do yourself a little favour, and go and study up a little - maybe you'll see the bigger picture then, do some comparisons, and see if you can in fact be honest for a sec, and decide if this is an adequate service comparing to the rest of just Africa.
You might find that the only senior thing about you is your ego.
Telkom_Victim
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2008
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
I thought this forum was for mature discussions about the relevant service provider. Devo - all your posts have to do with the same issue. Neotel and seniority of forums. I do not want to get involved but if all of your posts are negative with no constructive input from actually having used the neotel product,then it is not unreasonable to expect a negative reaction towards you.
Being a neotel user i am happy so far, great speeds - although i'd like to get an antenna to help out with the signal strength.
Being a neotel user i am happy so far, great speeds - although i'd like to get an antenna to help out with the signal strength.
You're right, and you're right again, though...
True, I am negative about Neotel - though it's not without reason. True, discussions on this forum should be conducted in a mature manner - I can't deny guilt there, but I'm sure the immaturity point you are making can not only apply to me & my posts here.
So I'll try and make my point a bit more clear here.
Although we're all victims of Telkom is some or other way, whether direct or indirect - this post is not aimed at Telkom_Victim, whom I'm quoting here.
My original post did single out the immature & non-argumentative attitudes of some members who posted in this thread - and I still stand by it.
The point made by a previous poster about being guinea-pigs does in my opinion hold little water, and doesn't afford those users any privileges above others here. There are many points that I could make about that, one being that Neotel already did a test run before launching their actual services to the public. Teething problems are normal, any new business in any industry does suffer from that, though there's a difference between little snags, and making statements about their extensive market research & network capabilities, and then delivering exactly the opposite. Hence my statement about "all yak & no substance".
If I was in fact in the position to be a Neotel customer, I would be. I'm not because of 2 major factors..
1.) Neotel coverage is to date, non-existent in my area of residence & business.
2.) Even if my area was covered, the current hardware supplied by Neotel would not be financially viable to connect my home with multiple users, not my business with multiple users (where in both cases the user-base is less than 10)
Writing an email to Neotel, stating the problems currently experienced in that area (for the last 5 years, in fact) due to cable-theft, and a seriously shoddy fixed-line infrastructure, suggesting to Neotel that if they get the area covered, they could land a substantial client-base very quickly, has landed a shining template-response. I'm sure everyone who have written an email to them knows what I'm talking about. To date, I've not heard from them, and my area is still just out of coverage range, and I'm still being forced to be a (very frustrated) telkom client.
Now, this comment is aimed at the member Telkom_Victim... I disagree that my input has not been constructive. Negative points being made, especially when backed up, does not make my criticism destructive. Mentioning that I'm a telecomms activist was made in order to explain a point, and not to distinguish myself from the rest.
I backed up the original poster of this thread, based on the invaluable info he contributed here, he has at the request of others posted all other proof of his findings here too. That's his right as a consumer, and I still stand by it 100%.
The guinea-pigs here, one even admitting that all he does is download, decided to very negatively bomb his findings with very bad attitude - I'd say that's not constructive at all, not to even mention unfounded.
My argument(s) is/are about the promises made in the public advertising, about the CURRENT offerings, which is NOT being delivered.
Another member here made a point about the technology being "unknown" and previously unused in SA, and although that's a true statement, why should it be the consumers responsibility to know & understand the technology? The service provider is supposed to provide the right info & tools to the public in order for the consumer to benefit from the technology. Has that been done...?
In short, no. Simple calculations, using conservative figures based on the facts posted in this thread reports the following...
Wireless connectivity / signal strength is measured in 5 bars, but let's allow the 5th bar to be calculated from a zero-point, and say there's an invisible 6th bar for the optimal signal strength, if achieved.
2.4Mbps / 6 = 0.4Mbps
4 bars = 1.6Mbps
The user posting his findings here is getting substantially less than that, not even mentioning the latency coupled with that. I'd also be extremely disappointed in the product when expecting, based on the indication of the tools provided by Neotel.
I would like to hear what difference the external aerial makes from those who has one installed and running, though nowhere I could find does Neotel mention anything about an extra piece of hardware to boost the experience.
So benguela was active in promoting awareness (activism), and not prepared to lie down and take it (passivism). I'm not branding him or anyone else, but that's the basic definition - and it's everyone's personal choice and right to be either or none.
But when it comes down to these forums and their purpose, I will definitely discard the comments of any members who want to call anyone who takes the time to enlighten others, a spoiled brat and has any unfounded comments and insulting statements.
So go get the antenna, Telkom_Victim - then bring your findings back here, I'm really interested to see if I've been wrong about the service delivery of the relevant service provider Neotel, all along.
I thought this forum was for mature discussions about the relevant service provider. Devo - all your posts have to do with the same issue. Neotel and seniority of forums. I do not want to get involved but if all of your posts are negative with no constructive input from actually having used the neotel product,then it is not unreasonable to expect a negative reaction towards you.
Being a neotel user i am happy so far, great speeds - although i'd like to get an antenna to help out with the signal strength.
True, I am negative about Neotel - though it's not without reason. True, discussions on this forum should be conducted in a mature manner - I can't deny guilt there, but I'm sure the immaturity point you are making can not only apply to me & my posts here.
So I'll try and make my point a bit more clear here.
Although we're all victims of Telkom is some or other way, whether direct or indirect - this post is not aimed at Telkom_Victim, whom I'm quoting here.
My original post did single out the immature & non-argumentative attitudes of some members who posted in this thread - and I still stand by it.
The point made by a previous poster about being guinea-pigs does in my opinion hold little water, and doesn't afford those users any privileges above others here. There are many points that I could make about that, one being that Neotel already did a test run before launching their actual services to the public. Teething problems are normal, any new business in any industry does suffer from that, though there's a difference between little snags, and making statements about their extensive market research & network capabilities, and then delivering exactly the opposite. Hence my statement about "all yak & no substance".
If I was in fact in the position to be a Neotel customer, I would be. I'm not because of 2 major factors..
1.) Neotel coverage is to date, non-existent in my area of residence & business.
2.) Even if my area was covered, the current hardware supplied by Neotel would not be financially viable to connect my home with multiple users, not my business with multiple users (where in both cases the user-base is less than 10)
Writing an email to Neotel, stating the problems currently experienced in that area (for the last 5 years, in fact) due to cable-theft, and a seriously shoddy fixed-line infrastructure, suggesting to Neotel that if they get the area covered, they could land a substantial client-base very quickly, has landed a shining template-response. I'm sure everyone who have written an email to them knows what I'm talking about. To date, I've not heard from them, and my area is still just out of coverage range, and I'm still being forced to be a (very frustrated) telkom client.
Now, this comment is aimed at the member Telkom_Victim... I disagree that my input has not been constructive. Negative points being made, especially when backed up, does not make my criticism destructive. Mentioning that I'm a telecomms activist was made in order to explain a point, and not to distinguish myself from the rest.
I backed up the original poster of this thread, based on the invaluable info he contributed here, he has at the request of others posted all other proof of his findings here too. That's his right as a consumer, and I still stand by it 100%.
The guinea-pigs here, one even admitting that all he does is download, decided to very negatively bomb his findings with very bad attitude - I'd say that's not constructive at all, not to even mention unfounded.
My argument(s) is/are about the promises made in the public advertising, about the CURRENT offerings, which is NOT being delivered.
Another member here made a point about the technology being "unknown" and previously unused in SA, and although that's a true statement, why should it be the consumers responsibility to know & understand the technology? The service provider is supposed to provide the right info & tools to the public in order for the consumer to benefit from the technology. Has that been done...?
In short, no. Simple calculations, using conservative figures based on the facts posted in this thread reports the following...
Wireless connectivity / signal strength is measured in 5 bars, but let's allow the 5th bar to be calculated from a zero-point, and say there's an invisible 6th bar for the optimal signal strength, if achieved.
2.4Mbps / 6 = 0.4Mbps
4 bars = 1.6Mbps
The user posting his findings here is getting substantially less than that, not even mentioning the latency coupled with that. I'd also be extremely disappointed in the product when expecting, based on the indication of the tools provided by Neotel.
I would like to hear what difference the external aerial makes from those who has one installed and running, though nowhere I could find does Neotel mention anything about an extra piece of hardware to boost the experience.
So benguela was active in promoting awareness (activism), and not prepared to lie down and take it (passivism). I'm not branding him or anyone else, but that's the basic definition - and it's everyone's personal choice and right to be either or none.
But when it comes down to these forums and their purpose, I will definitely discard the comments of any members who want to call anyone who takes the time to enlighten others, a spoiled brat and has any unfounded comments and insulting statements.
So go get the antenna, Telkom_Victim - then bring your findings back here, I'm really interested to see if I've been wrong about the service delivery of the relevant service provider Neotel, all along.
Speed Test Results - After Upgrading Software
Following Results were on 2/3 Fluctuating bar Strength (Have moved device all over my house to get best signal, even stacked it 1.7metres off the ground on boxes, I live 600 metres away from the 1 Tower and have supposedly 'excellent coverage' according to the coverage map. Prior to Friday I had 3/4 fluctuating Bar Strength)
Download: 135 kb/s
Upload: 39 kb/s
Ping: 1012 ms
Ref: http://www.speedtest.net/result/316242397.png
Personally I think Neotel should incoporate an Antenna with the device as Neotel do stick us with a 24 month Contract.
Please Mr. Neotel come to the party and help us, would you ever turn down someone that is crying out for help ?
I will give it a few days until I start looking into an antenna but I still believe the onus is on Neotel to supply the Antenna or rectify signal problems.
Following Results were on 2/3 Fluctuating bar Strength (Have moved device all over my house to get best signal, even stacked it 1.7metres off the ground on boxes, I live 600 metres away from the 1 Tower and have supposedly 'excellent coverage' according to the coverage map. Prior to Friday I had 3/4 fluctuating Bar Strength)
Download: 135 kb/s
Upload: 39 kb/s
Ping: 1012 ms
Ref: http://www.speedtest.net/result/316242397.png
Personally I think Neotel should incoporate an Antenna with the device as Neotel do stick us with a 24 month Contract.
Please Mr. Neotel come to the party and help us, would you ever turn down someone that is crying out for help ?
I will give it a few days until I start looking into an antenna but I still believe the onus is on Neotel to supply the Antenna or rectify signal problems.
yeah get the antena , most guys said it gave them a great boost in speed