usage NOT ACCURATE

K

kvi

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ive only ever used the dash and the dash this month states im sitting on 500megs but ivve just recieved an sms to state my one gig bundle is up... oh crap. so i suppose the only accurate count is on the voda website......

another dashboard negative.... comon vodacom!!!! (hey maybe ive only got the 500 meg bundle and paying for the 1 gig one?) :mad:
 
kvi,

As you know there is a current issue with the dashboard not logging usage stats properly. Vodafone is aware of the problem and will fix it in a (hopefully imminent) future release.

Have you had a look on 4me to see your actual usage stats? This is currently your best bet.

This is how the current billing process works:

Usage information is pulled from the systems down to byte level, there is no rounding of any data.

Usage information is turned into session information. A session record is written when one of the following occur:

- You switch bearer (GPRS <-> 3G)
- You terminate your session
- 24 hours after you initiated the session
- Every midnight

Once the session record is generated, it can take up to 3 hours to filter through to the 4me site. (And the SMS notification system)

Due to the potential long update periods (theoretical max of 27 hours), Vodacom is implementing a system with much better granularity. Before end of April.

I would suggest that in the meantime, if you download a lot, you disconnect with some frequency to allow up to date records to be posted on 4me and then to track it there.

The correct solution is an accurate dashboard with 4me trailing within a small margin. Vodacom will keep on working towards this.
 
Vodacom3G said:
As you know there is a current issue with the dashboard not logging usage stats properly. Vodafone is aware of the problem and will fix it in a (hopefully imminent) future release
Click to expand...

First time I'm aware of this...

It would be funny if it wasn't costing us money. I got burned in January because of the dashboard (maybe dumbboard's a better description), in February I left 250 Mb unused as I was now distrustful of the readings. How massive public companies like Vodafone and Vodacom can release a faulty product that detrimentally impacts on their customer's pocket is actually unbelievable. If this was my company and my software I would (1) apologise to all affected customers (2) maybe offer some token bandwidth as compensation and (3) get the coders to sort it out *immediately* (otherwise fire 'em)
 
Or they could issue an advisory email/sms informing clients to disregard the figures in the dash and only look at the 4me site, that way at least everyone would know!
 
The issues with the dashboard has been discussed, in detail, on this forum.

As a matter of fact, it's forumites that helped determine some of the issues. There's a large userbase (1000's) using the dashboard and the stability problems, causing the incorrect usage stats, affects only certain software combinations.

The dashboard usage stats problem is seen when there is not a 'clean' shutdown, for example when the card hangs. All usage stats will then be lost.

A fix for this is in the pipeline.

asmith, point taken on alerting users.
 
To be fair, v3g has raised customer issues with the Dashboard - an updated version was released just recently, it might not solve all problems, but you could use DUMeter or BWMeter or NetMeter (or whatever it's called) instead - that would surely be wise if there is doubt about the accuracy of Dashboard usage stats, yes?
 
its fine for me , i understand the goings on of the dashboard and this forum... im more worried about new "unaware" clients that dont follow mybroadband.co.za
 
I have a slight problem which I would like to clear up. I have used up my 1G cap and now need a way to determine how much bandwitdh I am over on my account for the rest of this month. I am loading DUMeter now as I haven't been using the DASH or any other tracking software (Stupidity on my side). However is there a way to get this information throught Vodacom4me or other means. I have been spoiled using 4me and never though further then this.
 
ic said:
To be fair, v3g has raised customer issues with the Dashboard - an updated version was released just recently, it might not solve all problems, but you could use DUMeter or BWMeter or NetMeter (or whatever it's called) instead - that would surely be wise if there is doubt about the accuracy of Dashboard usage stats, yes?
Click to expand...

This is one HUGE point and I would like to agree with this. I never trust any software that comes with my ISP, espcially when there is a cap involved.

This is how many users on ADSL noticed that someone was stealing their account information and using it elsewhere (bandwidth theft)

get your own b/w meter going!
 
Diago said:
I have a slight problem which I would like to clear up. I have used up my 1G cap and now need a way to determine how much bandwitdh I am over on my account for the rest of this month. I am loading DUMeter now as I haven't been using the DASH or any other tracking software (Stupidity on my side). However is there a way to get this information throught Vodacom4me or other means. I have been spoiled using 4me and never though further then this.
Click to expand...

Diago, are you saying 4me stops at your cap?

Can anyone else please confirm or deny this? If you exceed your paid-for cap, is the correct usage stats reflected on 4me?

I'll check up on this, but would like to get real-world feedback from the forum.
 
v3g,

There is a 'threshold', 'used bundle' and 'remaining bundle' indication on 4me. Once the used bundle value reaches the threshold value(which is equal to the bundle megs) the 'remaining bundle' value becomes zero. I'm currently 12 MB over my cap and the 4me website doesn't keep track of this. It only indicates megs left as long as you are within your cap.
 
Sorry vodacom3g only saw the post now. This is correct. I can see the usage up to my cap but not afterwards. I know I have already gone around 90MB over my cap, but would like an accurate medium of tracking this in some way or another.

Also realised that DU Meter is not the solution for me as the minute I boot into Linux I need to run another tracking system and try and bring the 2 systems together.
 
Thanks v3g

It would be helpfull if it showed exact usage. Also noticed that my 3G counter worked for my 3G account but my GPRS counter for my Talk 500 contract didn't. Waiting for the heartattack when I get my invoice.

Thanks for the feedback
 
Known issue - Bandwitdh usage stats

I started using 3G in May (usb modem, 2Gig cap). I was not aware of the issue with the incorrect dashboard's usage info. My June invoice indicated additional data usage which I followed up with accounts.
I was then told of the 'known' problem with the dashboard. The sms warnings are useless to me, as the sim is in the usb modem and never in a phone on which I can receive the messages. From these posts, I notice that Vodacom has worked on the issue since last year without resolution.

Customers should be notified and the error with the software should be corrected
 
vodacom3g said:
Your observations (as always) are correct, 4me stops displaying usage once you've reached your cap. :(

It's been passed on for immediate action.
Click to expand...

This post was in April 2005
and we are now in June 2007 (2 Years later)

And it still is not working ???? !!!!!!!

I thought I was being silly complaining. :mad: :mad:
 
nolsie1 said:
I started using 3G in May (usb modem, 2Gig cap). I was not aware of the issue with the incorrect dashboard's usage info. My June invoice indicated additional data usage which I followed up with accounts.
I was then told of the 'known' problem with the dashboard. The sms warnings are useless to me, as the sim is in the usb modem and never in a phone on which I can receive the messages. From these posts, I notice that Vodacom has worked on the issue since last year without resolution.

Customers should be notified and the error with the software should be corrected
Click to expand...


use this link and replace your dashboard software with original Huawei software. It has sms and gives you some basic stats. At least it is better.

You can also use Netmeter & Magitime

Open internet explorer and go to the following link
Step 1: www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/doc/list.do?type=-1&id=736

Step 2: Download first file “E220-HOSTB106D04SP00C03 (Normal) (7958 KB) 29-May-2007 ” ( Save file on hard drive under my documents )

Step 3: Go to drive f: (not 100% sure on the drive of the 3G modem) make a copy

of all the data on the drive & save to a new created folder VMC_Lite. (Create Folder)

Step 4: Extract the software that u’ve downloaded under my documents & run

HOST20.11.06.04.00.03.exe

Step 5: Run Installation

Step 6: Shutdown & Restart pc after software has been installed. (Unplug the 3G Modem)

Step 7: Plug Modem in after System has Restarted

Step 8: Open Mobile Connect (Icon on Desktop)

Step 9: Go to Settings -> Network connection Settings

Step 10: Click New, 3G, Number: *99***16# click Save -> Ok

Step 11: Click on connect
 
Last edited:
talking about bw metering ... I remember some time WAY back, talk of some kind of link that would return an XML data version of usage stats.

@V3G: do you remember this? and did anything ever come of it?

I'd still be interested in such a service.
 
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