Vodacom 3G instead of HSDPA

[AndyHiggins]

Hi

I'm planning on getting a Vodacom 500MB broadband package for my desktop at home (using the PCI adaptor). I'd like to know if it's possible to opt for the 3G only option at R280 a month instead of the HSDPA version at R350 a month? Is there any difference in the hardware required?

I understand there have been problems in the past with these adaptors. Have these problems be resolved completely for both 3G and HSDPA?

Any information on this would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Andy

 

[Napalm]

Try to get hold of a 3g only card(wich will assure that u connect at only 384K max)

Since HSDPA is much faster, but also costs more per meg.. (if your paying per meg, why do u want faster than 384K really?? lol)

Its not that the pings are better on HSDPA for gaming.. just that u can use your megs up much faster.. or hike your account very quickly..

 

[Nokkie]

helo I recently signed in a contract for 3g hsdpa after a few months that I waited because of all the problems I heard about so I got one and i'm very satisfied with it.

I took the 500mb package for R350a month,

i'v been using it for about 1 week now and never got anyproblems with the card or the pci adapter that i'm using in my desktop. to give you an idea of speeds i can download about 1 mb in under 8sec thats not bad and it streams video quality nicely

 

[AndyHiggins]

Thank you for your responses. I am however still not clear on whether I can specifically ask for a 3G only contract and save the R70 per month on the 500MB bundle?

 

[Terencek]

New Voda HSDPA cards are locked, old (3G) ones are not

In making your decision you should also be aware, as is being heavily discussed in other parts of this forum, that all the new Voda HSDPA cards appear to be locked to Vodacom, while the older 3G ones (now being issued as refurbished) are not -- unless of course Voda is locking them as part of the refurbishment?

This is not an issue if you plan to stick with Vodacom now and after your contract, AND/OR will only use Voda partner networks overseas if you are travelling. If it IS an issue go for MTN, which has virtually the identical HSDPA cards but no locking.

 

[vodacom3g]

Thank you for your responses. I am however still not clear on whether I can specifically ask for a 3G only contract and save the R70 per month on the 500MB bundle?

Yes, you can.

You can either go for a 3G contract for R280 or HSDPA @ R350.

download / upload speed limits:

3G - 384/64 kb/s
HSDPA - 1800/384 Kb/s