Vodacom data upgrade with iPad

[bluepoole]

I am considering upgrading my data line, with an iPad Air. All the deals available are for the Wifi + Cellular model, however I only want the "Wifi only" model.

I went to all the stores in Vodaworld this morning, I contacted VC Customer Care, and also spoke to the Upgrade department...checked with two iStores as well...nobody can help me, they can only supply the Wifi + Cellular model on contract.

They say it is because they want to sell a sim card (or "line") as well, which I can understand, but then again, my data line will get upgraded, I will be using it, and they will make their money. I just want to use the sim in my 3G dongle, and share the connection with all my devices. I will never use the "Cellular" function of the iPad and feel that I will pay extra money for something that I will not use. It is a pity that one doesn't have a choice.

I guess the only option is to take the Cellular model, sell it, and buy the Wifi only model cash?

Does anybody know if someone somewhere does provide the Wifi only model on contract?

 

[Gulio]

iStore or FNB

 

[bluepoole]

As mentioned in my post, iStore does not want to sell me the Wifi only model on contract.

As for FNB, pretty much the same story. Everything is based on the Cellular model.

 

[web]

Have you tried I.C i got my vodacom ipad through them, although you might have the same problem with the wifi only model.

 

[Gulio]

As mentioned in my post, iStore does not want to sell me the Wifi only model on contract.

As for FNB, pretty much the same story. Everything is based on the Cellular model.

I doubt anyone in SA will only sell the wifi only model, our cellular coverage is better than our wifi coverage.
There might be only one or two supply chains with wifi only tabs.

 

[bwana]

Does anybody know if someone somewhere does provide the Wifi only model on contract?

You could try FNB.

I can't see any possible reason why Vodacom would ever sell a wifi only model since there is no advantage for them to do so.

 

[bluepoole]

I currently have an iPad 2, Wifi only, and have never ever missed the Cellular functionality on it. I only use it at home, where I have a wifi network. The wifi network is my Vodacom data sim in my 3G dongle, shared via a TP Link 3G router. That way, I can use my data on my laptop or cellphone as well, anywhere in the house.

I've been using this setup for the last three years and is quite happy with it.

The difference in cash price between a wifi only model and a Cellular one is almost R2000, and in my case where I will never use the cellular functionality on it, it is a lot of money to pay, even if the device is on a contract.

I can't see why Vodacom wouldn't benefit if I upgrade my line with a wifi only model, it is still a data contract which makes money for them? What would the difference be if I upgrade the line on a "sim card only" basis and use it as described above, or not use it at all? They still make their money by extending it to me for another 24 months.

My reasoning doesn't seem to be too far-fetched, because I just found out that Autopage in Vodaworld offers the wifi only model! So it seems possible after all. But now there is a new problem, they offer it on MyGig 1 or MyGig 2, but not MyGig 3 or higher. They say I won't be able to top-up my data, does anybody know if that is true and why?

I did check with FNB, they offer the Cellular model as well, not the Wifi only one.