Vodacom HSDPA vs MTN HSDPA

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Axel F

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Hi, there's just too much info (some conflicting) available to make an educated decision around data connectivity. I'm buying a lap top to use primarily at home where I have no Telkom line/hardware. I thought I'd like to surf, email, etc and thus need a connection. I'm thinking wireless because it's probably most practical and cost effective (no Telkom line/hardware). Both Vodacom and MTN ave specials on the go. I'm not brand loyal but have an employer's MTN cell phone. Which way to go??? I'm in Auckland Park - Jhb, both networks have (reliable?) HSDPA coverage here. Everything on the www is making my decision more and more difficult. Help please? MTN or Vodacom? Hardware? Contract or pre-paid? etc? etc? ....:confused:
 
If there is the slightest chance you gonna ever move your laptop from home, go with Vodacom they have 1000% better coverage. Mtn will just frustrate you.
 
My experience with MTN 3G via my Nokia E61 is their speed SUCKS! I was downloading last night on average at about 3 kilobytes/sec with excellent signal.
 
I'm on MTN with an E61, and yes, the speed does often suck. It seems to suck even more when using it as a bluetooth modem with PC and laptop. Can't blame the E61, since it was even worse with the 6630.

I've just had to make a similar decision to the one you are trying to make, and I ended up going with Vodacom for data (bought E220 cash, and got a 4u contract).

What swayed me was:
- VC is slightly cheaper
- you can add ad-hoc bundles when you use up your monthly allocation
- MTN are making some scary noises around VoIP and MXIT traffic
- I already have MTN, so a Vodacom connection would provide a degree of redundancy

I'm happy with what I got - Vodacom is indeed faster, but then one can't fairly compare a 3G phone with a dedicated HSDPA modem.

I must add though that the customer service experience with Vodacom is pretty damn poor compared with MTN's. I did expect this though.
 
I am also considering going 3G/HSDPA, away from iBurst. However, the mixed signals re VOIP from MTN is not good. Their HSDPA coverage map of Dbn is also pretty terrible. Any other Durbanites that could comment on the MTN and Vodacom HSDPA signal in Durban (between N2 and city area)?
 
Axel F said:
Hi, there's just too much info (some conflicting) available to make an educated decision around data connectivity. I'm buying a lap top to use primarily at home where I have no Telkom line/hardware. I thought I'd like to surf, email, etc and thus need a connection. I'm thinking wireless because it's probably most practical and cost effective (no Telkom line/hardware). Both Vodacom and MTN ave specials on the go. I'm not brand loyal but have an employer's MTN cell phone. Which way to go??? I'm in Auckland Park - Jhb, both networks have (reliable?) HSDPA coverage here. Everything on the www is making my decision more and more difficult. Help please? MTN or Vodacom? Hardware? Contract or pre-paid? etc? etc? ....:confused:
Click to expand...

If speed at this one location is your main concern rather borrow some hardware and test both networks so you can make an informed decision:)
 
Oupoot said:
I am also considering going 3G/HSDPA, away from iBurst. However, the mixed signals re VOIP from MTN is not good. Their HSDPA coverage map of Dbn is also pretty terrible. Any other Durbanites that could comment on the MTN and Vodacom HSDPA signal in Durban (between N2 and city area)?
Click to expand...

Mtn 3G/HSDPA coverage in durban is non-exsistant unless you live in the city hall in west street.

i'm on vodacom......get Pretty ok (never had super fast internet) speeds, everywhere i go in the metro area.
 
Oupoot said:
I am also considering going 3G/HSDPA, away from iBurst. However, the mixed signals re VOIP from MTN is not good. Their HSDPA coverage map of Dbn is also pretty terrible. Any other Durbanites that could comment on the MTN and Vodacom HSDPA signal in Durban (between N2 and city area)?
Click to expand...

My work takes me all over Durban and KZN and I have been using Vodacom 3G/HSDPA since just after they launched. There have been odd areas where the coverage is a bit lacking and some problems at various times with connectivity, but in general have been extremely satisfied with the service provided by Vodacom. Other than the impression from the MTN coverage map of very limited coverage, I cannot comment on MTN's network as I have not used their network.
 
Syndyre said:
What do you want to use it for?
Click to expand...

Mainly surfing the web, downloading essentials and email. But knowing myself better I'll probably be downloading anything (music, videos, etc) until the novelty wears off. I've never done gaming across the web so this may also prove addictive..... Aaah, where to stop?? On a serious note: primarily surfing the web, downloading essentials and email.
 
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