Voip using 3G card-which SP?

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mo_to

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Hi,

I need to join a mobility internet service provider, either Vodacom's 3G or MTN's 3G or IBURST...

However, I talk daily to family, friends and suppliers (overseas) via Internet Solutions's VOIS service, I believe it is a SIP server. I use a software loaded on my laptop...I also use Skype sparingly. But IS's rates are cheaper...

A friend told me that I will not be able to talk to a SIP server (VOIP) if I go
3G...

My question is: Do all 3G networks not allow VOIP over their networks? I dont want to sign up for 2 years contract and not be able to use the service to the maximum....

I called MTN, they said they will not support VOIP over their network

Vodacom service centre didnt know what I was talking about, and said that everything works over their internet service

I-burst ended up trying to sell me their VOIP service...but I heard that the quality is not too good.

I am leaning towards Vodacom's 3G contract, WILL I BE ABLE TO USE VOIP (SIP) ON THEIR NETWORK?
 
mo_to said:
Hi,

I need to join a mobility internet service provider, either Vodacom's 3G or MTN's 3G or IBURST...

However, I talk daily to family, friends and suppliers (overseas) via Internet Solutions's VOIS service, I believe it is a SIP server. I use a software loaded on my laptop...I also use Skype sparingly. But IS's rates are cheaper...

A friend told me that I will not be able to talk to a SIP server (VOIP) if I go
3G...

My question is: Do all 3G networks not allow VOIP over their networks? I dont want to sign up for 2 years contract and not be able to use the service to the maximum....

I called MTN, they said they will not support VOIP over their network

Vodacom service centre didnt know what I was talking about, and said that everything works over their internet service

I-burst ended up trying to sell me their VOIP service...but I heard that the quality is not too good.

I am leaning towards Vodacom's 3G contract, WILL I BE ABLE TO USE VOIP (SIP) ON THEIR NETWORK?
Click to expand...

The VC call desk is actually right. We don't discriminate against any protocol on the network, irrespective of type, colour or handshaking orientation.
 
I have been using skype on Vodacom for a while now without issues.

MTN has two issues
1) Their contract has a clause that says if you use their data network for VoIP they reserve the right to charge you R25/mb (something in that range). I don't think anyone is aware of this actually being enforced. So it's not that they don't support it, they just don't encourage it.
2) Up until recently MTN have limited their upload speed to 64k, which means using it for VoIP was pretty much impossible. This limit has however been removed as they have been rolling out 3.6.

I know someone else mentioned that Vodacom had a similar R25/m clause, but I can't recall if that was unconfirmed or not.

The problem with 3G is, depending on your area, that one provider might perform better than the other. I would suggest borrowing/renting a 3G device and purchasing a pre-paid SIM from PnP for cheap and testing both MTN and Vodacom and see how they work for you. Also pre-paid is a really good option if you can afford to buy the modem upfront. You can manage your costs much better and you can chop and change provider as you like.
 
Last edited:
tx frot he great advice guys...

Prepaid however charges R2/mb whilst contract is like half the price!
 
vodacom3g said:
The VC call desk is actually right. We don't discriminate against any protocol on the network, irrespective of type, colour or handshaking orientation.
Click to expand...

LOL

Good answer, so that means I cna use 3G for VOIP right? Is the speed good enough? Or do you guy slimit or create lag etc...? all funny tricks not to allow VOIP to be used properly on 3g? haha..!
 
mo_to said:
LOL

Good answer, so that means I cna use 3G for VOIP right? Is the speed good enough? Or do you guy slimit or create lag etc...? all funny tricks not to allow VOIP to be used properly on 3g? haha..!
Click to expand...

Yup, and we also trace your calls so we can send the 'boys' around to your place for a friendly 'chat'. ;)

To be honest, we're spending a cr@pload of effort and money to try and get latency as LOW as possible. Trying to increase it, is the last thing anyone is thinking about.
 
I've used VOIP to Ireland and Canada on vanilla 3G and had no issues, but don't take our word for it. Try it out yourself first. I'll echo Morkhans, get a prepaid sim from both providers and try it out. Doesn't matter if it costs R2/MB, a short call here and there won't break the bank.

You may also want to compare Skype, Google Talk, MSN, etc. I prefer Google Talk myself - it uses less bandwidth.
 
mo_to said:
tx frot he great advice guys...

Prepaid however charges R2/mb whilst contract is like half the price!
Click to expand...

When you buy airtime you can convert it to data bundles which gives you the equivalent value to a contract. Plus if you buy your airtime from a vendor that offers discount you will actually be paying less than a contract.
 
THANKS GUYS! Great help on this forum..! :)

I'm going to try it this weekend..!
 
morkhans said:
I have been using skype on Vodacom for a while now without issues.


I know someone else mentioned that Vodacom had a similar R25/m clause, but I can't recall if that was unconfirmed or not.
Click to expand...

Does anyone know if VC have this clause in their contracts?
 
If I buy a PAYG sim, and R250 airtime, and I convert it to a data bundle:

1- which USSD number do I use to convert it? *111# ?
2- if for the month, i've only used R100, does my balance of R150 carry over to the next months until I've used up whatever airtime I had loaded? or do I lose my money?
 
Airtime carries over data bundles do not (data bundles are valid for 30 days from day of purchase).

Can't help you with the USSD codes, check the FAQ otherwise use www.vodacom4me.co.za
 
thats really sad...if I spend money to buy 500mb, it's mine and it's paid for...how ca nit be taken away from me?? is not that cheating? Sorry if I offend anyone...

but If I pay for something, it is mine to use, until I've finished using it...data bundle cannot go rotten so it canot have a 30day expiry date....it's just wrong...
 
mo_to said:
thats really sad...if I spend money to buy 500mb, it's mine and it's paid for...how ca nit be taken away from me?? is not that cheating? Sorry if I offend anyone...

but If I pay for something, it is mine to use, until I've finished using it...data bundle cannot go rotten so it canot have a 30day expiry date....it's just wrong...
Click to expand...

That is unfortunately the way it works. You loose your unused ADSL bandwidth each month as well. Besides no-one stuck a gun to your head and said you must buy this bundle ;)
 
My point is that the industry is not competitive enough. If ADSL does same, then it is an industry standard...the regulators should put their foot down on this...

If I buy a MyMeg250 at R139, thats 56c per meg. However, if I used only 100Mb for the month, i actually paid R1.39/meg.

Yes, no one forced me to buy these bundles, but that is just not the point....we're getting screwed off our money....

but then again, what's new.... :(
 
Not arguing that competition is lacking, just pointing out that you are entering into something knowingly. We are all patiently waiting for Vodacom to implement data bundle roll-over, there have been hints, but noting substantial.
 
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