What is a Packet Switched Data Call?

[Roamer]

Hi all,

I have the MTN R400 2GB data package? This month I got billed for the usual + R794 for "Packet Switched Data Calls" . I am very sure I did not go over my 2GB, and I have a 10GB ADSL back at the office, so I only use this on the Road.
I have searched the forums, and while I can see posts about this, I can not find an actual explanation for what causes this. FTP? Big Downloads? Did not use anything like P2P either nor voip.

Thanks for any help!

 

[morebroadband]

This could be for VOIP calls.

Personally have not heard the Cell carriers actually charging for this, although they have threatened too. I would be interested to find out if this is the case.
Log a dispute with them.

 

[psc]

Just check if your setup has Dial backup enabled/configured.

 

[Abe]

I used to use this for sending faxes from my phone.

 

[Dr_Data]

"Packet Switched Data Calls" is normal GPRS, EDGE or 3G/HSDPA usage.

 

[Reaper21]

MTN is now going to charge R25 per mb if they find out u are using VOIP with there network

 

[Dr_Data]

This has always been the case since the introduction of packet data. See point 8 on this link:

http://www.mtn.co.za/?pid=232081&mid=232093


In terms of the current regulatory regime in South Africa, please note that these tariffs and the MTN GPRS, GPRS+, EDGE or 3G technologies may not be used to transfer or generate Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic. Should it be found that VoIP traffic was carried over the MTN network using these tariffs or technologies, MTN reserves the right to cancel the agreement that you have with MTN, with immediate effect. You will also be charged retrospectively at R21.93 per Megabyte (VAT excluded) for any VoIP traffic transferred by such means

 

[unspokenchaos]

This has always been the case since the introduction of packet data. See point 8 on this link:

http://www.mtn.co.za/?pid=232081&mid=232093


In terms of the current regulatory regime in South Africa, please note that these tariffs and the MTN GPRS, GPRS+, EDGE or 3G technologies may not be used to transfer or generate Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic. Should it be found that VoIP traffic was carried over the MTN network using these tariffs or technologies, MTN reserves the right to cancel the agreement that you have with MTN, with immediate effect. You will also be charged retrospectively at R21.93 per Megabyte (VAT excluded) for any VoIP traffic transferred by such means

question: in light of MTN and Mweb's agreement don't you think that voip should now be allowed...?

 

[Syndyre]

They've never actually enforced this AFAIK so its de facto allowed.

 

[ld13]

He clearly said he did not use voip - but still people go Voip! Voip! Voip! Please

+1 Syndyre - never been enforced.

Also note: "In terms of the current regulatory regime in South Africa" IOW, when VOIP was still illegal. It is not illegal anymore...

@Roamer Have you given MTN a call yet about this?

 

[HavocXphere]

I doubt this has anything to do with VOIP. I think its more likely that something chowed all your bandwidth when you weren't looking and therefore exceeding the 2gb cap.

Viruses and Automatic Windows Updates are common culprits.

 

[unspokenchaos]

I doubt this has anything to do with VOIP. I think its more likely that something chowed all your bandwidth when you weren't looking and therefore exceeding the 2gb cap.

Viruses and Automatic Windows Updates are common culprits.

true... also one needs to examine the statement itself to see if he was charged on data ie, mymtn or internet b4 these charges took place or was it during...?

 

[Dr_Data]

No One said voip was illegal.
Take a moment to think about this law carefully. Cellular Networks primary service is voice calls. Most of the revenue is generated in that aspect. So how can a cell network allow its users to use Data (which is really cheap as compared to international operators) to make/receive calls which equates to a much cheaper rate then normal cellular calls. Cellular networks would be out of business. It would be like MTN saying go ahead, use data to make your voice calls and help take us out of business.

 

[ld13]

No One said voip was illegal.
Take a moment to think about this law carefully....

What law?

 

[Syndyre]

No One said voip was illegal.
Take a moment to think about this law carefully. Cellular Networks primary service is voice calls. Most of the revenue is generated in that aspect. So how can a cell network allow its users to use Data (which is really cheap as compared to international operators) to make/receive calls which equates to a much cheaper rate then normal cellular calls. Cellular networks would be out of business. It would be like MTN saying go ahead, use data to make your voice calls and help take us out of business.

If the users aren't allowed to use VOIP on your network they'll use it on another network, cellular or otherwise, which'll result in you losing all revenue not just the difference between voice calls and data costs.

 

[pats24]

Can one track PSD calls, to see where data was actually used? I lost my Xperia Z3 and the only activity recorded in on PSD calls.