Aggressive pricing on new 3G/ADSL service
East London-based ISP Sainet has launched its new SMART Access and 3G/HSDPA services, offering ADSL and 3G Internet access combined into one account using a single username and password. "Users can effectively use ADSL and 3G from one subscription account and effectively draw data from one data pool, whilst accurate usage is reported," Sainet said.
"SMART Access from Sainet is unique in design and promise to deliver quality broadband at the lowest rates," said Sainet MD Marius Oberholzer. "Our SelfCare Zone further enables subscribers to manage their accounts and services, see their 3G and ADSL usage and manage services such as port locking on ADSL and 3G."
ADSL and 3G bandwidth pricing
The basic offering is priced at R99 per account which allows a user to use either 1.5GB of ADSL bandwidth, 250MB of HSDPA bandwidth or a combination of the two. "You will use ADSL and 3G from the same bundle with the respective caps specified. So effectively you can use the full 1.5GB ADSL or the full 250MB or a combination of the two," explains Oberholzer.
Sainet also offers 3G access only which starts at R89 for 250MB. This compares favourably with Vodacom’s pricing of R139 for 250MB or MTN’s R169 for 350MB. Sainet’s price for a 1GB package is R249, again cheaper than Vodacom and MTN’s R289 for 1GB.
The out-of-bundle pricing of 50c per MB is also significant lower than the cellular providers’ R1.20 to R1.50 per MB – which depend on package size. Oberholzer said that while they have a Flexibill service with an aggressive out-of-bundle rate, subscribers can opt for a hard-capped offering to eliminate the possibility of a surprise bill at the end of the month.
Sainet’s 3G Services will be provided using the MTN Network and all MTN subscribers will be able to use Sainet’s service using their unique APN. Oberholzer said that they are planning to add a Vodacom-based service in the coming months.
Bandwidth rollover
One of the biggest advantages of the Sainet products is full data rollover which applies to both ADSL and 3G accounts. Data is carried over to a maximum of 100% of subscribed quota and comes free of charge with all of Sainet’s SMART Access products.
3G/HSDPA bandwidth rollover is something many MTN and Vodacom subscribers have been asking for, and this addition to Sainet’s SMART Access products – coupled with aggressive pricing – should be popular among many mobile data subscribers.
Sainet also offers free dialup access on all SMART Access services. "Some added benefits include secure VPN access between the different platforms, DNS control and soon content filtered services," Oberholzer concluded.
Sainet Smart Access discussion
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