Telkom

[bones]

For data it is no longer nevcessary to get a contract. The prepaid rates are pretty good. The data cost will come down in the near future, but when you are on a contract you do not benefit until the contract is over.

so very true
i use the bulk prepaid works out just fine

[Houses4Rent]

I am fedup by frequent internet problems. ISP blames Telkom and Telkom blames ISP and I just get heart attacks.
I am looking for plan B.

Can I stick a data dongle into my router (Netgear N300) which has an USB port and run it wireless when my ADSL line and/or ISP are giving me headaches? The router feeds a desktop and laptop and WiFi in the house. However, really important is only my desktop.

If my plan is technically sound which provider (cell network) would you recommend for data as when when required (no contract). Pre-paid I guess.

[Justloadit]

The problem with prepaid data is the month end data reset. You have to reload more airtime. If you do not use for 3 months, the SIM is disconnected. I am using a spare phone for data on MTN, and quite frankly it is a pain in the butt. The airtime if not used, shows it is there but when you make a call it tells you there is no funds. When you load some more airtime, the original amount disappears and the new amount shows up. What works is that I have a data contract with Vodascum for R69 a gig for data only, and can be topped up, and they give you the modem with it. This whilst I do not use every month has been there when the ADSL goes down. I also use it when I am on holiday or away on a week end.

[Houses4Rent]

Thanks for feedback.

Can I stick a data dongle into my router (Netgear N300) which has an USB port and run it wireless when my ADSL line and/or ISP are giving me headaches? The router feeds a desktop and laptop and WiFi in the house. However, really important is only my desktop.

The problem with prepaid data is the month end data reset. You have to reload more airtime.

Why reset? How can data expire?

If you do not use for 3 months, the SIM is disconnected.

Bummer, so if I make sure to use it for a tine data before three months are up I am fine?

I am using a spare phone for data on MTN, and quite frankly it is a pain in the butt. The airtime if not used, shows it is there but when you make a call it tells you there is no funds. When you load some more airtime, the original amount disappears and the new amount shows up.

What did MTN say when you complained about it?

What works is that I have a data contract with Vodascum for R69 a gig for data only, and can be topped up, and they give you the modem with it. This whilst I do not use every month has been there when the ADSL goes down. I also use it when I am on holiday or away on a week end.

Sounds expensive, especially since I do not take my computer with me when out of town. Once I know that a dongle can run my router I will shop around a bit.