Not everything is as it seems. But if you read this research report on the growth of Internet Radio in South Africa, I’ll take you behind the smoke and mirrors and allow you to experience some of the stink.
Put it this way, there’s a lot of nonsense being spread, and I cut through to the truth.
Update: I have been served with legal papers requesting me to take down this post by around 20:30. Here’s where you can see them.
I did a quick comparison of current mobile data offerings for a friend, so I figured I may as well just publish it here for everyone. The basic requirement is for some mobile data connectivity – emails, facetube and such on a laptop, but not necessarily huge downloads. Most of the deals suck in that they lock you into 24 month contracts. I know 8ta has very good packages but I’m not sure what their coverage is like.
Here are the current best low-end (2GB or so) options:
8ta:
10Gigs x 24 months for R199pm, R200 connection fee, bring your own modem.
(http://8ta.com/plans/postpaid-data/i5promo/)
2Gigs(day) + 1 Gigs(night) prepaid @R149pm, bring your own device.
(http://www.8ta.com/plans/2gbpromo/)
MTN:
2GB x 24 months @ R139pm, free modem, free connection, free SIM.
(http://www.mtnsp.co.za/shop/MTNDirect/Pages/DataDeals.aspx)
Vodacom:
2GB (day) + 2GB (night) x 24 months @ R149pm, free modem.
(http://www.vodacom.co.za/personal/phonesandpackages/deals?dealId=1504)
CellC:
2GB x 24 months @R99pm, bring your own modem.
(http://www.cellc.co.za/data-contract-packages/all/0/9)
Personally I’d go for the 10gig 8ta plan if you want download a lot, otherwise the 8ta 2gb promo if you don’t want to be tied into a contract, assuming you have coverage. The only downside to the prepaid is you have to keep recharging which can be a pain in the ass every month. If you want a new free 3G modem, you’ll end up signing for 24 months but you can also buy 3G modems for R500-R800.
Bar 8ta, it still amounts to at least R50 per GB, which is retarded. In sum: the consumer is getting ripped off by being forced to sign an unnecessary 24month contract or alternatively pay exorbitant prepaid rates. Not cool.