Publications
Partners
HOW does a technology novice make a choice between all the different broadband options?
Easy, says Arthur Goldstuck, head of the research group World Wide Worx.
There are two broad categories: mobile broadband which goes through cellphone networks, and fixed broadband, which operates through fixed telephone networks.
The easiest option is a 3G mobile broadband connection, which simply entails using a small modem on your computer, says Goldstuck.
Cell C's prices are by far the cheapest. Depending on how much data you need, you can choose between the two gigabyte package for R149 per month, or five gigabytes for R289 a month. Excellent value, says Goldstuck.
But he warns that consumers first have to make sure that the area they live in enjoys mobile broadband coverage. The providers usually indicate coverage on their websites.
Over the long term, fixed broadband should work out cheaper – although the initial costs will be higher.
Goldstuck prefers fixed line broadband.
It is very reliable and you are always relatively certain that you will get the promised internet speed. This isn't always the case with mobile broadband.
With mobile broadband, you simply plug the modem into your computer's USB port. Fixed broadband has to go through a telephone line. So if you don't have a landline, it will have to be installed - which could take some time.
Even if there is a fixed line, Telkom will have to upgrade it for ADSL.
More whooosh for your buck
Apart from the internet service provider's bill, you will have to rent a telephone line from Telkom. You also need to buy a modem.
But after the initial costs, fixed broadband is still cheaper than mobile broadband.
With fixed broadband, you can choose how fast your internet should be, and how much data you want to use each month.
The most common option is 4 megabits per second which, according to Goldstuck, offers a relatively fast internet speed.
It means you can watch a low-definition video on YouTube without waiting for it to download.
A pricier option is 10 megabits per second, which is very fast. However, it is not available in all parts of the country.
It is also very easy to upgrade the speed of your internet with ADSL. Telkom simply pushes a button, says Goldstuck.
But you have to make sure how much data you use every month. He advises a minimum of three gigabytes per month. With smaller packages, Microsoft's Windows and an antivirus program can use up to half of your monthly allocation.
If you only use the internet to send emails, you don't need a fast fixed line broadband of 4 megabits per second, adds Goldstuck.
- Sake24
For business news in Afrikaans, go to www.sake24.com.
Easy, says Arthur Goldstuck, head of the research group World Wide Worx.
There are two broad categories: mobile broadband which goes through cellphone networks, and fixed broadband, which operates through fixed telephone networks.
The easiest option is a 3G mobile broadband connection, which simply entails using a small modem on your computer, says Goldstuck.
Cell C's prices are by far the cheapest. Depending on how much data you need, you can choose between the two gigabyte package for R149 per month, or five gigabytes for R289 a month. Excellent value, says Goldstuck.
But he warns that consumers first have to make sure that the area they live in enjoys mobile broadband coverage. The providers usually indicate coverage on their websites.
Over the long term, fixed broadband should work out cheaper – although the initial costs will be higher.
Goldstuck prefers fixed line broadband.
It is very reliable and you are always relatively certain that you will get the promised internet speed. This isn't always the case with mobile broadband.
With mobile broadband, you simply plug the modem into your computer's USB port. Fixed broadband has to go through a telephone line. So if you don't have a landline, it will have to be installed - which could take some time.
Even if there is a fixed line, Telkom will have to upgrade it for ADSL.
More whooosh for your buck
Apart from the internet service provider's bill, you will have to rent a telephone line from Telkom. You also need to buy a modem.
But after the initial costs, fixed broadband is still cheaper than mobile broadband.
With fixed broadband, you can choose how fast your internet should be, and how much data you want to use each month.
The most common option is 4 megabits per second which, according to Goldstuck, offers a relatively fast internet speed.
It means you can watch a low-definition video on YouTube without waiting for it to download.
A pricier option is 10 megabits per second, which is very fast. However, it is not available in all parts of the country.
It is also very easy to upgrade the speed of your internet with ADSL. Telkom simply pushes a button, says Goldstuck.
But you have to make sure how much data you use every month. He advises a minimum of three gigabytes per month. With smaller packages, Microsoft's Windows and an antivirus program can use up to half of your monthly allocation.
If you only use the internet to send emails, you don't need a fast fixed line broadband of 4 megabits per second, adds Goldstuck.
- Sake24
For business news in Afrikaans, go to www.sake24.com.
