A few days ago, I posted that MTN data rates had dropped. Tests run by members of the MN team confirmed the reduction, and suggested that the new tariff was something between 14 and 20k per kb.
This morning, I spoke with an MTN official who confirmed that MTN has officially reduced its packet data rates from 60k to 15k per kb. The official also confirmed that this fee applies to GPRS, EDGE, 3G, and 3.5G usage.
This is a good move by MTN Nigeria. Now, GPRS users can browse at broadband speeds over 3G/3.5G when within coverage. In my own usage of the service, MTN 3.5G has delivered up to 600kb per second on a stable connection, and over 1mb in short bursts.
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August 17th, 2009 at 3:30 am Browsing with
Hello Mr Adegboye.I subscribed to the MTN 3.5G packet data services nite plan that runs from 10.00pm to 5.00am for the first time last month using my Nokia N73 phone as a modem.Initially,I achad a connection speed of about 410kbps but now the connection speed is 115.2kbps.What can I do to improve the speed to between 400 and 600kbps?
Nelson Ugbonta
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August 17th, 2009 at 5:44 am Browsing with
Mr. Ugbonta,
It is quite unfortunate that in every case I have seen here in the country (there may be exceptions), connection speeds drop over time after the initial “honeymoon” period.
When I initially subscribed for MTN 3.5G, I regularly clocked 800kbps – 1mbps. Now….
I am not sure that there is much you can do. You can give one of the download accelerators available on the internet a try, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that.
Perhaps we need to write more and talk more about this – maybe even report to the regulatory body – letting them know that while we were promised 3G broadband speeds, we are now getting a raw deal.
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August 17th, 2009 at 8:04 am Browsing with
But even in overseas countries like the UK , i think it was after a legal dispute or something , mobile ISP’s started telling users ,on the box, that they would be getting speeds far less than the theorectically stated/stipulated speed(s) in their contracts.
Unfortunately, Nigeria isn’t like the UK ; the grip on cyberlaw is weak here and the structured-frame of internet(ism) is still very immature. Customers are forced to eat what they’re served., it’s sad at times but alternatives will eventually fashion itself out in time – since nigerians are innate experts at creating ‘alternatives’ (to life’s issues).
Though i’m still wonder why mobile users can’t yet collaboratively share their bandwidths – much like the torrent architecture. We might need a few mob.-developers for that concept.
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