Unfortunately I have to take back my laud of the new Internet connection product from Safaricom. Two weeks after my application and I am yet to get my Bambanet connection. Safaricom have really let me down on this one after promising that it would take a maximum of 48 hours. Hopefully I will have it by Wednesday as they've promised, let's wait and see.
A read I thought would be of interest: LITTLE might be known about Imran Khosla, but not so for those who frequent courts or those in the information and communication technology industry. His is a story of a young entrepreneur who has refused to sit and just wait for jobs to come but has decided with the little cash he has to start off his own business that is now giving birth to new ventures beyond what he had imagined. Now in his late twenties, Imran set up his first electronic shop which also sold computer accessories in 2008. “After hearing lots of stories about graduates who have had tormenting search for jobs to no avail, obviously that was not the route I wished to take. I wanted to create my own job, and be my own boss, this was the inspiration that threw me into the world of entrepreneurship, and four years on, I tell you all is well and you cannot believe it I have over ten employees, and whose turnover is running into fortunes now,” Imran says with a cheer. His journ...
Comments
I wonder what "real" speeds you will get as well as coverage.
I enjoy reading your blog alot.
I have a simplew question.
Can you use the bambanet in trading forex?
I'll be glad for your answer.
Edward
I forgot to inform you that i was one of your scalp student and i have started trading live, this is my second week and i am impressed with the pips i am getting. I started with a very small account so that i can learn to control my emotions with real money.
So that is why i wanted to know whether the bambanet can be reliable in fx trading.
Cheers.
Are you using the term "downloading" strictly or referring only to files that are not viewable on the browser (exes, zips etc.)
Because strictly speaking any information coming through your browser is 'downloaded'; like this page you're viewing. So if you don't download anything (and also don't upload anything), you should pay nothing.
However if you were using download in the looser sense of only apps and archives, then you can spend anywhere between 20/- and 60/- (assuming a 10bob/MB rate) depending on how much of a clickaholic you are
... its so hard to get any straight word about the connection speeds with this service ... everybody is dodging the issue ...
what are the averages, best we can hope for startupkenya?
@majiq is right that the issue of speed has not been clearly brought out, but maybe it's because there's no yardstick to use; but let me try.
First technical. Bambanet comes with the ability to connect to three types of network signals: HSPDA, EDGE, and GPRS
HSPDA is the fastest and only available in some areas of Nairobi. Network speed is indicated as 3.2 Mbps but actual throughput will average about 25Kbps. Latency averages about 800 ms
EDGE is available almost everywhere else. Network Speed indicated as 236Kbps, actual throughput about 8 Kbps. Latency averages about 1600 ms.
GPRS is the slowest and I've experienced it in very remote areas . Network speed 53Kbps, throughput 1-3 Kbps, latency 2500 - 3500 ms
Now practially,
Bambanet has been very useful to me, let me list some of its benefits.
1. I'm not sure whether this is a policy change by Safaricom or a mistake but I'm never charged more than KSh. 2,000 even when I exceed 700 MB.
2. I can use Bambanet to trade forex.
3. Speeds improve greatly at night which is great because that's when I'm at home and I need the bambanet.
4. I can do most activities online that I would do with my office broadband connection (except for P2P sharing)
5. I can use Bambanet in Uganda and Tanzania kama kawaida!
6. Speeds are great in the suburbs, great news for those advocating for neighbourhood networks.
Hope this info helps.
Happy browsing.
WHAT IT COSTS
Safaricom offers two payment options: prepaid and postpaid. Visit their website at http://www.safaricom.co.ke/2005/default2.asp?active_page_id=469 for more information on the charges.
I personally use the postpaid option, and I paid KES 8,000 at setup and KES 2,000 every month thereafter.
HOW IT WORKS
The Bambanet service is a dial-up service. Safaricom provides you with a 3G modem which you connect to your computer through the USB port. The configuration is plug and play so any PC with Windows 98 onwards should be very simple to set up. When connected for the first time the modem installs software that allows you to easily connect to the internet, configure settings, and/or send SMSs
To connect to the Internet you dial-up to the Safaricom network by clicking a button on the software. Once connected you browse as usual.
Hope this helps.
Does any one here know where I can get Zencafe in Nairobi or Kenya??
Have been looking around but guys dont seem to know about it !!
To activate data bundles of your choice,send the word "ACTIVATE" to the following codes 300mb to 446,700mb to 447,1GB to 448.Top up with regular scrach cards.Am not such a heavy user so 700mb is just enough for me in one month.It is cheaper compared to most ISPs.
Although I was an early believer to this service, I have made a permanent switch to Zain for the following two reasons:
1. Consitency: - The service from SCom although at times incredibly fast (if you're in Nairobi) is grossly inconsistent. Don't these guys get it, consistency over speed always.
2. Charging: - Safaricom's post-paid contracts are dreadful. First of all, the 2000 figure is charged per calendar month, whether or not you use the service, whether or not the service is even connected. This is the MOST shameful and unapologetic example of corporate greed. I mean, I stopped using the service after I was getting 7K bills per month and what do they do? They cut my connection and continue charging me 2k per month. Shame on you Safaricom
Zain on the other hand charges a flat 3K per month (pro ratad) with round the clock and consistent speeds. in fact nearly 100% of the many people i initially preached bambanet too, have now moved to the Zain connection.