Tip 8: Choosing the right internet acecss for your lifestyle
Steven Hook / 19 September 2010
Choosing the Right Internet Access for Your Lifestyle
With so many ISPs available, selecting the best internet access for your needs can be challenging. In the dial-up days, internet costs were tied to the time spent online, but broadband has shifted the focus to data usage. Let’s explore your options, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to make the best choice for your lifestyle.
Common Connection Types
- ADSL: A fixed line to Telkom offers low cost per GB and stable, reliable service. However, it involves high installation costs and the risk of cable theft. Not portable.
- Wireless: Options like Neotel and iBurst don’t require monthly line rental, but data costs are higher. Reliability depends on coverage, weather, and tower congestion. Portable and flexible.
- Cellular: Expensive per GB but has the best coverage, allowing you to stay connected almost anywhere. However, signal strength and tower congestion can still be issues.
Questions to Help You Decide
- Will I stay in the same place long enough to justify ADSL installation?
- How much data do I use monthly?
- Do I need internet access on the go?
- How much data will I need while mobile?
Visit ISPs like MWEB etc. for multi-package comparisons, or check individual ISP websites for pricing.
My Setup
Here’s my current configuration:
- ADSL: Telkom line rental (4 Mbps) + MWEB unlimited data = R1,049
- Wireless: iBurst (40 MB/month) = R89
Total: R1,138/month. This allows for high data usage at home and occasional on-the-go connectivity.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Not everyone needs extensive data. Here’s an affordable ADSL option:
- Telkom line rental: R249
- Axxess 1GB data: R19 (5GB: R95)
Total: R268 (R344 for 5GB).
Estimating Your Data Usage
Use tools like Vodacom’s Data Calculator to estimate your needs. Here are some rough guidelines:
- Basic browsing and email: ~2GB/month
- Kids’ usage: Add 1GB per child
- Streaming (YouTube, music): Add 2–10GB/month
- Downloading: Add 100–400GB/month