ACSA wireless internet - best in SA?
We compare the South African wireless internet options we know about - ACSA, Mugg & Bean, Southern Sun and the Melrose Arch Hotel. We didn't test the speed of the connections - they all seemed equally fast (or slow, depending on the way you look at life). Our comparison is therefore restricted to an assesment of value for money. In order, from the best to the worst:
1. ACSA/Mugg & Bean wireless internet
On the 24th July 2007 we purchased 500MB for R250. This 500MB can be used at any South African airport managed by ACSA (and which has a hotspot)
until the 23rd July 2007. Considering that ACSA runs all the major airports in South Africa (OR Tambo Airport, Durban Airport, Cape Town Airport, etc...). We recently discovered that this 500MB can also be used at Mugg and Bean restaurants in South Africa which have wireless access. The ACSA/Mugg & Bean wireless internet options are by far and away the best in South Africa.
2. Southern Sun wireless internet
Considering that the Southern Sun group must have many regulars, we're surprised that they don't sell packages where you can purchase wireless access for use over a year (like ACSA does). However, they do offer a 24 hour package of 200MB for R80.
3. Melrose Arch Hotel
Unlike ACSA, Mugg & Bean and Southern Sun, bandwidth for Melrose Arch Hotel's wireless connection cannot be purchased online - one needs to walk down to their front desk to purchase time and MB. Melrose Arch Hotel advertise a 24 hour package, but don't actually provide it. Their costs are also the highest - R95 for 60 minutes. On every count Melrose Arch Hotel provides the worst value for money.
Alternative: Vodacom 3G card
Alternatively, one could hire a Vodacom 3G card at one of the airport outlets. This costs R35 a day plus R2.50 per MB. While this would give you the convenience of using it wherever you want, the megabytes pile up pretty.