Safaricom Live

1) What is 3G in a layman’s language?
3G is the third generation of mobile phone standards and technology.3G technology enables Safaricom to offer users a wider range of more advanced services while achieving greater network capacity. Services include telephony, video calls, and broadband wireless data (Up to 7.2 of 2Mbps Downlink Speeds).

2) Why do I need a 3G phone/Modem if I can conveniently communicate using a non-3G enabled device?
A 3G enabled device enables you to achieve better and improved service e.g. when accessing internet, you can access up to 7.2Mbps downlink speeds as compared to other technologies which offer up to 236 kbps.

3) What services are enabled by Safaricom 3G?
Currently, Safaricom offers Broadband internet access. Other services will be incorporated in future.

4) Which devices can use 3G technology?
For internet access, Safaricom offers the Safaricom Broadband Modem (Huawei E220) and Safaricom Broadband Router (Huawei E960).
For voice calls, there are various models with 3G capabilities e.g. Samsung U700, Nokia E90 e.t.c Visit http://www.gsmarena.com for details on the type of handsets that support 3G.

5) What is the difference between 3G and GPRS/EDGE?
The major difference is on the speeds achievable on each technology;
GPRS-Once can achieve speeds up to 40 kbps
EDGE-One can achieve speeds up to 236 kbps
3G (HSDPA/UMTS)-One can achieve speeds of up to 7.2 mpbs which enables you to access the internet faster.

6) What is the cost-implication of using 3G?
The costs are determined by the tariff one subscribes to;

Kindly NOTE the following:

• The Prepay internet Packages/Bundles expire after 90 days from the time of Activation ( this has been extended from 30 days)
• To ensure that your internet package does not expire, simply activate any one of the internet packages/Bundles before the 90 days are over.
• Check your balance at anytime by sending an sms with the word ‘’Balance’’ to 450  

NB:
Unbundled tariff cost Kshs 8 per MB.

7) How do I activate the pre-pay bundle?
Send the word activate to the following codes;

8) How do I check the Balance of my Free MB?
Send the word balance to the short code 450

9) There is a perception that Safaricom Instant Internet is expensive compared to the competition? Please explain?
This is a perception. Safaricom has the lowest tariff at Kshs 999 and being the only company in the country with 3G technology, our customers are able to access the internet at superior speeds thus reducing the cost associated with slow service.

10) Can you differentiate Broadband Modem and Broadband Router?
Router

The router will be connected to your LAN through the Hub/Switch which you have already set up. When using WLAN/ Wi-Fi the distance between the computers and the router should be 10 meters. The Router can support up to 32 Computers but we recommend between 1 & 10 computers so as to experience good speeds.

Modem

The Broadband modem has been customized to suit your needs. It’s a plug and play modem and thus all you need to do is insert it into a USB port and follow the prompts until the end.

11) Can you explain why Safaricom Instant Internet does not work in other parts of the country?
Safaricom Instant Internet works in all parts of the county. In areas not covered by 3G, the modem has capabilities of picking the GPRS/EDGE Network which is available countrywide.

12) How do I know I’m in a 3G area?
Perform the following;
On the Safaricom Mobile Office Application, select Settings>Choose Connection Type>Select 3G Only.
The modem will pick only the 3G network and indicate UMTS/HSDPA

 13) What do I do if it does not pick the 3G signal?
Perform the following;
On the Safaricom Mobile Office Application, select Settings>Choose GPRS only.
The modem will pick the GPRS/EDGE network which is available in the entire country.

 14) Why can’t Safaricom just allow all subscribers to be on 3G?
Currently 3G is enabled in Nairobi and Mombasa. All subscribers within these towns who have 3G devices will automatically enjoy the service. The company will communicate through press each time the network is expanded to other regions.

15) How can I know that my phone is 3G enabled?
The phone will display 3G. (This is seen on the top left on most handsets)

16) What are the advantages of 3G /EGDE over Wi-Fi given that the latter is routed by some ISPs at lower costs?
Mobility-One can access Safaricom network anywhere there is Safaricom signal as opposed to WI-FI which is restricted to certain locations where this service is available.
Easy to use-Safaricom modems are plug and play thus making it customer friendly equipment.
Convenience-You don’t need to travel to a location that has Wi-Fi. You can access the internet anywhere there is Safaricom signal.

17) How is data charged on EDGE/3G?
Data is charged depending on download and upload of information i.e. it’s not time based. Monthly costs depend on the bundle chosen (Find rates above) E.g. for 700MB, one can download approximately 3,000 web pages at 200KB per page, or 200 MP3 songs at 3MB per song or 12,000 emails at 50KB per email.

18) What speeds can I access on 3G/EDGE?
Speed of connection is determined by a number of factors like available bandwidth, number of users within the same cell, level of voice usage within the same sector, the response time of the site you are viewing e.t.c. Network available also determines speed e.g. on 3G, one can access speeds of up to 7.2Mbps whereas on EDGE, you can experience speeds up to 236.8 Kbps
When using the router, the speed of one machine is dependant on the number of computers connected to the Router.  To approximate the speed of one machine you subdivide the number of machines connected to the Router against the speed achieved by the Router.
Safaricom is the only other operator in E.A after Vodacom TZ to launch 3G and the 3^rd in Africa.