| 1. |
It has become necessary to issue the following guidelines for the use of data cards:
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| 1.1 |
All data card contracts remain in the name of the WCED, which undertakes to pay the monthly subscription for a package which allows for the downloading of 500MB of data. However, each official will be responsible for charges which exceed the set limit.
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| 1.2 |
With the new data card bundle, the existing mobile data card contracts can be upgraded on expiry. The WCED enters into a 24-month contract with the service provider. Unused data bundles expire at each month-end and cannot be carried over to the following month. Once the contracted bundle of 500MB has been used in full, the applicable out-of-bundle rate will apply.
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| 1.3 |
A set limit is placed on individual data card contracts. A limit of a 500MB data bundle will be implemented with immediate effect for new applications and a limit will be placed on the monthly use of the card on expiry of existing contracts. Officials who require the data card service must choose their own service provider (MTN or Vodacom). In those cases where the limit is insufficient to meet the official's job requirements, the relevant deputy director-general, on receipt of a substantiated application, may approve an increase to an official's limit. The service provider must, in accordance with the approved package, place a limitation on the data card so that the limit cannot be exceeded.
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| 2. |
Attention is drawn to the need for all users of data cards to monitor their data card usage very carefully.
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| 2.1 |
This is best done by resetting all of the "Volume Counters" at the beginning of the billing period and then keeping an eye on the "Total Volume Statistic" - this should not exceed a total of 512 000kB (i.e. 500MB) for sent and received data in any one billing month. Note that the MTN billing period is from the 21st of one month to the 20th of the following month.
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| 2.2 |
The "Volume Counters" are reset by doing the following: Load the data card program (F@stLink). Prior to resetting the counters, make a note of the total "Sent" and "Received" data under the "Total Volume Statistic". Use this to compare what you have used with what is stated on the invoice - query any significant discrepancies. To reset the volume counters, simply click on the button (just above the button) and the "Volume Counters" will be returned to zero. The window can then be closed.
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| 3. |
It furthermore needs to be noted that, in terms of the original DITCOM applications, the data cards were issued to designated officials so that they would have access to their e-mail messages when away from their offices - in effect an extension of their GroupWise facility - and, in selected cases, access to the backend databases (such as EduInfoSearch). Limited access to the Internet for research/project purposes is provided for within the 500MB bundle. Please remember that unmonitored use of the card by persons other than the designated official and the downloading of music, music videos and other video materials (e.g. YouTube videos and movies) cannot be condoned, as these frequently are the reason for the high usage and associated costs.
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| 4. |
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned.
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SIGNED: LJ ELY
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:08:28
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