Disabling GPRS/Edge on a Cell C Contract Phone

Is it possible to totally disable GPRS and Edge on a Cell C contract phone, without the option by the user to enable it again ?

The reason is the disproportionate amount of time spent on Mxit by some users.

The user must still be able to make and receive voice calls and send /receive SMS messages.

I have spoken to about 5 helpdesk users and they promised to "delete the APN" and other things, but everyone is still happily connected to Mxit all day long, while I have to pay !

Any ideas please ?

Speak to CellC and hear if it is possible for them to disable those specific numbers from accessing the internet APN...

Failing that, send a company-wide memorandum that from a certain date forward everybody will be required to pay for any GPRS/3G fees incurred out of their own pocket as you prohibit them from using MXiT as it cannot be used for company business purposes.

Seeing from another perspective - they are stealing the company's money and time.

Another option is to get cellphones which cannot do GPRS/3G - but can still SMS and make/receive calls. The Nokia 1200 is such a basic phone, SMS and calls only, no GPRS or any Internet stuff.

Thanks for the ideas, it seems there is no easy answer with an existing contract.

If the real concern is the use of Mxit, then I need to block GPRS on the SIM, although there is always the option to get another prepaid SIM.

If the real concern is the cost of the GPRS access, then the option will be Top-Up type contracts or prepaid.

In any case, I have again started the communications with Cell C to see if I can indeed block GPRS service on a specific SIM card.

Maybe, as JK8 suggested, the only option may be to disable the SIM.....or disable the user !

It must be possible, to disable the internet APN for a specific number. If you remember a year ago you had to specificly request access to the GPRS APN.

Just checked with the trade partner desk, yes you can request that the number be removed from the Internet APN on the network, via the call centre 140. However if the user switches sims to another phone then the network will pick it up as being used on a new phone and reenable him on the GPRS APN automatically for internet and mms.

You could always then super glue the sim card into the phone. Just kidding please dont do that.. rather make up a sticker that you can put over the sim card, with your signature on it. Then send out a memo to staff that if they mess with the sim card they will be in trouble.