Disabling all data connection (GPRS/3G) on a Vodacom Contract SIM

[CharlieSmith]

Is it possible to totally disable data connections (GPRS/Edge/3G/HSDPA) on a SIM card for a Vodacom contract, 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.

The reason I ask this question, is that I have been unable to do this on a Cell C contract phone where, after 3 months, the user is still happily connected to Mxit all day long after several promises by Cell C to disable data connections.

Has anyone done this successfully on a Vodacom SIM card?

Thanks.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Why not just buy a cheapy Nokia 1200 for the staff to use? They can make and receive calls, and they can send/receive SMS'es.

It does not have GPRS, EDGE or 3G, so it can't do MMS or MxIT...

 

[SoTrue]

Why not just buy a cheapy Nokia 1200 for the staff to use? They can make and receive calls, and they can send/receive SMS'es.

It does not have GPRS, EDGE or 3G, so it can't do MMS or MxIT...

Is the sim for the Nokia 1200 phone specific, otherwise they can take it out, put it in another phone and do as they please?

 

[vodacom3g]

Technically you can just have all apn's removed from the sim. That'll kill all data connections.

But what would stop the users from phoning 155 and have it re-enabled?

Hmmm, let me think about this one. Maybe PM me so I've got an e-mail to get back to you.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Is the sim for the Nokia 1200 phone specific, otherwise they can take it out, put it in another phone and do as they please?

Here it learns well to be a BOFH.

1. Insert SIM into Nokia 1200.
2. Set it up so that you don't have to type in the SIM's PIN code when switching the phone on. (A bit iffy, especially should the phone get stolen).
3. Change the PIN code to something else and document it (in a safe place). Same goes for the PUK code.
4. Ensure the phone's security and access codes have also been changed (to prevent nosy staff members trying to fiddle with the settings), and hand it over to staff member - staff member will also have to sign for the phone, and that he/she understand that ANY extra data calls WILL be on his/her account.
5. Any staff member(s) returning the phone with a locked SIM have been caught out (You can't prove it, but the SIM have been removed from the 1200, and inserted into another phone, and 3 retries later the SIM is locked). Easy to unlock once you have the PUK.

That's what I would do.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

But what would stop the users from phoning 155 and have it re-enabled?

Yup - an MxIT addict will find ways and means to MxIT...

Hope you can help the OP from your side before the OP have to buy basic phones.

 

[Tux]

Wee bit of superglue applied to said simcard just before inserting it into the nokia 1200...

Just make sure you dont get any on the gold bits. Of that will lead to a few other interesting problems down the line should you want to sell the phone..

 

[ic]

Wee bit of superglue applied to said simcard just before inserting it into the nokia 1200...

Just make sure you dont get any on the gold bits. Of that will lead to a few other interesting problems down the line should you want to sell the phone..

ROFL, beware the wrath of MXit addicts everywhere .

 

[bosun]

Blocking Mxit

If you want to block Mxit - have Adult Content Management turned on. The ACM filters designate the Mxit chatrooms as adult content and will prevent access, without the need to remove all your data capabilities.

 

[vodacom3g]

If you want to block Mxit - have Adult Content Management turned on. The ACM filters designate the Mxit chatrooms as adult content and will prevent access, without the need to remove all your data capabilities.

Yes, that will block MXiT but obviously not other data connections.

Any chat site is deemed 'adult' by international standards, so MXiT is automatically blocked if you turn on ACM.

Now don't flame me! I'm just confirming bosun's post!

 

[Tux]

I still say, superglue the sim in place or just cover it with a security sticker and dire warnings about death and/or castration should said sticker be removed for whatever reason without them having consulted youu first