GPRS with virginmobile

D

dd1313

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Hi

What speeds do you get with virginmobile on GPRS.Is it better that dialup

DD
 
Most GPRS are sub Dailup speeds, but if u pay per meg.. One doesn't need extreme speeds anyhow.. Gprs will offer u 2-3kb per sec at least.. Its enuff for IRC , emails and a little websurfin'
 
First Impressions VM

virgin mobile

first impressions

i was attracted to the 50c/mb data tariff so i purchased my Starter Pack today at R89.95 from Musica in Musgrave, Durban.
After trying a few options on the Virgin Menu they tell me my service has been suspended. Can't dial 123 help nothing!
so i called 0860 sign me number and spoke to a guy for 13 minutes. after being put on hold for a long while i hung up (had other things to do) i called back an hour later and was told to dial *124*1*number# to activate the sim. The first time I was told this! (Probably my fault as I didnt read the book) then i set up my mms and wap from the VM menu. I got my phone's (6230i) wap browser to work but no success with applications like Opera Mini. Then i tried to connect to internet via the pc and it gives me an error 734. Called customer care and they say their network is down.

Back on MTN data now. Working fine. As they say " If it aint broke dont fix it" but 50c/mb still attracts.
 
abuusamah said:
...was told to dial *124*1*number# to activate the sim...
Click to expand...
Same thing happened to me, and I did read the manual!! Nothing in the manual... it is actually noted on the SIM holder that you should dial *124*1*number# to activate.

Something that I have been thinking about... Virgin uses CellC's network, which uses (some of) Vodacom's network. Since Vodacom has 3G, wouldn't you be able to use a Virgin SIM and log on to 3G?

I don't have a 3G phone, otherwise I would have tried it.
 
I also got my Virgin Mobile Starter Pack , Put it onto my motorola v3x..
They activated it for me at Musica. I recieved my settings for GPRS etc...

What i didn't know, for you to actually be able to connect to GPRS via your pc. U first have to make a Chargable call.. (propably so that their system gets updated) and log u onto their accounts.. Otherwise the GPRS wouldn't connect..

I made a call. only a second or two... Checked my balance (R49.70 or somethin') Connected the phone to my pc (mobile phone tools), and bob's your uncle.. It worked like a dream..
 
got it to work

finally got this thing to work with the help of VM's technical support.

There's initialization string that I had to punch in.

I'm happy now - the connection is faster than mtn - as mtn has no edge coverage in my area but cell c does.

Just that they say they still cant get Opera Mini to work with Virgin! That means I got to keep swapping sims.

napalm - theoretically you should connect via 3g if you are picking up Vodacom. i think!i also dont have a 3g phone otherwise would have tried it.
 
btw napalm : you actually dont have to make the call. missed call works too!
 
abuusamah said:
Just that they say they still cant get Opera Mini to work with Virgin!
Click to expand...
that is quite strange as i couldn't get Opera Mini to work on MTN, but it does now on Virgin.

does your other GPRS apps work (like mxit)?
 
opera mini used to work on my phone 6230i with mtn but doesnt with virgin!
it's probably some phone setting.

i havent tried other applications.

BTW: I cant upload to ftp servers with this Virgin connection. called them they said they are having problems with bandwith?!!
 
You can't use Vodacom's 3G network if you are on Cell C or Virgin Mobile As these two networks only have roaming agreement to utilize Vodacom 2G network. GSM,GPRS,EDGE. And on certain phones such as Nokia & Samsung they have two sets of setting stored on the phone one for WAP, and one for Applications. So you would have to edit the one for Application to get opera mini to work. as for Motorola & Sharp as far as i know they use one set of setting for WAP and Application.
 
Napalm said:
What i didn't know, for you to actually be able to connect to GPRS via your pc. U first have to make a Chargable call.. (propably so that their system gets updated) and log u onto their accounts.. Otherwise the GPRS wouldn't connect..
QUOTE]
Huhhh! Are you saying that VM charges you a wopping R89 for a starter pack which includes R50. Then to use data you have to use up some of the R50 credit just to CONNECT!?!
Do these ripoffs never end??:eek:
Click to expand...
 
freeek said:
as they said earliar you could just miss call someone.
Click to expand...
When did VIrgin tell you that ... before or after you stumbled upon it? :D It's easy to forget that ordinary Joe Public doesn't read this forum. I stand by my ripoff claim :p
 
still cant upload to ftp server with the virgin connection.

this means i have to resort to my mtn connection and each time change the modem setting as VM requires an extra initialization setting.

bit of a bother. hope they fix this soon. VM's connection is faster than MTN from my area.
 
VM is also faster than Vodacom and MTN in PTA east. (even though it seems they are using Vodacom's tower :)
 
I'm just your typical IT user, but luckely on this forum many of you could help me with my questions. Here it goes...

1. Is VM edge coverage = cell c Edge coverage = vodacom coverage > MTN edge coverage?
2. Will the Vodaphone 3g data work with a VM sim (Edge)?
 
Obronie said:
I'm just your typical IT user, but luckely on this forum many of you could help me with my questions. Here it goes...

1. Is VM edge coverage = cell c Edge coverage = vodacom coverage > MTN edge coverage?
2. Will the Vodaphone 3g data work with a VM sim (Edge)?
Click to expand...

Basically VM use CellC coverage and CELLC do have an extensive "own" network....wherever CellC have EDGE then on VM u will get EDGE.EDGE coverage on CellC is extensive in my own experience...
THE speed of their EDGE is erratic but has improved....i have got a steady 200kbps on occassion...
PROBLEM with VM at the moment is that their sim card cannot be used at the moment on the datacards....they are "working" on a solution...

When there is no cellc coverage u will use vodacom with VM sim as well...

Voda dont have EDGE in gauteng so u will be on GPRS unless u in an area where they have EDGE...

PROBLEM2:
VM have a prolem at SAIX autenticating local or most local .co.za wesites and they dont open!
they workin on it...
temp solution is to manually select Vodacom and roam on their network to open sites that cant be opened on VM...only prob is that you roam on Voda GPRS where no voda edge and Voda gprs is ssslllooow like cellc gprs...

as for mtn: u cant roam on their network so they out of equation...
anyway just for info:they have a fairly good edge net but my luck is that i fall out of all their edge points
 
I've got my VM sim today. Bought it at Musica in Tyger Valley. I insert it into my I-Mate Jasjar, followed the instructions, dialled 123 to activate data, 10 minutes later I was browsing the internet without any problems.

Going to connect my Jasjar to my notebook tomorrow to see if I can use it as a modem. I can't see why it won't work.

I must say, a great big thumbs up for Virgin Mobile.
 
Correct me if I am wrong, but you can't use VC 3G with the VM sim as it is a completely seperate network operated by VC. No 3G on VM until CellC upgrades their own network.

Does anyone know in what increments is data usage billed on VM?
 
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