HELP. 8ta Sim with MTN E153 3G Dongle

[Totempole]

Hi, I was recently given a new MTN E153 dongle, and decided to try and make some use of it.

Here's what I did:
I bought an 8ta sim, and loaded it with R15 Airtime. I then purchased a 25MB Data bundle
for R15. For some reason, I was only billed R12 for the bundle, so was left with R3 airtime.

I then inserted the sim into the MTN dongle, and configured it for 8ta using these settings:

Profile Name
8ta (Default)

APN
(.)Static
APN: internet

Authentication
Access Number: *99#
User name: guest
Password: left blank

Advanced Settings: Nothing changed

Results:
I was able to access the internet for about two minutes before it asked me to recharge.
It seems it used the available airtime balance, but not the data bundle.

So how can I configure it to make use of the data bundle?

If I can get this working, I will be getting the 2GB+1GB for R149.

Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
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UPDATE: Tried changing Username and Password to the following:
Username: guest Password:guest
Username: blank Password: blank

Both times I get an 8ta Splash screen stating I've used up my data
bundle, and I know that I haven't. I've tried clicking to go OOB, but
it doesn't help.

 

[Midnight_choir_drunk]

I have the exact same problem except opposite. I have an 8ta dongle and want to use my mtn sim with it but it doesn't recognise the sim when I put it in the 8ta dongle. I know this is possible as I've used my friends 8ta dongle before with my mtn sim with no problems. 8ta confirmed it was possible but suggested I download the mtn software. Can anyone suggest how I can set up the dongle to use my mtn sim without downloading the mtn software as I've only got around a 100mb's of 8ta data left ?

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Well, username and password must be both blank, APN is internet, phone number is *99#, and you should connect fine, unless you DASH is playing funny buggers.

 

[sajunky]

I was able to access the internet for about two minutes before it asked me to recharge.
It seems it used the available airtime balance, but not the data bundle.

I think it was a case. When you load bundle you should receive two SMS's:
1. Confirmation of deducting money from your airtime.
2. Message of successfully loaded bundle.
Only after receiving 2nd message your bundle becomes active. Usually these messages come in few seconds, but on Dec 1st I had to wait about one hour.