How to buy a once-off data bundle on contract using USSD?

[ginggs]

I'd like to buy a once-off data bundle on my contract SIM using USSD, when I send '*111#' I get the following response:

- MyPhone -
1. Balance Enquiry
2. Airtime Transfer
3. Device Setup
4. Passwords
5. WIG Download
6. Content Management
7. Reverse Charge
8. Email

On my pre-paid SIM I get this:

- MyPhone -
1. Balance Enquiry
2. Bundle Purchases
3. Talking Points
4. Airtime Transfer
5. Device Setup
6. Night Shift
7. FreeChange
8. Next

I normally reply option '2' for 'Bundle Purchases', then choose 'Broadband Standard', then the bundle size, etc., but I don't see this choice on my contract SIM.
Am I missing something, or is it just not possible on contract?

 

[spikegv]

As far as I know its not possible. You need to call the call centre and ask them to bolt one on for you.

 

[Praeses]

I think with the old vodacom4me you could've added it. Dunno if the new vodacom interface at vodacom.co.za can do it too.

 

[steve_]

Have come across this problem myself. You need to phone Vodacom to allow you access to purchase extra services online through the vodacom4me.co.za. Alternatively you can call them and they'll ask you to send them something in writing, confirming you want a bolt on data bundle. Don't think its possible to buy an additional bundle over USSD on a contract.

 

[VodacomData]

I'd like to buy a once-off data bundle on my contract SIM using USSD, when I send '*111#' I get the following response:

On my pre-paid SIM I get this:

I normally reply option '2' for 'Bundle Purchases', then choose 'Broadband Standard', then the bundle size, etc., but I don't see this choice on my contract SIM.
Am I missing something, or is it just not possible on contract?

You cannot purchase data bundles via USSD or *111# while being on contract. Purchases can only be made via the Call centre or the www.vodacom.co.za website.

 

[morkhans]

You cannot purchase data bundles via USSD or *111# while being on contract.

Why not?

Purchases can only be made via the Call centre or the www.vodacom.co.za website.

Both of which are now a time-consuming and frustrating experience. Not to mention that the latter costs you bandwidth, presumably at OOB rates.

 

[Happy Camper]

You cannot purchase data bundles via USSD or *111# while being on contract. Purchases can only be made via the Call centre or the www.vodacom.co.za website.

May i ask why please? As I contract holder with Vodacom I expect to have these services available to me. Or are contract holders considered second rate? In this day and age in this IT world of ours it is expected to have these services at your finger tips. When I need some data I need it now, it's ridiculous for me to have to phone up autopage and have the data bolt on added via some phone support person!? And even then it is only made available to you within 24 hours (they say). NOT ONCE when I have phoned them has it been available in 24 hours, not once, I kid you not. Usually it takes at LEAST another phone call to chase them, and perhaps if you're lucky you may have your data in 2-3 days. This is unacceptable imo! Shabby! Am I being unreasonable, I don't feel like I'm being unreasonable? At the prices you rip us off for these bundles you should be ashamed of the service the end user is subjected to!

 

[ginggs]

You cannot purchase data bundles via USSD or *111# while being on contract.

Thanks for clearing that up. Someone recently told me they could so I thought maybe I was just missing something, but clearly that person was just deluded.

 

[ginggs]

Why not?

My guess is because of people using phones whose contracts belong to their company.

 

[morkhans]

My guess is because of people using phones whose contracts belong to their company.

Nope. Contracts taken out by individuals and corporates operate differently. Corporate contracts you cannot add services from any of the interfaces. It can only be done with instruction from specific people and a signed letter on company stationary.

I am sure that this is a recent change as I have in the past bought a bundle on the SO's contract phone using USSD.

 

[Iam3G]

Isn't the reason why its not there because the Contract System isn't in real-time?

 

[ginggs]

Nope. Contracts taken out by individuals and corporates operate differently. Corporate contracts you cannot add services from any of the interfaces. It can only be done with instruction from specific people and a signed letter on company stationary.

Maybe the USSD system is unable to differentiate between individual and corporate accounts.

I am sure that this is a recent change as I have in the past bought a bundle on the SO's contract phone using USSD.

I haven't been able to, since getting my first contract SIM in May 2009. Did your SO perhaps have a Top-Up contract in the past?

 

[morkhans]

Maybe the USSD system is unable to differentiate between individual and corporate accounts.

I doubt that, but by now we're just speculating.

I haven't been able to, since getting my first contract SIM in May 2009. Did your SO perhaps have a Top-Up contract in the past?

Went from pre-paid to contract a few years back. You might be onto something...