iMessage not activating on iPhone 5

[sajunky]

The same policy of controlling everything remotely, just attempt to easy the painful process - not successful as we see. Say again... welcome of the world of nonsense.

 

[Azimuth]

I can now report back on this issue having ported my numbers to Telkom Mobile.

The problem is clearly that an international SMS is being sent (charged at R1.50 btw) but no international SMS is being receiver which activates the iMsg service.

I phoned 180 to request that all international services be activated. Oddly, this is only affecting one phone. The other one activated just fine. *Edit* nope, seems other also failed activation.

For the record, I battled my butt off with this on MTN as well at one stage but eventually came right.

For the one phone, my unbilled usage is R12.00 which means 8 activation requests between iMsg and FaceTime. The other (problem) phone is sitting at R10.50 unbilled usage, meaning 7 activation requests and counting...

All Apple services are up and running so that's not the issue.

http://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

 

[Azimuth]

Despite all international services being enabled, or so they say, I didn't come right.

All-in-all, I sent 12 activation requests and never got a reply. I told TM they are blocking the replies in some way or form but it seemed I was talking to a brick wall.

There are one of two remedies:

1. iCloud restore from one of the other cellular providers. *Edit: not sure if this will work even...
2. Simply use email and have people add your iCloud email to your contact card so conversations aren't from an "unknown" contact.

 

[cavedog]

Yeah imessage just does not activate on telkom mobile..... You are being charged for a international sms but nothing is received I think.

 

[DemonSplicer]

So, I suspect the international sms messages goes out, but, Telkom Mobile does not have return paths for some international carriers.

Telkom Mobile does not have agreements for return international sms'se with all carriers. They only support certain carriers in certain countries.

FAQ:
http://www.telkommobile.co.za/help/international-sms

Actual supported operators:
http://www.telkommobile.co.za/media/heita/web/pdf/International_SMS_Countries_Operators.pdf

I honestly think this is the problem...

 

[cavedog]

So how the hell can we get them to fix it?

 

[Azimuth]

I think the more people that complain and log support tickets for the same thing, the better the chance this stands to be resolved.

I would encourage everyone to do this and then post their tickets here for visibility. Perhaps TelkomZA will also join the fray then.

 

[Azimuth]

Right, so here's the proof:



The same outgoing international SMS +00447786205094 to Apple but no reply...I'm going to log this with Telkom Mobile and ask where the return SMS is.

The Apple KB article for all these issues is: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4268

Contact your carrier to verify that there are no restrictions, blocks, or filters on text messages.

Restrictions, blocks, or filters on text messaging will prevent iMessage and FaceTime registration from completing.

If "Waiting for Activation" still appears after you perform these steps, turn FaceTime and iMessage off and on in Settings > Messages and Settings > FaceTime. You may need to wait up to 24 hours to complete activation.

Most attempts will take less than an hour, but some attempts may take up to 24 hours. If your issue isn't resolved after 24 hours, please contact Apple for assistance.

If you've recently performed a remote wipe on your iPhone, wait 24 hours from the time you performed the remote wipe, and then turn iMessage off then back on.

Apple's support page for specific countries: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937

Under South Africa, 8ta is listed as having support for FaceTime over cellular and Personal Hotspots. Note iMessage isn't something even listed.

 

[Azimuth]

So, I suspect the international sms messages goes out, but, Telkom Mobile does not have return paths for some international carriers.

Telkom Mobile does not have agreements for return international sms'se with all carriers. They only support certain carriers in certain countries.

FAQ:
http://www.telkommobile.co.za/help/international-sms

Actual supported operators:
http://www.telkommobile.co.za/media/heita/web/pdf/International_SMS_Countries_Operators.pdf

I honestly think this is the problem...

Return SMS is definitely the problem but I don't believe it's a case of one-way international SMS here. All the major carriers are listed for two-way international SMS in the US:

T-Mobile
Verizon
Sprint
AT&T

I guess we'll be better off in this fight if we know which carrier Apple uses? I'd honestly be surprised if it's not one of the big 4 listed above.

More info:

http://www.telkommobile.co.za/help/messaging

Check that the international destination is on the list of supported countries and operators that have enabled SMS to Telkom Mobile.

It could also be because the destination number is not available or invalid. If the destination is not on the list, then unfortunately, that operator does not yet send SMS to Telkom Mobile.

The list of foreign operators who support SMS to Telkom Mobile is expanding, so it is advisable to check regularly.

 

[DemonSplicer]

As far as I know SA activations go to England/UK as its a +44 number it gets sent to

 

[Azimuth]

Oops, I do believe you're right. Now to track down which carrier is being used by Apple in the UK...

 

[bwana]

Oops, I do believe you're right. Now to track down which carrier is being used by Apple in the UK...

Vodafone I think. I'm also wondering if all the people having problems ported from Vodacom to Telkom.

 

[Azimuth]

In that case it would be two-way SMS.

I ported from MTN.

 

[3Gee]

this problem is related to MTN numbers ported to Telkom Mobile , i have exactly the same problem and is aware of another MTN ported number with the same problem , TM simply blames Apple , but i suspect its some routing problem.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...-ported-numbers-to-TM?p=12052095#post12052095

 

[tdk]

My wife ported from Vodacom - also no activation on her cellphone number for iMessage/Facetime.

I also suspect a routing problem on the activation SMS. Telkom Mobile call centre does not understand the problem.

 

[NiTeD]

I ported from Cell C and also cannot activate it, after twelve months I gave up.

 

[sajunky]

It seems there is simple solution to this problem. If you can activate phone using fresh (non-ported) prepaid TM SIM with some airtime, problem is solved. After activation is completed, swap the SIM and use phone normally.

 

[mcchots]

It seems there is simple solution to this problem. If you can activate phone using fresh (non-ported) prepaid TM SIM with some airtime, problem is solved. After activation is completed, swap the SIM and use phone normally.

It would be activated with a different number. Wouldn't that cause an issue?

 

[mcchots]

According to the Telkom Mobile Website:

I have joined Telkom Mobile with my cellular phone number from another mobile network operator. I can’t receive International SMS, why?
Customers that have ported in to Telkom Mobile from another network can send international SMS's but they are not yet able to receive them.

 

[cavedog]

I just wish they can fix it..... Its very frustrating cause they simply deny it. Maybe we all need to pm rpm to see if he can help us get Telkom Mobile to fix the problem.

looks like you need contacts in the right places to get things fixed.