iPad, MicroSims and Data bundles - help, please?

M

mishgov

Active Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
45
Reaction score
0
Hey Guys

I'm finally getting my iPad 3 (wifi + 4G) this week from FNB - hopefully no issues!

In the meantime, what is the procedure with a MicroSim? Not sure if they're sending one or if I need to get one. The main question is, how will I load Internet data on it if I can't dial or sms? Also, how would I check my data balance?

Can someone please help me by explaining what needs to be done :/ I'm new to Apple devices. Sorry - thank you :)
 
You'll have to get a sim. Not too sure about how you'd load prepaid data, but I heard 8ta has an app that allows you to buy data bundles and check your usage etc. You may want to check that out, or if you decide to go with any other provider, you can ask them how you'd top up. On that subject though, you could just go with Cell C, and take advantage of their Giganite specials.
 
Depends on who your mobile provider is. I don't think the FNB iPads come with a SIM, I think you might need to pop into a cell store to get one. I'm using an 8ta sim and the store in Cresta gave me a micro sim from the get-go. Most stores can cut a regular sim to micro sim size with no issues, I guess it depends where you go to. If it's the 4G, iPad, VC have their LTE network up and running in parts of JHB already, cell c is "ready", 8ta is testing and I have no idea about MTN.

I recharge on the 8ta.com self service portal (8ta have an iPad app as well) and I'm sure VC, MTN and cell c will have something similar online as far as buying airtime and converting it to data goes. Pretty easy really... FNB have an app for IOS as well... I don't bank with them so I'm not sure if you can use it to buy bundles, perhaps someone who does can help out.

The rest is pretty simple 'tho... Activate the iPad, create an iTunes store account if you don't already have one (look into a US Store account, plenty of help around here if you need it, just saying), sync your contacts, calendars, mail settings, music etc. Grab some apps from the iTunes store like iBooks, Flipboard, Dropbox, WhatsApp and Tapatalk (there are hundreds more I could recommend) and you're good to go. Using the iPad is pretty simple and you can always post here if you get stuck.
 
Buy microsim from vodacom. Ask them to activate it. Ask vodacom consultant what your "cellular" number is. Purchase a suitable data package (prepaid) by giving the vodacom consultant your newly acquired cellular/sim number. Go into iPad settings > cellular data > apn settings > apn (change this so it only says "internet"). For future convenience, download "vodacom recharge" from AppStore.
 
Thanks so much everyone :D so I guess i can even buy the microsim and send the data bundles to it by buying the data off of my FNB mobile banking - simple, I see.

I'll be choosing either cellc or 8ta :D Vodacom is a rip-off :/

I already created my US itunes account - so excited to get my ipad!
 
mishgov said:
Thanks so much everyone :D so I guess i can even buy the microsim and send the data bundles to it by buying the data off of my FNB mobile banking - simple, I see.

I'll be choosing either cellc or 8ta :D Vodacom is a rip-off :/

I already created my US itunes account - so excited to get my ipad!
Click to expand...

As it should be. :D
 
The most difficult provider to get data bundles on without using your phone is Cell C. The FNB app allows you to preload Vodacom and MTN data bundles straight from your account. You can only load airtime balance with the app for 8ta and Cell C, but 8ta have an app which Cell C don't.

Barring all this, I still use Cell C as it is the best combination for price/coverage.
 
Last edited:
DrJohnZoidberg said:
The most difficult provider to get data bundles on without using your phone is Cell C. The FNB app allows you to preload Vodacom and MTN data bundles straight from your account. You can only load airtime balance with the app for 8ta and Cell C, but 8ta have an app which Cell C don't.

Barring all this, I still use Cell C as it is the best combination for price/coverage.
Click to expand...

Oh no, I really want it as easy as possible. Not too sure about apps but I was going to go via the mobile banking option (*120*321#) - I know there is an option to buy data bundles; they ask for the cell number and that's about as far as I went - not too sure how it works :/ Don't really feel like using an app to be quite honest.
If all else fails, I'll create a wifi network from my Android phone because i don't even use it.

Thank you :)
 
You could just buy and send Cell C data bundles to your iPad from your FNB account, surely ?
 
shanezn said:
You could just buy and send Cell C data bundles to your iPad from your FNB account, surely ?
Click to expand...

Ah, I see they have added direct data bundle purchases now. Never used to be there. Makes my life a whole lot easier.

EDIT: Still no 8ta though.
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
Ah, I see they have added direct data bundle purchases now. Never used to be there. Makes my life a whole lot easier.

EDIT: Still no 8ta though.
Click to expand...

Pity, but cellc will do - great that FNB have added that direct data bundles purchase option....makes life much easier :)
 
It's about time Apple implemented USSD codes on the iPad
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X