This is getting to be a major source of entertainment.
I called Nashua Mobile, my service provider. I explain the problem. I get put on hold, where I have to listen to an indescribable noise which is supposed to be music. Eventually she gets back to me.
"Well, sir, we have solved your problem. You only have to dial 00 if you are calling from outside South Africa. It used to me 09, but now it's 00"
I am speechless. "From outside South Africa?" ....stumbles out of my mouth....
Now she gets really patient. "Yes sir. If you are travelling overseas, and you want to call home, or call someone in South Africa, then you must put 00 in front of the number."
Suddenly I realised that I was dealing with somebody who has no clue. I explain the situation to her again. Slowly.
"Which country were you trying to call, sir?"
"The United States of America"
"Hold on, sir"
Ten minutes later I can't stand it any more, and I hang up.
So then I called 173. I explain the problem.
She immediately says: "I can assist you with that". Goody. "But I need your name and cellphone number". I supply that, and she again says " I will now assist you to resolve your problem. Please tell me what number you were trying to call" I supply the number. " I will now assist you to resolve the problem" Goody. "Please redial the number, but enter a + instead of the 00"
"I already tried that. The result is the same"
A small pause.
"I will now assist you to resolve the problem. Somebody will call you. Can they call you on this number?" They can.
Still waiting, and as I wait, I am beginning to suspect that the last operator that I spoke to had been taken over by an alien. Or a computer.
