MTN SIM in VC datacard: step x step guide required

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ChrisbChrisb

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All us early adopters of the VC 3G cards are now coming to the end of our 2yr contracts with VC - and we're poised to switch to MTN! I imagine that we all have HSDPA upgrades.

Please could someone provide a step-by-step guide to using an MTN '3G' SIM card in a vodacom HSDPA card. I've read the threads on this forum, but it's all rather fragmented. Putting the card in doesn't do the trick, and changing the ControlPanel modem settings; well there seem to be several options for the advanced string and there are certainly several 'Vodacom 3G' modems in the list.

What would also be great is some guidance on how we can use our existing accounts; ie I have an MTN contract for voice and my 3G phone, and would like my 3G datacard to consume against the SAME data bundle. Currently I have breakage on both bundles.

This feels like a guide that would make a great stickie thread for the next few months...
 
You should be able to just swap the SIM card. MTN and Vodacom have an internet APN. If you where using the Vodacom internetvpn APN you would need to change it to internet or myMtn.

Delete all you profile in the dash and when it prompts you to create a new profile create with with the APN internet.
 
"Knyp twee balle vas tussen jou bene, met jou hande en kniëe op die stene"...

No, wait, wrong step x step verduideliking :eek:
 
Edinetz said:
You should be able to just swap the SIM card. MTN and Vodacom have an internet APN. If you where using the Vodacom internetvpn APN you would need to change it to internet or myMtn.

Delete all you profile in the dash and when it prompts you to create a new profile create with with the APN internet.
Click to expand...

hes right, theres nothing complicated about the procedure- static apn myMTN, *99# dial up number, leave the advanced options seeings as it automatically looks up dns server etc.;)
 
Guys, none of this is working for me:
  • I'm definitely using an MTN enabled SIM: Tried the '3G' one that I use in my 3G JarJar every day, and I also tried my bud's that he uses in his MTN datacard.
  • Datacard is not set up to ask for a PIN - presume it stays that way even when I disconnect VC Mobile Connect (VMC)
  • Have closed VMC, and turned off my wireless card (just in case)
  • Under controlPanel/Phones&Modems I have identified the "Huawei 3G modem" which is 'not present' if I unplug my datacard, and present on 'COM12' if I plug it in - ie I definitely have the right one
  • I edit the properties of this modem so that the advanced string is as per another post (AT+CGDCONT=,,"myMTN"<cr>) or (at+cgdcont=1,"ip","internet","",0,0)
  • I then go to network connections and create a new DIAL-UP network connection: Number *99# (also tried *99***1#), no username and password
  • In the last step I did NOT have an opportunity to enter
    - Network: #G preferred
    - APN: internet/mymtn ( provisioning dependent )
    - Authentication protocol: PAP
    perhaps that's my problem? Or is this not covered in the above 'advanced' modem string?
  • Then tried d.clicking the dial up connection and I get "Error 678: the remote computer did not respond..."
If I fire up VMC I get 'acquiring' in the status bar and no more. Whereas if I insert my VC SIM I get Acquiring, 3G, and then the VC dial-up network connection will work if clicked (ie VMC is only there for tracking traffic and stuff). Perhaps that helps explain things? I'm not acquiring for some reason.

Basically what I need to know is:
  • How to set up Modem under ControlPanel/Modems&Phones - is it just the Advanced string
  • How to set up network connection - is it just a dial up with number *99#
  • In which case what am I missing if I have seen no place to enter APN etc
  • I am NOT using any MTN-specific dialer software - should I be?
Any help would be MUCH apreciated. Need to figure this out B4 the VC contract ends, so I can take-up an MTN contract only if it works.
 
Last edited:
..errr...i've never done ANY of all that stuff before and i am using MTN + Vodacom + Virgin SIMs in the same card.

For MTN and Vodacom i used the default profiles which the dash software creates when you install [3G-only/GRPS-only etc] . The default apn of "internet"
works for both, same number same everything...

For Virgin only diff is the apn which must be "vdata".

I've never edited the "advanced settings" or "modem settings" or anything after VMC created them.

# I edit the properties of this modem so that the advanced string is as per another post (AT+CGDCONT=,,"myMTN"<cr>) or (at+cgdcont=1,"ip","internet","",0,0)
# I then go to network connections and create a new DIAL-UP network connection: Number *99# (also tried *99***1#), no username and password
Click to expand...

What software are you using to dial-up? Aren't you using VMC ? Why not create all this via the software,since the default Vodacom works with MTN without needing seperate profile [i.e. 3G-only/3G-preferred works for both, it will select MTN or Voda depending on your sim automatically.... ]

a How to set up Modem under ControlPanel/Modems&Phones - is it just the Advanced string
b How to set up network connection - is it just a dial up with number *99#
c In which case what am I missing if I have seen no place to enter APN etc
d I am NOT using any MTN-specific dialer software - should I be?
Click to expand...

a Did you need to do that for Vodacom ? Dash software does this for you doesn't it? [i never had to do that before]
b Same as a
c The default APN is 'internet', AFTER you created the profile you can change the APN from the dash by EDITING the profile and going through the same wizard. You will suddenly see a few more options becoming available.
d No, i am using the Vodacom Dash , no issues.
 
Last edited:
Maybe this helps: The VMC has a "select networks" option. When I use this it spends about 30 seconds scanning and comes up with a list of networks. Here the VC3G option is bold and 'current'. I select MTN and it spend 10 minutes trying to connect but nothing happens. Is that a clue? Hope this card is bloody locked! It was one of the very first to come out with the HSDPA free upgrade.
 
To use my MTN sim on my Vodafone card (Globetrotter 3+) I just stick the sim card in, and it works.

Never had a days trouble with it. To use a vodacom sim...I stick the sim in and it works.
 
ChrisbChrisb said:
Maybe this helps: The VMC has a "select networks" option. When I use this it spends about 30 seconds scanning and comes up with a list of networks. Here the VC3G option is bold and 'current'. I select MTN and it spend 10 minutes trying to connect but nothing happens. Is that a clue? Hope this card is bloody locked! It was one of the very first to come out with the HSDPA free upgrade.
Click to expand...

If the card is blocked, take it into a Vodacare center and ask them to unlock it. ;)
 
Here the VC3G option is bold and 'current'. I select MTN and it spend 10 minutes trying to connect but nothing happens. Is that a clue? Hope this card is bloody locked! It was one of the very first to come out with the HSDPA free upgrade.
Click to expand...

Probably might have to check that out, as some HSDPA cards were networked locked. Also make sure your MTN sim is actually data enabled [i.e. use it in your phone and try to WAP/GPRS] .

Also does it at least show "allowed" when you browse the networks. Usually if you have a MTN sim in, it will show "not allowed" [or something like that ] for Vodacom/Cell-C and "Allowed" for MTN [and vice versa if you have a Vodacom Sim in].
 
Have tried ALL the above to no avail...

How can I test whether it's network locked? When I put in VC SIM and search networks only VC is "Allowed", but with the MTN SIM they are ALL "Allowed" (ie incl Cell-C & VC!)

Does anyone know if network locking is legal? I thought I heard that ICASA ruled it out. Perhaps that gives me some recourse?
 
The following information is for Huawei E620 cards only.

To check whether your card is locked, connect to the data card using HyperTerminal (see http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?p=738305#post738305) and type AT^CARDLOCK? and press Enter.

If you get a response like:
^CARDLOCK: 2,0,0
OK
Click to expand...
Your card is not locked and you are good to go.

However, if you get a response like:
^CARDLOCK: 1,10,65501
OK
Click to expand...
Your card is network locked to operator 65501 (Vodacom SA) and you have 10 remaining attempts at the 8-digit unlock code.

You may want to try and use the original software for the Huawei card instead of the Vodacom Mobile Connect software:
http://www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/doc/list.do?type=-1&id=305

As of this writing, the version to go for is E620 CD2HOSTE01B113D04SP06C08 (MTN). This file is large, nearly 64MB in size. See the following thread on where to download a smaller file: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=52870.
 
MOST helpful!

I'm afraid I get: ^CARDLOCK: 2,0,65501
F F F!@!!!!

This explains why I've been battling. I'll start a new thread on whether I have any recourse here. Thanks a stack guys.
 
ChrisbChrisb said:
I'm afraid I get: ^CARDLOCK: 2,0,65501
Click to expand...
Interesting, it seems Vodacom have disabled the usual method of unlocking the card with an 8 digit code so you have no choice but to take it back to them.

Would you mind repeating that test with your Vodacom SIM inserted and posting your results?
 
That was with my VC SIM.
Working on getting VC to unlock it - but no-one in 4-way mall knows about this.
 
ginggs said:
The following information is for Huawei E620 cards only.

To check whether your card is locked, connect to the data card using HyperTerminal (see http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?p=738305#post738305) and type AT^CARDLOCK? and press Enter.

If you get a response like:

Your card is not locked and you are good to go.

However, if you get a response like:

Your card is network locked to operator 65501 (Vodacom SA) and you have 10 remaining attempts at the 8-digit unlock code.

You may want to try and use the original software for the Huawei card instead of the Vodacom Mobile Connect software:
http://www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/doc/list.do?type=-1&id=305

As of this writing, the version to go for is E620 CD2HOSTE01B113D04SP06C08 (MTN). This file is large, nearly 64MB in size. See the following thread on where to download a smaller file: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=52870.
Click to expand...
Would you perhaps know what the equivalent AT command is for the E220 USB modem. I get "UNSUPPORTED" message when I try AT^CARDLOCK?. It seems as if the E220 is network locked becasue mine will not work with an MTN SIM. I bought it yesterday from Nashua Mobile and was assured that it was not locked. I get the same behaviour as with a locked E620.:(
 
Fern said:
Would you perhaps know what the equivalent AT command is for the E220 USB modem. I get "UNSUPPORTED" message when I try AT^CARDLOCK?. It seems as if the E220 is network locked becasue mine will not work with an MTN SIM. I bought it yesterday from Nashua Mobile and was assured that it was not locked. I get the same behaviour as with a locked E620.:(
Click to expand...

Good day,

I'll have to speak to my device manager about this will get back to you

MTNDD
 
Hi

I had the same problem with a Huawei Vodacom HSPDA card. I downloaded the Huawei software and when I used this with the MTN sim it requested the 8 digit code.

I took it to Vodaworld to unlock. They called me to say that the unlock code did not work and they had to get a new unlock code from Huawei. I told them that my notebook was in the car and that the code was required with MTN sim and suggested that we try to enter the code in this software. We did and it worked, the card is now open to all networks.

The code that was entered may be the same for all the Huawei card. It is 44646477

Regards

FireTelkom
 
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