Prepaid 3G Noob.

APoc184

APoc184

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2 years ago I was stupid enough to get a 24 month contract with MTN for 3G that included a Huawei 220 modem. Luckily that contract expired last week.

I now want to get a prepaid Vodacom 3G card and load data when I need it.
99% of the time I will use my ADSL at home, but there will be times(like tomorrow) when I travel with the laptop and I need to connect.

Problem is I don't have a clue where to start.
Obviously I will have to get a SIM(and all that RICA crap). But how will I know if my Huawei modem is locked to MTN or not? I know cellphones are not network locked anymore. What about the modems?

I will also need to get the Vodacom software onto the Modem. Or can I use the MDMA software from ginggs? Will I still need to format the card to get rid of the MTN settings/software/firmware? And then load the Vodacom firmware?

Now if the software/connection is sorted. How do I buy 3G bundles. I'm sure the Vodacom shop will also be able to tell me, but maybe you guys know a easier way. I would prefer if I can do it via my FNB online/cellphone banking.

That is basically all I can think about at the moment. If I left out any crucial details, please feel free to add them to by to-do-list.

Thank you.
 
3G modems are also not network locked. I helped a client once that came over to Vodacom and wanted to use his MTN modem on the Vodacom network. I downloaded the VMC software for him from Vodacom.co.za and it worked 100%. To duy data bundles you can either buy it directly from FNB (as I understand it from other forumites) or you can recharge your Vodcacom prepaid number with the airtime you need and then convert it into a data bundle either on www.vodacom4me.co.za (once you have registered your number.

U do not need to format or flash/flush (not sure what the term is you technical fundies use) the firmware. Just dont let the modem install the MTN software when you plug in the modem. Instead click on cancell when it prompts u to run the software and then use the Vodafone icon to open the VMC software.
 
APoc84 said:
Obviously I will have to get a SIM(and all that RICA crap).
Click to expand...
Yup.
APoc84 said:
But how will I know if my Huawei modem is locked to MTN or not? I know cellphones are not network locked anymore. What about the modems?
Click to expand...
MTN modems have never been locked.
APoc84 said:
I will also need to get the Vodacom software onto the Modem.
Click to expand...
Not necessary.
APoc84 said:
Or can I use the MDMA software from ginggs?
Click to expand...
Yes, even though I say so myself, MDMA works very well with Vodacom pre-paid, you can purchase bundles and check your balance using USSD. I think the pre-paid bundle balance command recently changed to *111#,1,7
APoc84 said:
Will I still need to format the card to get rid of the MTN settings/software/firmware?
Click to expand...
All you might need to do is change the APN from 'MyMTN' to 'internet'.
APoc84 said:
And then load the Vodacom firmware?
Click to expand...
Remember the dashboard installer stored on the modem and the firmware are completely different things. I suggest you upgrade the firmware to enable 7.2Mbps. Vodacom have a zero-rated (free when using Vodacom SIM) downloads page here.
APoc84 said:
Now if the software/connection is sorted. How do I buy 3G bundles. I'm sure the Vodacom shop will also be able to tell me, but maybe you guys know a easier way. I would prefer if I can do it via my FNB online/cellphone banking.
Click to expand...
With most banks you can buy the airtime online and then use USSD to convert to data bundles. I think FNB may allow you to do this in one step.
 
Thanks for the replies. Pretty easy by the look of things.

Ginggs. I used your app when I was on MTN and it worked very well. Will certainly be using it on the Vodacom SIM too.

I already started downloading the 7.2Mbps firmware from the Vodacom site. Will load that onto the modem when I have successfully activated the SIM.

Thanks again for the replies.
 
ocleroux said:
NB: Remember to update the firmware with the sim removed from the modem!! :)
Click to expand...

You see now. Complete noob. Thanks for that info.
I will then rather upgrade the firmware now and just pop in the SIM when activated.
 
On the Vodacom download page there is HOTFIXES for Win 7. Will I need to apply those too? I am running Win 7 Ultimate x64.
Never gave me any problems while MTN contract was still active.
 
If the modem itself was working fine with win7 then there is no reason why it would not now. The only thing that is really gonna change is your APN and sim. But test it and see, if it gives issues, then you can apply those fixes.
 
APoc84 said:
Now if the software/connection is sorted. How do I buy 3G bundles. I'm sure the Vodacom shop will also be able to tell me, but maybe you guys know a easier way. I would prefer if I can do it via my FNB online/cellphone banking.
Click to expand...
Another option you can look at is GConnect. Their 3G is a lot cheaper for small amounts (which sounds like you will be using) and never expires vs the Vodacom bundles which do, and R2/MB out of bundle is pricey. You load airtime on your a/c and then just use it. Only small nag is the "airport type" portal you have to login to in order to use it - that is workable for now and then. Seeing as you don't have a Vodacom contract you may need to get a SIM card from them. Check out their site for info - http://www.gconnect.co.za/. Dunno if will meet your needs but is something to consider.
 
Got the SIM. --> Check
RICA'ed and activated. --> Check
Bought R139.00 airtime. --> Check
Convert to 250MB data bundle --> FAIL.

I've tried every way to convert it. Vodacom4me, *111# and also SMS mymeg250 to 31050.
Keeps on failing. Vodacom4me tells me that I do not have the authorization to perform the action.

Any advice? What am I doing wrong?
 
Has the sim rica process been completed? Ie are you able to load airtime? Phone the helpdesk and check this.

I buy my vodacom data bundl es either through sms or internet banking.

hth
 
Yes I already loaded airtime. Just cannot convert it to Data Bundles.

HelpDesk keeps on giving me all the options for converting airtime to bundles. They say they cannot convert it from their side.

EDIT. I would have done it through FNB online banking but the smallest bundle I can do through FNB is 500Mb and that is too big for me.
 
I just came back from the Vodashop in Menlyn. Camped out in front of the shop.
They also tried to convert the airtime but failed. One of the guys then reset something on the computer and it worked.
They had to give me back my R151.00 airtime too because when they reset the SIM they also wiped the airtime.
 
Yeah thanks.
I needed to sort this out first thing because I'm leaving for the weekend in a few hours.
Thanks again for all your help. I haven't tested in the modem yet but Vodacom4me shows 250Mb data available.

Happy New Year to all of you.
 
APoc84 said:
Yeah thanks.
I needed to sort this out first thing because I'm leaving for the weekend in a few hours.
Thanks again for all your help. I haven't tested in the modem yet but Vodacom4me shows 250Mb data available.

Happy New Year to all of you.
Click to expand...

Drive safe and dont browse with laptop on your lap while driving now hey :D

Enjoy and happy new year.
 
Haha. I'll try not to.
Might give the fiancee the wheel and I'll sit on the back of the bakkie browsing MyBB. :D
 
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