SIM Card registration failed

[Roadrunner]

Have been using my prepaid MTN number for the past several years without a problem, but all of a sudden I started to get "SIM Card registration failed" error messages yesterday and cannot log onto the network.

Called 173 this morning and although the help desk agent battled to understand what I meant, he promised to reset the SIM on the network. Still did not solve the issue if he indeed did reset it.

The SIM is not RICA'd as yet, but as far as I know the cutoff date is only at the end of the year? Are they allowed to cut off SIM cards before this date if this is indeed the problem?

BTW, what does this error message mean that pops up when you try to pre-register for RICA on the MTN Website? I checked that all the details are filled in correctly, but it keeps on showing me this every time I click the submit button.

http://i.imagehost.org/0113/MTN_RICA_error_message.jpg

 

[MicS]

I may be wrong but I don't think your problem has got anything to do with RICA. I'm thinking that maybe your sim card is not fitting properly inside the sim card slot; perhaps it came loose and you just need to re-adjust the sim card into it's proper position. Or the hinge of the sim card slot may be faulty...Give it a try and see what happens.

Your sim card won't "register" unless it's sitting inside the sim card slot properly.

 

[Roadrunner]

I may be wrong but I don't think your problem has got anything to do with RICA. I'm thinking that maybe your sim card is not fitting properly inside the sim card slot; perhaps it came loose and you just need to re-adjust the sim card into it's proper position. Or the hinge of the sim card slot may be faulty...Give it a try and see what happens.

Your sim card won't "register" unless it's sitting inside the sim card slot properly.

Thanks for the reply.

I already tested it in two different phones, but it still gives me the same message on both of them. It's very strange that this happened all of a sudden, as I spoke with someone on the phone about 30 minutes before it started giving me that message and the SIM was seated properly in the phone the entire time.

Must be a network-related issue then I think.

 

[MicS]

Why don't you try ask for Dr_Data's opinion? He works for MTN as VAS Engineer. Just PM him.

 

[Roadrunner]

Why don't you try ask for Dr_Data's opinion? He works for MTN as VAS Engineer. Just PM him.

Thanks, did that and am awaiting his response.

In the meantime I called 083 173 again and the help desk agent requested me to switch off the phone for 15 minutes so that he can 'refresh' the SIM on the network. Apparently they had similiar problems over the weekend. I did exactly as he requested, but the issue still remains.

Interesting thing is that when I put in a brand new SIM from a starter pack I just opened, I get exactly the same message. The booklet says I must dial 141 to activate this new SIM or load airtime, but if it is not able to register on the network, I cannot even do that.

 

[Dr_Data]

Hi

I had a look at the number. All looks fine on the Network. It seems like the Sim is physically damaged for some reason. You will need to do a swap. If you go out and purchase another cheap prepaid sim and send me the details I can can assist.

Regards
DD

 

[Roadrunner]

Hi

I had a look at the number. All looks fine on the Network. It seems like the Sim is physically damaged for some reason. You will need to do a swap. If you go out and purchase another cheap prepaid sim and send me the details I can can assist.

Regards
DD

Thanks for all your help Dr_Data,

I sorted it out this morning.

Edit: Just noticed you said "cheap" prepaid sim. Is this an indication that the quality of contract sims are better, or were you being sarcastic?