Smartphones/Tablets to use with Cell-C UMTS/HSPA+

[ginggs]

This thread is for discussion about using a Cell-C promotional SIM in a smartphone; which devices work, what features they offer, tips, tricks, etc.

Devices supporting UMTS 900:

Nokia N900:
Link: http://www.cellc.co.za/devices/page/devices/N900
OS: Maemo 5 PR1.3
Features: Integrated Skype IM, Voice & Video, GoogleTalk IM, Voice & Video, Twitter and Facebook widgets, Adobe Flash 9.0
Useful Apps: Balance query (*101#) on desktop with ussd-widget, Send and receive MMS with fMMS
Dislikes: Ovi Maps for Maemo is severely limited, Skype client unable to send SMS with Skype credit

Samsung Galaxy S i9000:
Link: available from Cell-C stores, but not listed on their website
OS: Android 2.2.1 (Froyo)
Features: Facebook, twitter, Youtube, Swype, Gmail, Gtalk (IM), Skype, GPS with Google Maps, Adobe Flash 10.1

Other UMTS 900 compatible phones:
http://www.cellc.co.za/devices/umts-900

How to port your number to a Cell-C promotional data SIM:
Porting to a promotional data SIM [solved]

Charges for calls and SMS (pre-paid):
R1.50 per minute and R0.50 per SMS all day
http://www.cellc.co.za/packages/easychat/compare

How to add an SMS bundle:
Contract: http://www.cellc.co.za/packages/sms-bundles
Pre-paid: SMS bundles can be purchased in-store like airtime, R39 for 100 SMS is the only option currently

How to activate voicemail:
Dial 144

How to find your own number:
Dial *147# for the Cell C Customer Menu, then '4' for Customer Details

How to activate MMS:
You must call 140 and request that MMS be activated for your phone
You will receive OTA settings, but these can be ignored if you enter the settings manually as follows:
APN: mms
MMSC: http://mms.cmobile.co.za/
HTTP Proxy: 196.31.116.250
Port: 8080
Username and Password to be left blank

Charges for MMS (pre-paid):
R1.00 per MMS

 

[dingaanone]

I have the modem with the 24 GB bundle, the first 24 hours following purchasing R50.00 air time I could send SMS's, there after I could only receive SMS's with a R49.00 balance still available. Cell C's staff are working on the problem, however after 2 weeks this has not been resolved. We have tried re=installing the modem software, putting the sim card into a cell phone and unlocking the sim card. If anyone has a solution please advise.

 

[D1RTY D4WG]

Call charges using new data promotion sim in a phone

Can a cellc rep or anyone that knows tell me exactly how calls are charged for the new the data sim.

On the website under data promotion bundles (http://www.cellc.co.za/packages/datapromotion_bundles) at the bottom it says its subject to the allday prepaid tariff. but....

under the data promotion bundles terms and conditions (http://www.cellc.co.za/packages/datapromotion_bundles/terms-and-conditions) it says - Please note that all calls made from this SIM card will be charged according to the smart data price plan.

Ive asked in a couple of stores all with conflicting results (1st store I asked I was answered by 2 people at the same time with different answers lol). I've been told its the allday tariff but most of the time i've been told its a normal prepaid sim that can be changed to the standard or per second if i like.

I intend to use the sim in an htc desire and make calls from it during evenings & weekends but if you can only call using the allday tariff which is R1.50 p/m with per minute billing i'd rather get a blackberry instead and pay for BIS.

Ideally I'd like to be able to go onto prepaid per second.

 

[mith]

on a different issue guys....can I use the sim only which is available for 999zar once off on my android phone and top it up with prepaid for voice or use it for an ipad for data only. Would it cause any problems or compatibility issues?

 

[simonbuerger]

on a different issue guys....can I use the sim only which is available for 999zar once off on my android phone and top it up with prepaid for voice or use it for an ipad for data only. Would it cause any problems or compatibility issues?

Nope, that should work fine. As long as your phone supports UMTS/HSDPA 900 (check gsmarena). I'm not sure but don't think the iPad actually supports the right frequency though?

 

[mith]

Nope, that should work fine. As long as your phone supports UMTS/HSDPA 900 (check gsmarena). I'm not sure but don't think the iPad actually supports the right frequency though?

checked on the apple website http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/
and the Ipad only supports
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

so guess the cell c sim wont work in the ipad

 

[simonbuerger]

checked on the apple website http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/
and the Ipad only supports
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

so guess the cell c sim wont work in the ipad

No I guess not. What phone do you have? If it's running Android 2.2 (or getting a 2.2 update) you will be able to create a Wifi Hotspot from it - then you could connect to that through the iPad. Then you'd be able to use it for both

 

[mith]

No I guess not. What phone do you have? If it's running Android 2.2 (or getting a 2.2 update) you will be able to create a Wifi Hotspot from it - then you could connect to that through the iPad. Then you'd be able to use it for both

Use an Xperia x10 ......its umts 900 capable.
don't want to use my phone as a mobile hotspot...as I don't want the battery drained cause I use it a lot.

Thanks for your feedback dude...appreciate it.

 

[simonbuerger]

Use an Xperia x10 ......its umts 900 capable.
don't want to use my phone as a mobile hotspot...as I don't want the battery drained cause I use it a lot.

Mifi is also an option... Though a tad expensive.

 

[mith]

Mifi is also an option... Though a tad expensive.

any idea how much they cost?

 

[simonbuerger]

any idea how much they cost?

Around 2k (http://www.expansys.co.za/meta-product/?i=183117&a=local_versions)

 

[Jola]

any idea how much they cost?

Get an E585 on eBay, that's a bit cheaper.

 

[Mr K]

Around 2k (http://www.expansys.co.za/meta-product/?i=183117&a=local_versions)

I saw one on bidorbuy for R1300. So you should get it around that price.

 

[mith]

quick question.....as mentioned earlier I am planning on getting the 24gb sim for using in my phone and porting my number from MTN to Cell C.
With the new Cell C sim I would like to use skype on my phone .....will using skype be considering abusing their FUP or terms and conditions?

 

[Shake&Bake]

Well based on what I've read here, it's like CellC have not really looked at how smartphone users can be beneficial to them.
Which is a shame really.
I hope that that CellC rep is looking into this and can please give us some feedback.
Data should not only be dongle dependent.

I was looking forward to getting myself a SGS and being able to use the 5GB bundle, port my number from MTN and make voice calls with no hassle.
If I needed to use the dongle to it's full capacity, I'd then whip the sim out and insert it into the dongle and then use it if needed.

As gadnex says, smartphone users will generate more cash for the network (on a prepaid level - I don't want to sign any contracts)

 

[gadnex]

Shake&Bake, I actually have a SGS and intended to get the 2 Gb data only sim for this phone. I also got the Cell C 5b speedstick bubdle for my data usage from PC. I know I could tether the phone to my PC with the usb cable and use it as a modem, or even remove the sim from the phone and pop it into my speedstick, but in reality both options are a bit of a pain and I could only see myself doing this at the end of the month if my other data bundle is finished. Most months I guess I would only use about 500 to 700 Mb of the 2 Gb, which is more or less what I think the phone would use when updating gmail and exchange mail very regularly and also using a small amount of mobile web browsing and and youtube.

 

[Shake&Bake]

Shake&Bake, I actually have a SGS and intended to get the 2 Gb data only sim for this phone. I also got the Cell C 5b speedstick bubdle for my data usage from PC. I know I could tether the phone to my PC with the usb cable and use it as a modem, or even remove the sim from the phone and pop it into my speedstick, but in reality both options are a bit of a pain and I could only see myself doing this at the end of the month if my other data bundle is finished. Most months I guess I would only use about 500 to 700 Mb of the 2 Gb, which is more or less what I think the phone would use when updating gmail and exchange mail very regularly and also using a small amount of mobile web browsing and and youtube.

I'm thinking along those lines as well.
Thing is why I want it in the phone, is that I want to check out us much of the new network as I can while on the move.
The hardcore usage would also come along at the end of the month to make use of whatever is left.
Or I may just download a movie while on the run from the phone or whatever.

But as the rest of us feel in this thread, it makes a lot of sense for the promotional deal(sim) to work in conjunction with other CellC products.
Its an holistic approach which makes a lot of sense.

 

[Weasley]

I want to do the same as you guys use the data bundle with my iphone 4 but it seems you cant keep your number even if you are already with cellc. I am already on pre-paid and i just want to add the data to my number.

 

[Shake&Bake]

Look, I could even do without the porting - I don't have that many people that I actually call, so I could still go with a new CellC number and keep my RICA'd MTN sim as a backup or sell it off on the blackmarket

 

[gadnex]

I have also been considering taking advantage of the data sim special and just changing my number. Notifying friends and family is not a problem, but letting your bank, medical aid etc. etc. etc. know is a pain and years later you find out they never updated their database anyway.

Had a good chuccle at the idea of selling your RICAd sim on the black market. Personally I wouldn't want to go to court/jail for fraudulent activities someone else did under my name.