USSD code *101# query on Cell C

I am on a new RBM contract, and only now started getting SMSes rather than a USSD pop-up screen.
(It started to include my bill amount now.)

This is very annoying because I use a program called USSD checker to monitor my usage. It updates once a day and shows my usage on the home screen... Now its not working any more because it gets SMSes rather than ussd info.

Any solution for this?

Fix this please Cell C!
 
Why did they change the Cell C/ RBM Balance check?????

Please can someone from cellc tell me why they have changed the balance check from showing an onscreen display to sending an sms??

I had the number (*101#) stored as a shortcut on my home screen to constantly and conveniently check my balance. Then all off a sudden it starts sending the info via sms. Not only does this fill up the inbox unecessarily but they choose to make the sms so long that it gets sent over 2 sms - with the second one only having 7 characters!!!

Is it just me? or does the same happen when u use the number?
Is it possible to revert back to the onscreen notificaction? Surely its cheaper than sending an sms?? It also much more convenient...
 
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USSD requires sessions... I think their USSD server was under so much load they made the process asynchronous via SMS. Thats the only explanation i can think of (besides stupidity - although ill give them the benefit of the doubt. )
 
USSD requires sessions... I think their USSD server was under so much load they made the process asynchronous via SMS. Thats the only explanation i can think of (besides stupidity - although ill give them the benefit of the doubt. )
im gonna go with the latter
 
Good day rodga

It is like Base said, the USSD is limited to a certain number of characters.
Once reached it will automatically convert it to an SMS.

I have tested it.
Got a prepaid data sim and loaded are time showed like a normal USSD,
But once i recharged with R50 and got all the recharge promo,
It converted to SMS. Once depleted promo went back to a USSD pop up.

Hope this helps.

Regards
~AM~
 
Good day rodga

It is like Base said, the USSD is limited to a certain number of characters.
Once reached it will automatically convert it to an SMS.

I have tested it.
Got a prepaid data sim and loaded are time showed like a normal USSD,
But once i recharged with R50 and got all the recharge promo,
It converted to SMS. Once depleted promo went back to a USSD pop up.

Hope this helps.

Regards
~AM~

thanks
so im stuck with this then

unless you can shorten the message? is this possible?

This is how the message is sent :

sms1/2
Your usage is R0.00 .Your unpaid bill is R 358.42 ,your due date is 11/30/2011 .Free SMS and MMS = 76.Talk Time= 02:22:58.Free Data = 238

sms2/2
.72 MB.

Maybe it can be shortened to:
Usage = R0.00. Unpaid bill = R358.42 due on 11/30/2011. SMS/MMS = 76. Talk = 02:22:58. Data = 238.72 MB.


Just a suggestion?
 
It is like Base said, the USSD is limited to a certain number of characters.
Once reached it will automatically convert it to an SMS.

I think the problem is Cell-C are using a much lower limit, someone needs to tell them they can go up to 182 safely.

Was this ever sent through to the USSD development team?
 
This is how the message is sent :

sms1/2
Your usage is R0.00 .Your unpaid bill is R 358.42 ,your due date is 11/30/2011 .Free SMS and MMS = 76.Talk Time= 02:22:58.Free Data = 238

sms2/2
.72 MB.
By my count this is only 144 characters in total, this could have safely been sent by USSD.
unless you can shorten the message? is this possible?
That would be great too, Cell-C can drop the word "free" for a start. We paid for it, it's not free.
 
Yes please shorten it.
I want to use USSD checker (Android market) to track my usage but when they start to sms on my RBM contract it stops working...
 
By my count this is only 144 characters in total, this could have safely been sent by USSD.

That would be great too, Cell-C can drop the word "free" for a start. We paid for it, it's not free.

I counted 158 and 105 on the shortened one.
but i wouldnt take my word for it, lol
 
Looks like they shortened it, I am no longer getting SMSes.
 
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