Latest info on VM 128k sim problem

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Piesang

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Hi guys. I hope this will help a bit. This is the latest info I got from Virgin Mobile regarding the sim problems that we (that includes me) are experiencing.

Hi Piesang,

The fact is that we received these cards in advance of our shipment.

For some reason they are constantly trying to locate a 3G network, as you know we have no 3G.

Although we are receiving 40000 units on the 20th of August.

We can try and get these cards back from the guys we have already sorted out, and do a clone with the new software we have received.

We are working toward a plan to resolve critical issues which may not require the 40000 to arrive before we can help our customers.

If you would inform the forum, all of those who have received cards will be contacted, we will not be sending out any new cards until we receive the swap stock.

For now I suggest those users connect to the Data stream via their handsets using the VM sim.

Regards,

Gerald.
 
Go to the bottom of this page and look at the Sony-Ericsson GC85 GPRS/EDGE Data Card.

The new 128k sim card will not work in any device that uses 3G. Or that is what it looks like to me.
 
i find it hard to believe that the problem lies with the sims. if this was the case why did they work on Friday, the weekend and at the start of the week. Some network change has made these sims not able to see the network. We have also had the Cell C announcement that the network in being worked on at the moment. I am sure its not a coincidence - cant give a technical reason why but it just does not fell right to me.

I wonder if the chahnges are related to Cell C trying to get 3G one the network?
 
Wynsam said:
i find it hard to believe that the problem lies with the sims. if this was the case why did they work on Friday, the weekend and at the start of the week. Some network change has made these sims not able to see the network. We have also had the Cell C announcement that the network in being worked on at the moment. I am sure its not a coincidence - cant give a technical reason why but it just does not fell right to me.

I wonder if the chahnges are related to Cell C trying to get 3G one the network?
Click to expand...

I also think that's the problem. There must be a change they made on the network that is doing this. Maybe someone did it on purpose:eek:
 
e-mail received from Darlington at datasupport:

Good day Piesang
*
*After more research this is what we have come to. We currently have a technical problem with our SIM cards; this problem is only prevalent when using a 3G handset or data cards for data services only, normal voice calling and SMS is not affected by this fault. We are working with our SIM card manufacture to resolve this problem. To resolve the problem a SIM swap will be required, all clients affected by this fault will be contacted to facilitate the sim swaps process. This process is expected be concluded by middle of August.
*
*Sorry for the inconvenience cause and apologise on my behalf to the other customers on the forum.
*
*Regards
*
*

Darlington Maombera
 
so what is the next step , do we return the 128k sims ????
 
I just received a call from Samantha confirming that they will be sending me my 128k sim once they received them at around 15 August. Hmmm... she phoned on the Virgin phone, that means I will have to carry it around everyday....
 
i recieved a call from ADAM , promised to call back within the hour , 2 hours later , nothing as yet , VM biggest problem is that there is no communication with staff , ADAM had no idea of the problem , i mentioned Darlington Maombera as per e mail recieved by Piesang , he was suppose to discuss the matter with him and get back to me .Still waiting
 
over 24 hours later , still no contact from Adam again ,
 
3Gee said:
VM biggest problem is that there is no communication with staff , ADAM had no idea of the problem , i mentioned Darlington Maombera as per e mail recieved by Piesang , he was suppose to discuss the matter with him and get back to me .Still waiting
Click to expand...

I agree. When I called yesterday the person to whom I spoke was very helpful, but had no idea about any problems with the SIM cards. Virgin also appear not to have provided facilities for the staff to log requests for a second/replacement SIM card.
 
Piesang said:
For now I suggest those users connect to the Data stream via their handsets using the VM sim.
Click to expand...

And if we don't have a suitable phone?
 
noxibox said:
And if we don't have a suitable phone?
Click to expand...

Then I suggest you use the method you used before Virgin Mobile was there. Luckily you won't loose any of your airtime on your Virgin Mobile sim.

Please be reasonable regarding this issue. I also want to use my Virgin Mobile sim in my data card but its not possible at the moment and as we all know they are going out of their way to solve it.

They don't have to solve the problem because all of us are either using a MTN or Vodacom data card. If they really want they can just say that we will only be able to use it in the Data card that we can buy from them. Lets wait till mid August. I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
 
48 hours later , still nothing , @ Piesang , its time to take the gloves off ,
 
3Gee said:
48 hours later , still nothing , @ Piesang , its time to take the gloves off ,
Click to expand...


The thing is, we all know now what the problem is. We also know that Virgin Mobile will be getting the new sims on the 15th of August. So if he calls you back, what then?

Maybe in the mean time he also got the info from Darlingtong and the others about the problem so he is just going to give you the same info.

I'll say if the problem is not solved at the end of August then you guys can start taking the gloves off.
 
Piesang said:
e-mail received from Darlington at datasupport:

Good day Piesang
*
*After more research this is what we have come to. We currently have a technical problem with our SIM cards; this problem is only prevalent when using a 3G handset or data cards for data services only, normal voice calling and SMS is not affected by this fault. We are working with our SIM card manufacture to resolve this problem. To resolve the problem a SIM swap will be required, all clients affected by this fault will be contacted to facilitate the sim swaps process. This process is expected be concluded by middle of August.
*
*Sorry for the inconvenience cause and apologise on my behalf to the other customers on the forum.
*
*Regards
*
*

Darlington Maombera
Click to expand...


What about the guys that never got their 128k sim as yet,we cannot do a sim swop,We never got 128k sim in the first place,but I got a call from Samantha and she advised me of the sim swop and problem but no solution to my case.:confused:
 
GTi said:
What about the guys that never got their 128k sim as yet,we cannot do a sim swop,We never got 128k sim in the first place,but I got a call from Samantha and she advised me of the sim swop and problem but no solution to my case.:confused:
Click to expand...

I'm 100% sure they will swop the sims for those who still have the 64k sims.
 
Piesang said:
Please be reasonable regarding this issue. I also want to use my Virgin Mobile sim in my data card but its not possible at the moment and as we all know they are going out of their way to solve it.
Click to expand...
I am well aware that they are doing their best to solve the problem. I actually bought my Virgin pack anticipating the need to immediately log a request for a new card.

What I was saying however is that not every customer is going to be aware of the issue and that the SIM card they've just bought is not going to work in their nice shiny data card.

(I'm just playing devil's advocate in this thread. I am not in the paid employ of the devil, regardless of what you may have heard :D )

Piesang said:
They don't have to solve the problem because all of us are either using a MTN or Vodacom data card. If they really want they can just say that we will only be able to use it in the Data card that we can buy from them. Lets wait till mid August. I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Click to expand...
Unless somewhere in the terms and conditions it says their SIM cards only work with their data cards they do have to solve the problem. It has nothing to do with the source of the data card either. I could have any Huawei E620 card, even a Huawei branded one. And according to Virgin the current SIM card doesn't work for data in certain phones.

I don't know how Virgin manage to charge 50c/Mb for data when the network they're using charges its customers R2/Mb, but it is great for us and they must anticipate that they are going to have a lot of customers signing up just to use data. Once they have widespread 3G there'll be even more people likely to use them unless the other networks introduce a major price reduction.

If they really want they can just say that we will only be able to use it in the Data card that we can buy from them. Lets wait till mid August. I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Click to expand...
So we'd be locked into buying and using their hardware?
 
GTi said:
What about the guys that never got their 128k sim as yet,we cannot do a sim swop,We never got 128k sim in the first place,but I got a call from Samantha and she advised me of the sim swop and problem but no solution to my case.:confused:
Click to expand...
I wouldn't worry about it. The policy is that everyone who currently has a Virgin card will be getting one that works with 3G hardware.

This is frustrating all round. They've hit a glitch on launch so they have to pull out all the stops to do whatever they can to get the problem sorted out and naturally people who bought the SIM cards unaware of the problem are unhappy that things aren't working.
 
Last edited:
Piesang, I just hope VM gives you something for your efforts. You've been standing in the gap for them and they've not made it easy for you.
 
Trafeye said:
Piesang, I just hope VM gives you something for your efforts. You've been standing in the gap for them and they've not made it easy for you.
Click to expand...


I have to agree with you there! Three cheers for Piesang !! :cool:
 
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