[PhilE]

I have the Peoples unlimited GPRS roaming deal.

When back in the UK at Xmas I tried roaming (to pick up email) and all the UK networks rejected my attempts (or at least, wouldn't let me connect to the access point).

So before we head to South Africa this weekend I called the Peoples Customer Care line and asked how to enable it. Their response was that it is enabled by default and I don't need to do anything.

SO... has anyone managed to roam with Peoples GPRS whilst abroad? I plan to use a Vodafone/Vodacom network so would be good to know if anyone's had any success.

[And before anyone says it will cost an arm and leg, its alright actually for occasional use - 0.03 HKD per KB in SA - which is only twice what I used to pay in the UK!]

[discobay]

If you have a contact in SA you could ask them to ask Vodafone for you. If you don't I can email my friend in Joburg and ask for you.

[PhilE]

Thanks DB - if its no trouble I'd appreciate it - am waiting for news on a couple of jobs, so would like to stay in touch without needing to find internet cafes/ wifi zones etc.

In terms of profiles, I have a Data Account on my Sony Ericsson with APN = peoples.net, authentication = PAP, but strangely the username and password are unspecified and Login request is set to 'off'. This makes me wonder if there is some kind of default authentication when I am on Peoples in HK, but perhaps some login/ password is required when roaming?

I also have an Internet Settings profile for GPRS called Peoples_GPRS with 'mode'=WAP and Gateway = 172.031.031.036 and security 'off' (so no username and password). However, I think this is only used if I try to use a WAP or web browsing application, but I could be wrong - am pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff!

[discobay]

I've emailed my mate in SA and am waiting for a reply.
Have you changed any of the GPRS settings since you joined Peoples' network? I believe that leaving the username and password blank is correct. My Sunday settings are likewise but then I haven't tried GPRS roaming yet.

[PhilE]

Thanks DB - and no I haven't changed any settings since getting the phone. One of the rare occasions I've followed the 'if it ain't broke...' rule

[dropdedfwed]

hey Phil,

interesting you should say that about UK. i know this is a slightly different thing, but when i used my aussie vodafone for GPRS roaming (internet on laptop via bluetooth) it worked in every country i wnet to but UK (didn't go to US ). i kept getting an error that GPRS was not enabled. it is possible UK networks do not allow foreign carrier subscribers to access GPRS. reckon you'd be ok in sth africa. i dont have a peoples fone and i haven't used any HK network for GPRS roaming, but just thought i'd add my penny's worth... reckon it's just cos you're in UK that the peoples GPRS aint workin'..

[PhilE]

Thanks DDF - here's hoping. Will find out for sure tomorrow!

[discobay]

PhilE, sorry but my contact in SA can't help but say that Vodafone is the largest and should work with Peoples customers.

[PhilE]

Thanks for asking anyway DB - the Vodacom GPRS has worked great since we got here - except at Cape Point where the signal is a but weak! I'd tell you whether it works from Table Mountain as well but its been shut since that idiot started the fire last Thursday. Grrr...

[dropdedfwed]

Hey Phil,

I assume you're roaming on Vodacom using your Peoples SIM, yes?

If so, isn't it interesting (or a real pain in the butt) that UK cell-phone providers won't allow international SIM cards to roam on GPRS? from my (limited) experience voice and SMS is cool, but GPRS was not accessible. however I could access GPRS in every other place i went...

why is it so?