Prepaid Wireless Internet Access - Recently Updated Pages

Switzerland - Swisscom

inquisitor — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:30:16 CST

As of August 2009 Swisscom offers the cheapest data tariffs in Switzerland and provides the best network coverage with widespread HSPA-availability and nationwide EDGE-support. Swisscom runs GSM at 900 and 1800 MHz and 3G/UMTS at 2100 MHz, while the launch of UMTS 900 is imminent (August 2009).

Natel easy
"Natel Easy" is Swisscom's brand under which prepaid SIMs are sold. There are different tariffs for prepaid SIMs, from which one has to be chosen upon purchase (ask the shop employee explicitly for the desired tariff!):

Natel easy (discontinued, unattractive data tariffs)
Natel easy youth (discontinued, unattractive data tariffs)
Natel easy liberty (unattractive data tariffs)
Natel easy liberty uno (unlimited data for CHF 5 per day, details see below)
Natel easy BeFree (unlimited data for CHF 4 per day, details see below)

Natel easy BeFree
Natel easy BeFree has the cheapest daily data flatrate (CHF 4 per day) for Switzerland. Beyond data, there are also daily flatrates for national calls (CHF 3 per day) and for SMS/MMS (CHF 2 per day). The Natel easy liberty uno SIM card (starter pack) costs CHF 19.90 and includes CHF 20 of initial credit. Existing Natel easy customers with other tariffs can switch to BeFree by texting "EASYBEFREE" to 444.

Data tariff
Data will be billed with CHF 4 per day, regardless of how much data volume is generated.

Voice calls
As for data, as soon as you make a phone call, CHF 3 will be billed on your SIM. All other phone calls until 23:59 of the same day will be included in the flat tarif.

Tariff guide
http://www.swisscom.ch/res/mobile/tarife/mm-befree/index.htm

Natel easy liberty uno
The Natel easy liberty uno SIM card (starter pack) costs CHF 19.90 and includes CHF 20 in credit. This tariff is only of interest if you generate less than 4MB of data per day. Otherwise Natel easy BeFree is cheaper.

Data tariff
Data tariff is CHF 1 per MB while the maximum cost charged for data is CHF 5 per day.

Voice calls
Each call will have 0.8 CHF connection setup fee every 60 minutes. Phone calls will be billed 0.8 CHF/min.

Tariff guide
http://www.swisscom-mobile.ch/scm/prv_natel_easy_liberty_uno-de.aspx

purchase
Natel easy SIMs are sold in Swisscom shops (shop search) throughout Switzerland. Due to Swiss legislation registration with an ID-card or passport is obligatory. Allthough you may encounter shop employees, who refuse it, SIM cards can definitely be registered also for non-residents (neither Swiss nationality nor a Swiss address is required). In case you're being rejected ask the employee to check back with their 2nd level support.

topping up credit
Credit can be topped up...

at gasstations, kiosks, post offices, electronics retailers and many supermarkets (Coop, Coop Bau & Hobby, Coop Pronto, Interdiscount, Migros, Denner)
online by credit card (Mastercard, VISA, AmEx)
in Swisscom shops
with a Maestro card on ATMs
with a Swiss "Postcard" at "Postomaten"
at SBB-ticket vending machines (SBB is the national railroad company; vending machines accept coins, bills, Maestro and credit cards)

To redeem a top up voucher enter *123*(top up code)# into your phone (not necessary if topped up by Maestro or credit card).

USSD service codes

check balance	*130#
top up credit	123(top up code)#

validity
SIM cards will be deactivated 12 months after the last action, which was subject to a charge (outgoing call or SMS, data session). Credit will never expire as long as SIM is kept active.

Swisscom stores and partner stores:
http://gis2.begasoft.ch/gis/pages/ch.bgs.googlegis.gwt.GMap/swisscomGIS.jsf?lang=EN&show=shops (map application won't show any shops as of August 2009, meanwhile use Google Maps and search for "Swisscom shop, <your city>", e.g. "Swisscom shop, Zürich")
There is a Swisscom shop in the public area at Zürich airport.

coverage
HSPA coverage even in rural areas, EDGE almost everywhere in Switzerland:
http://www.swisscom-mobile.ch/scm/wir_das_natel_netz-en.aspx

internet experience

Instant Messaging: worked flawlessly as of December 2009
Skype: worked flawlessly as of December 2009
VoIP: worked flawlessly as of December 2009
VPN: ?

settings
Settings: http://www.bless.li/articles/bluetooth-gprs/swisscom-datasheet.pdf

APN: gprs.swisscom.ch, no username, no password (for 2G and 3G access)

Italy - Wind

Chris_M — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:11:43 CST

Mobile operator WIND has the following prepaid mobile data offers:

Volume based tariffs:

Mega 1500 (488 MB/per Month) for one €8.-
Mega No Limit (2.5 GB / per month) for € 20.-
Mega 15000 (4.77 GB / per month) for € 30.-

Time based tariffs:

Mega Ore (50 hours/per Month) for €9.-
Mega 100 Ore (100 hours/per Month) for € 15.-

According to the WIND web page:
The activation fee is 4 EUR and is free of charge in promotion for customers activating a new SIM-card Wind by 7 February 2010.

The offers are described (in Italian) here.

APN: internet.wind

How to get the data-options running for the first time:

Check the balance of the prepaid account (USSD code: *123# ). It must be more than 9 Euros for the 50 hours option and more than 15 Euros for the 100 hours option.The little extra is for the sms messages that need to be sent.

Send a SMS to short code 4533 (or 4033 maybe? It is needed to check it!) that contains the following text: gprs si

(Note: In case the phone does not set the SMS Service Center Number correctly by copying it from the SIM card, use the following SMSC number: +393205858500)

Wait until GPRS is activated for the sim card. This could take a couple of hours. You will see once GPRS is activated as the mobile does a GPRS attach when powered on.

After GPRS is activated, send the following text in a free SMS to short code 4033:

'mega 1500 si' for the 488 MB option
'mega si' for the 2.5MB option
'mega 15000 si' for the 4,77 GB option

'ore si' for the 50 hours option
'100 si' for the 100 hours option

Again you have to wait for the activation (several hours to a day). The option is activated once the prepaid account balance has been reduced by the amount of the subscribed option.

Some SMS messages (in Italian) might come to inform you of the current state of activation

Deactivate the data-option if not used for a month

Wind will take whatever money is left on the account the next month if you don't deactivate the option. Therefore if you don't want to use the option for a month send a message to 4033 with the text 'ore no', 'mega 1500 no', etc. to prevent this.

How to activate the data-option again if not used for some time:

It might be sufficient to just put 20 euros on the prepaid account and wait till it the service deducts it from there
Sometimes it happens that the 20 euros are deducted but GPRS service was deactivated. Therefore the option is active but you have to activate GPRS again first. (sms 'gprs si' to 4533 (or 4033), see above). As they charge for the SMS, make sure you have some balance left on the top up account.
If not, make sure you have more than 8, 20 or 30 euros on the account and repeat the procedure described above for the first time activation

How to check how much volume is left:

Press *123# on the Mobile Phone to receive your actual credit.

Call 4242 and press 5. The system then announces how much "money" is left for the data option. 100 Euros equal 50 hours and 200 Euros equals to 100 hours.

Send an SMS to 4155 containing "Saldo". The message is free and the system returns an answer within a couple of seconds with how much "money" is left for the data offer.

Time Calculation:

For the time-bundles the calculation is 50 cent for 15 Minutes. Therefore 100 Euro equals to 200 sessions with 15 minutes each = 3000 minutes = 50 hours.

Change voice menu language :

Please call 4242 (in Italy) and then choose option 6 for english

Misc:

Also check the TIM offer in Italy. Their network is a lot better, their 3G deployment is excellent and they have EDGE available everywhere. Their offer is a bit more expensive, though.
Also check the tre.it-offer. Bad 3G network-coverage (and no 2G) - but for 9 € 30days with each 50 MB.

Italy - 3

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:52:03 CST

Prepaid offers are called "Ricaricabili" on the 3 website. As the date of writing, there's 3 offers - Super 7, Super 10 and Super 0 Mondo.

Important Note: In November 2008 I tried without success to buy a prepaid SIM card from 3 in two stores in Rome. In both stores they were asking for a codice fiscale (Italian tax number) without which they said they could not sell a prepaid SIM. I have this tax number but I didn't bring it on an official document. If you are determined, bring an Italian friend who has the necessary documents. Otherwise, pick up a SIM from WIND or TIM, who also have interesting prepaid offers for Internet access and do not want to see an Italian tax number.

Settings
Use this page to send 3 settings to your phone.

Manual Configuration
APN: tre.it
Username: guest
Password: guest

WWW3
This option allows mobile web browsing using 3 network. It costs 1€ daily, 2€ weekly or 6€ monthly and has an allowance of 50MB daily.
You should use 3 mobile browser which can be sent to your phone from this page.

Naviga 3
This option allows PC Internet access using 3 network. It costs 3€ weekly and has an allowance of 100MB daily or 9€ monthly and has an allowance of 50MB daily. Extra MB off bundle cost 0,60€. This allows full access to internet. The Software FastMobile Modem3 is not necessary (it´s a XP/Vista-Software to connect your Mobile Phone to the PC/Laptop).
To activate:
1. Call 4311 and select option 2; (actual Webpage May/2008 says Call 4321 and select option 2)
2. Access USIM management section Area Clienti 133.

SuperInternet
This option allows PC/mobile Internet access using 3 networks. It costs 5€ monthly and has an allowance of 3 GB monthly. The billing follows a strange scheme, where the offer lasts 30 days, but the SIM is billed at the beginning of each month (though some mechanism is activated, still to be fully understood so that nobody loses or gains).
If you have a Skype enabled mobile (but not the WM version, the mobile one) the option allows you 600 min/day Skype calls outside the data budget (of course Skype calls costs are excluded from the bonus).
The option is automatically renewed at the end of each 30 days period.
The option is activated calling 4321 and following the (Italian) instructions.

Self Service via Web-Access
You can access the "Area Clienti" self service via Web-Browser.
a) goto http://areaclienti.tre.it/selfcare/areaclienti133/area_index_ITA_HTML.xsl
b) Type in your Mobile Number (Prefisso: 392 - Numero: the number after 392)
c) Click on "Conferma"
d) Wait until you receive your temporarily password as SMS
e) goto http://areaclienti.tre.it/selfcare/areaclienti133/4552_infoCosti_ITA_HTML.xsl(Info costi)
f) enter your temporarily at "nserisci password"
g) enter your new passwort at "Nuova password" and confirm it at "Conferma password"
Your passwort must have letters and numbers!
h) You can enter a password-receovery Questtion (domanda) and Answer (risposta) if you loose your password.
i)Click on "Conferma"

Now you can access your Credit-Information via this Link:
http://areaclienti.tre.it/selfcare/areaclienti133/4552_infoCosti_ITA_LOGGED.xsl
For detailed billing information you can select in the "Visualizza dettaglio traffico"-Area
for last day "giorno precedente" or for last week "ultima settimana" and then click "invia"

If you want to activate any options you must goto Gestione Usim:
http://areaclienti.tre.it/selfcare/areaclienti133/4574_usim_ITA_LOGGED.xsl
Take a special look to "Naviga 3 30 gg". Here you can deactivate/activate the automatic renewal of this option for the next month ("Rinnova automaticamente")

Recharge via Internet
You can recharge / top-up your card with CreditCard or PayPal.
Go to this page: https://www.shoptre.it/shop3/charge_process.php
Goto "2.) Inserisci tuoi dati" - input your phone number and select (scegli) CreditCard or paypal

Spain - Yoigo

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:51:54 CST

Overview:

There is a prepaid SIM available from a new operator called Yoigo to keep up with the mobile web. Yoigo is a 3G operator with attractive rates for both voice and data. Voice calls are € 0.12/minute, € 0.08/minute or 0.06/minute within Spain to both landline and mobile numbers and international calls are € 0.30/minute to anywhere except Cuba, Somalia and North Korea.

Best of all data, both WAP and web, is € 0.0012/KB and data charges are capped at € 1.20/per day, (plus tax = 1.39 per day), no matter how much you use. There is also a € 6.00/month minimum charge. Some users say there is a limit of 10-20 MB then the speed is limited to 10 kbps (not usable).

Yoigo primarily uses its own 3G network which covers the largest cities of Spain but has weak coverage outside the metropolitan areas. It has roaming agreements with Movistar, which you can get full HSDPA speeds with it.

Connection Details:

APN: Internet (no username, no password)
Wap Proxy (not needed): 10.8.0.36:8080 (don't use it! it works VERY slow)

Misc:

To check current balance dial *111#

A 2G/3G coverage map of Yoigo can be found here.

According to reports no ports are blocked so notebook access should be fine. Checked in August 2007 and all ports I tried were open (http, POP, SMTP, Shozu picture upload, IPSec VPN tunnel). You can use everything which is not P2P or voIP.

This ressource points out that SIMs can be bought at 'The Phone House' stores (http://www.thephonehouse.es). For locations see their store locator. I tried myself and the staff was very helpful.

Also, you can check their stores (franchises) all over Spain.

Carrefour and Alcampo supermarkets sell Yoigo as well. The SIM was ready to use after about 15 minutes.

An ID is needed to buy the SIM. The price is 20€ including 20€ of credit.

Before you buy the SIM, you should decide which type of plan. "Solo SIM de Contrato", SIM only purchase, has 2 tariffs, LA DEL OCHO, LA DEL CERO or LA DEL SEIS (only for monthly billing). LA DEL OCHO is 8 cents per min. flat, and LA DEL CERO is free between Yoigo phones, but 12 cents to other mobiles and land lines.

There was no detailed manual within the SIM package. All the things are written in Spanish only.

Madrid is covered by Yoigo with a 3G network but HSDPA has not been available at the end of August 2007 (checked with a Motorola V3xx).

Barcelona is also covered by Yoigo, and the SIM can be bought in "The Phone House" and Yoigo stores. There were so few shop staffs who could speak English fluently, but it was not so hard to get a SIM. Please note The Phone House shops in Barcelona close beteen around 2pm to 4pm.

There was no telephone shops in Barcelona airport and could not get a SIM card. (As of Feb. 2009)

There is no way to buy a SIM outside of Spain with any operator by law.

The SIM works both with a phone and the notebook. Billing stops as advertised at €1.39 a day and any other traffic afterwards is 'free' for the day. Thus, if the card is used daily, Internet access costs (31 days * 1.39) €43,- a month.

Note: In Germany, Yoigo's roaming partner for prepaid cards (e.g. to check the balance) is ePlus

China (ex.Hongkong, Taiwan & Macau)

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:18:58 CST

China Unicom: One of China's biggest telecom services (including 3G mobile broadband services) providers. The only one in China who adopts WCDMA-HSPA 3G technology (same standard as the rest of world) as makes its max downloading & uploading speeds 7.2Mbps & 5.76Mbps.

Prepaid packages:
USB Modem (dongle): ￥438(US$65). ( US$1=￥6.82 as of Dec of 2009) ( If u have unlocked USB Modem, no need to buy the USB Modem in China).
SIM data card: free.
Data plan: Prepay￥960 (US$140). Please refer to http://www.3gsolutions.com.cn/page/3gpackages/

Rental 3G mobile broadband (roaming in China): as little as US$4.4 per day. Please refer to http://www.3gsolutions.com.cn/page/rental/

Germany - O2 Loop Monthly

klim123123 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:07:19 CST

In October 2008, O2 Germany has started offering their standard data packs also for prepaid customers on their prepaid SIM card offering called LOOP. The following options are available:

Internet Pack S: 30 MB, € 5/month, 0.5 euros per MB afterwards
Internet Pack M: unlimited, € 10/month, throttling after 200 MB to GPRS-speed (note: Tchibo offers 500 MB billed in 400KB-increments on the same network but 0,05 € cheaper)
Internet Pack L: unlimited, € 25/month, throttling after 5 GB to GPRS-speed (note: Tchibo offers absolutley the same tariff on the same network for € 5,05 less)

In O2 shops a new prepaid LOOP SIM card costs € 15 with (only) € 1 of initial credit. Consequently, for data usage it's necessary to buy a top-up as well. A € 15-top up is valid for 6 months. However LOOP SIMs are regulalry sold at the big electronic retailer chains (e.g. Saturn, Mediamarkt) for less than € 5.
Update: Since May 2009 the new o2o prepaid card is sold -from some retailers LOOP cards are still available. The Internet Packs prices are the same, but o2o and LOOP prices for calls and messages differ.

Packs are activated by sending an SMS to 5667 with the following content

START INTERNET S
START INTERNET M
START INTERNET L

You have to send "JA INTERNETS" (or "M", "L", depending the package you want to use) to 5667 again to confirm the Internet Package (after you receive SMS).

Top-up vouchers are sold in many places like supermarkets, gas stations, kiosks or in O2 shops and also online at https://secure.verivox.de/cards/index.asp?Lang=eng (payable by credit card). Make sure you have successfully enable the option before use, otherwise your calling credit is deducted by time of using GPRS (instead of the amount of data).

Use the following commands to manage your credit:
check account (including remaining data allowance) *100# [pick up] (go to Pack Manager->Packstatus->Internet Pack X->Detailinfo)
check current credit *101# [pick up]
check validity of SIM *102# [pick up]
recharge credit *103*voucher code# [pick up]

It's also possible to book the packs by calling 5667 and activating/deactivating the option in the voice-guided menu (in German).

The activation will usually be confirmed by SMS within seconds.

The booked packs are recurring monthly unless stopped by:

STOP INTERNET S
STOP INTERNET M
STOP INTERNET L

If there is not enough credit left the subscription will be stopped automatically and may be reactivated after recharge as described above. Note: Should STOP not work try STOPP (double 'P' as indicated on this web page)

To change between different packs cancel the old pack first and then order the new pack. Further details (in German) can be found here.

APN: pinternet.interkom.de

Note that O2 will accept any APN so you don't have to change your settings on the PC or phone. (successfully verified this in October 2008

internet experience

As the only German operator O2 has officially allowed VoIP-usage on their network without any additional costs, whereas T-Mobile and Vodafone prohibit VoIP in their terms & conditions and have announced to introduce special VoIP-enabled data tariffs. Allthough T-Mobile and Vodafone have not yet actually blocked VoIP, this may become reality when VoIP-enabled data tariffs will be introduced.

misc

To find an o2 shop have a look here.
To check how much data was already used dial *100#, select "Pack Manager", "Pack Status" then select your Internet pack and select "Detail". (It is possible to call the O2 service hotline and ask them how much you have used.)
According to the fine print it's not possible to activate the pack again within the subscribed month if the data volume has been used up.

TIM - Maxxi Alice Facile Recharge

Chris_M — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:46:55 CST

(This is a translation of the official operators web page, made with translate.google.com. Corrections needed)

Description

Maxxi Alice Facile Recharge
Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge is the perfect promotion for all prepaid customers (Note 1) that often need to connect to the Internet at all hours of day and night.

This offer is ideal for surfing the Internet with:
* Computer + mobile phone (using your phone as a modem);
* PDAs for reading / sending e-mail and surf the Web;
* PC Card or USB CARD (modem cards that connect to the PC).

Here are the features:
* Up to 1 GB of free internet traffic (GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA / Wi.Fi public) to be used only within the national territory at any time of day and night for 30 days from (Note 5) ;
* The cost is 20 euro (VAT incl.)
* Repurchase at any time even before the deadline (Note 2). Indeed Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge is a real RECHARGE! Activate several times during the 30 days: if you finish the free traffic you do not have to wait, you can immediately resume Maxxi Alice Easy. And there are no limits to repurchase!
* Offer only compatible with apn ibox.tim.it

Easy Recharge is also Maxxi Alice!

If the repurchase offer within 30 days you are well-recognized 2000 MB to navigate.
Yes, just double the MB available:

1000 MB + another 1000 in Regal TIM = 2000 MB total

In fact, this mechanism will recharge is also acknowledged for subsequent purchases (Note 3).
Where regain Maxxi Alice Easy over 30 days, you will not autoricarichi, then you will have 1 GB of traffic and you will lose any of the previous MB Maxxi Alice easy not consumed. Therefore, if you always have 2000 MB available, you must not do is buy back offer within 30 days from the previous year. Simple!
Also, if you have not yet consumed all of the Internet recognized by the previous MB Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge, fear not: will accrue to those provided in the new offer. The important thing is that repurchases when the former is still active Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge (within 30 days)!

Ex: say you've bought for the first time Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge October 10th, November 7th you have another 100 MB of Internet and regain Maxxi Alice Easy recharge: you will be well-recognized 2100 MB (1000 + on a new bid TIM 1000 bonus for having reactivated within 30 days + 100 MB that you were left over from the previous offer!) (Note 4).

So what are you waiting ... active immediately Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge!

Note 1. Active offer / renewable up to date, addressed to all residential customers except for TIM TIM Prepaid Card Company, the holders of corporate contracts and Customers with active supply Office Network 1-3.

Note 2. Until maturity.

Note 3. Until maturity. Where regain Maxxi Alice Easy autoricarichi than 30 days and you do not then 1 GB of traffic, also lost any of the previous MB Maxxi Alice easy not consumed.

Note 4. All of the example MB (2,100 MB) will be consumed within 30 days of activation last Maxxi Alice Recharge: Recharge the mechanism will be repeated in the event of repurchase of an additional Maxxi Alice recharge within 30 days. Remember that this option will be active only until maturity, not consumed any MB that date will be lost.

Note 5. Offer valid only toward apn ibox.tim.it - check the settings of your PC before surfing. For any excess of the consumption bundle of Internet traffic provided by the bid you will be automatically applied the standard rate provided for the mobile Internet of 0.6 cents. Euro / KB (about € 6 per megabyte). Easy Recharge Maxxi Alice has a duration of 30 days to maturity and return to apply the standard rate for mobile internet browsing of 0.6 cents. Euro / KB (about € 6 per megabyte), except activation of a new Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge.

How to activate

You can activate Maxxi Alice Facile:

* Directly on line with credit prepaid credit card or Passepartout;
* Call free 4916;
* At any center or shop TIM "TIM mobile phone"
* Call Customer Care: 119;
* Sending an SMS with the following syntax: PRO EASY to 4916;
* Access WAP.
* Lottomatica sales points, bars, tobacco shops, Betting Lotto and Sisal-Superenalotto, Newsagent, Autogrill, service areas, PosteShop, and Internet Phone Center Point;
* At the ATM and web banking credit institutions authorized to service;
* At the Web site and IVR credit card-enabled service.

If you choose to activate the Maxxi Alice Easy recharge through 4916, the 119, either directly online or via WAP, the cost of membership you will be deducted directly from your phone credit (the remaining credit should not be less than 23 euros).

Once your offer, you can call free on 4916 to get information on the status of the card (on / off), the expiry date (ie the date by which to regain a new Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge to enjoy Reload!).

You can check the remaining transfer:

* Directly online by accessing the Client Area 119
* Call free 4916;
* See the Welcome page alicemobile.mobi or if the connection does not appear automatically, type http / / alicemobile.mobi.

FAQ

What Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge?

E 'sales promotion, dedicated to private customers prepaid TIM that entitles you to a bonus of GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA / Wi.Fi public for a total of 1 GB (giga byte) to surf the Internet via GPRS or EDGE or UMTS (APN ibox.tim.it).
Furthermore, it is recognized mechanism Autoricarica "Recharge" to repurchase: for those who buy a new Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge within 30 days from the previous receive 2GB (instead of 1GB).

How much the offer Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge?

Join Maxxi Alice Easy recharge costs just 20 euros (VAT included).

Who can turn Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge?

Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge is available for private customers prepaid. The offer can not be activated by users 3-10 Office Network from TIMCard Company, Tim Card Business, 2in1 service, utility charges and utilities multibusiness.

What allows me to make Maxxi Alice Easy?

Enabling Maxxi Alice Easy lets you surf the Internet for free up to 1GB of traffic using your choice GPRS - EDGE or UMTS (APN ibox.tim.it) by connecting your phone to your PC using the appropriate cable or infrared port.

Where do I turn Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge?

Join Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge is simple and you can choose the most convenient for you between several alternatives:

* Directly from the website www.tim.it;
* At any center or shop on TIM TIM mobile phones;
* By calling 4915;
* Sending an SMS to 4915 with the following syntax: PRO WEBFACILE;
* Call Customer Service 119;
* From wap.

What happens if I have activated Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge and I connect to the Internet without GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA / Wi-Fi public?

The offer Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge allows you to connect to the internet only promotional conditions GPRS - EDGE - UMTS - HSDPA (or if the data transmission is "packaged") or Wi-Fi public.
But if you connect in the traditional mode ( "loop"), the length of the link will apply the conditions of your existing tariff plan for data transmission (GSM calls to the numbers 49000).

Easy Maxxi Alice is only compatible with apn ibox.tim.it?

Yes! Tenders Maxxi Alice can easily be used only with authority configuration ibox.tim.it. Therefore, we recommend, before you start browsing, check the settings on your computer.
Please note that when I need help in configuring your computer www.tim.it find the manual configuration that guides you step by step. Moreover, the 119, Customer Support TIM - and your disposal to help you properly configure your PC.

The Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge is automatically renewed upon expiry?

No bid Maxxi Alice is not easy to automatic renewal: the due date and well before the deadline (30 days) you can regain it until 31 December 2008.
We advise you to regain it before the deadline to take advantage of the mechanism of Charging: thus the next month you will have features 2GB of navigation!

I can only activate once Maxxi Alice Easy?

No, during the marketing period of the offer you can turn the offer several times. So if, for example, active supply a month and then ask the deactivation can reactivate the offer again when you wish.

I have already activated the GPRS offer Maxxi Alice Time, I can also turn Maxxi Alice Easy?

Yes, if you want you can activate both promotions GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA / Wi.Fi Public. In the event that two bids be activated in the same type will be consumed first bundle with maturity.

Conditions promotional Maxxi Alice Easy are valid only for GPRS / UMTS on national territory?

Yes, for browsing GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA / Public Wi.Fi outside the national territory will be applied tariffs currently in force at the data traffic from abroad.

What happens if I use the Maxxi Alice Easy but on the PC I configured the old apn unitim?

The apn UNI.TIM is not compatible with the offer so even if you've enabled the Maxxi Alice Easy pay on consumption: 0.6 cents / KB. Therefore be careful before you go and check the settings of your PC! And even if you did not configure your computer with apn ibox.tim.it do is simple!

Enabling Maxxi Alice Easy recharge extends the validity of the service batteries?

Yes, for a further 12 months, plus one for receiving.

I can give to another customer Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge?

Yes, you can give Maxxi Alice Easy Recharge to whomever you choose (provided it is a client private TIM) from voice portal 4444, TIM, and shopping centers from the phone, calling 4916.

Hungary - Vodafone

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:02:09 CST

March 2008

VitaMAX

Simcard costs HUF 1680 (6,60€). Activating VitaMAX sCOOL plan you receive a 2 MB allowance which costs HUF 290 (1,13€) monthly. The GPRS/3G WAP monthly fee is deducted from the balance of the subscriber and in case it is cancelled during the month the remaining fee will not be returned. In case of repeated activation the total monthly fee will be deducted again. For the use of the service the balance must be over HUF 500 (1,95€).

Vodafone Hungary also have GPRS/3G packages for other VitaMAX plans:

Vodafone Internet 100
HUF 1600 (~5,80€) for 100MB
activate sending sms to 1270 with text "NET100"

Mobile Internet 1GB
HUF 3000 (~11,00€) for 1GB
activate sending sms to 1270 with text "1G"

Mobile Internet 5GB
HUF 5500 (~19,50€) for 5GB
activate sending sms to 1270 with text "5G"

Prepaid Internet packages can only be used for accessing the Internet. If you exceed the data traffic included in the package within a 30-day period, the service will be switched off. However, you can order it again any time by sending an SMS to 1270.

Prepaid Vodafone Internet packages can be ordered by sending the following SMS codes to 1270: NET100, 1G or 5G.
The packages can be terminated using the codes XNET100, X1G or X5G.

Here's the page with info in Magyar.

I have tested it during a trip to Hungary in September 2008 and it worked flawlessy with my N82. I was able to connect my EEE PC to the internet using bluetooth and the speed was ok, around 500kbps d/u peaking sometimes 800kbps.

VitaMAX apn:
vitamax.internet.vodafone.net (uses Vodafone Internet Plusz that compress data to minimize bandwidth)
vitamax.snet.vodafone.net (bypasses Vodafone Internet Plusz)

Note for Nokia S60 users (N95, N73, N82, E61, etc)
The automatic configuration tool provided by Nokia doesn't have the right settings (the apn shown above) for using these Internet packages, so you have to enter it manually.

Brazil - Vivo

eduakira — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:53:25 CST

Operation frequency: 850/1900 GPRS and EDGE, and nationalwide 3G 2100. Minas Gerais state have extensive 900/1800 GSM and spotty 850 3G coverage too.
Coverage: Nationwide.

Offer name: Vivo Pré
Simcard cost: R$15,00 (5,50 Euro)
Data cost: R$1,90/MB (0,70 Euro/MB).

Data bundle: none
APN: zap.vivo.com.br
User: vivo
Require Password: no
Password:
Authentication: no

Obs: to activate a prepaid simcard user must make a call to any number except free numbers. An automatic system will pickup the call and ask for a valid CPF (Cadastro Pessoa Física), a brazilian document. So it´s better to ask for the attendant to make this process for you.

Dial *8000 to check balance.

Vivo Internet Pré

Starting in December 2009 Vivo offers 3 internet bundles for prepaid customers:

Vivo Internet Diário: daily bundle valid until 23:59 of the day following the day of activation. Includes 150MB of data, after this amount is consumed speed is reduced to 128kbps. Cost: R$12,00 (4,75 Euros). To buy this bundle, send ans SMS to 8200 with text "DIARIO". User will receive a confirmation SMS that should be answered with text "SIM".
Vivo Internet Semanal: weekly bundle valid until 23:59 of the seventh day after activation. Includes 250MB of data, after this amount is consumed speed is reduced to 128kbps. Cost: R$35,00 (13,80 Euros). To buy this bundle, send ans SMS to 8200 with text "SEMANAL". User will receive a confirmation SMS that should be answered with text "SIM".
Vivo Internet Mensal: monthly bundle valid until 23:59 of the 30th day after activation. Includes 1GB of data, after this amount is consumed speed is reduced to 128kbps. Cost: R$130,00 (51,35 Euros). To buy this bundle, send ans SMS to 8200 with text "MENSAL". User will receive a confirmation SMS that should be answered with text "SIM".

Any prepaid voice simcard can activate these bundles. Vivo even sells a Prepaid Internet Kit with a modem and a prepaid simcard.

More info can be found here (portuguese).

Italy - TIM

klim123123 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:15:06 CST

( Overview:

Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) offers Internet access via their prepaid cards with several options (see below)

Where to get the SIM card: In a TIM shop in Italy.

Activation of the Offers:

Offer	Send following Text to 4916
Maxxi Alice 30: 30 Hours, 10 € + 5 € activation fee (once)	PRO MAXXIALICE30
Maxxi Alice 100: 100 Hours, 20 € + 5 € activation fee (once)	PRO MAXXIALICE100
Maxxi Alice 150: 150 Hours valid daily 5pm to 9am, Weekends and Bank holidays, 20 € + 5 € activation fee (once)	PRO MAXXIALICE150
Maxxi Alice Day: Max 90 minutes at one day, counting 15 minutes, 3€	PRO MAXXIALICEDAY
Maxxi Alice 3x2: 3 € per Month fixed, each 15 Min Online = 0,50 €	PRO MAXXIALICE3x2
Maxxi Alice Facile: 1000 MB per month, €20. If you top-up another €20 within 30 days from the activation, you are given 2GB. So you get 3GB for €40. Also refered as 'MaxxiALICEWeb Facile' in TIM's documents.	PRO FACILE
iPhone Daily: 30 MB per Day, 1€ per Day You need as least 4 Euro credit to activate this option. You receive an SMS if the 30 MB are reached. Overtraffic will then billed with 6€/MB!	call Customer Service at 119 to activate it. SALDO DAILY (to check your data-balance) INFO DAILY (to check if it is activated) DAILY OFF (to deactivate the service)
Maxxi per iPhone: 50 MB per Day, 10€ per Month (till 05.October 08, afterwards 15€ per Month). You need as least 4 Euro credit to activate this option. If you are using more than 50 MB the iPhone Daily will be activated for this day (and you get another 30 MB). Overtraffic will then billed with 6€/MB! (Page)	call Customer Service at 119 to activate it. MAXIPHONE ON (to activate service) MAXIPHONE OFF (to deactivate the service) SALDO MAXIPHONE (to check data balance)

Activation only takes a couple of minutes.

Misc:

APN to use: ibox.tim.it, no username and password required
All services are open

How to check data balance: To check how many mega bytes are still left, call 4916, wait till the announcement of the remaining credit is over and then go to menu option "3". Listen to all the options, blablabla, and after a while the computerized voice will announce the remaining volume of the Web Facile option.

Or send a SMS for free to 4916, with text SALDO MAXXIALICE100 (change 100 to 30 or 150)

Or check it via TIM web-site (see instruction bellow).

How to check the main balance:
Send a SMS for free to 4916, with text PRE CRE SIN

How to top-up the card: Buy a scratch card for 20 euros. Send an SMS to 4916 which contains "RIC XXXXXXXX", where XXXXXXXX is the secret number from the scratch card.

Another way to to activate tariffs/plans/etc via TIM web-site:
1. Send a SMS for free to 49001, with text TIM XXXXXXXX (XXXXXXXX is your new 8 digits password)
2. Go to : https://www.tim.it/119/login.do and login with your phone# and password.
3. Now you can add/remove/check data balance/ and more...........

Links:

Link to the TIM offer
Translation of the official Maxxi Alice Facile web page

Netherlands - T-Mobile

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:27:50 CST

T-Mobile probably has the best options when you’re looking to hook up your laptop to the mobile web in the Netherlands.

The standard prepaid plan: unlimited access at € 2.50 per day
This plan is enabled on the "garden-variety" prepaid SIM cards. You can get one for € 10 with € 5 calling credit, plus € 10 after on-line registration.
With these SIM cards, the cost of using mobile internet is deducted from the prepaid calling credit. The costs of T-Mobile PrePaid web’n’walk are € 0.20 for each unit of 200 KB. You will never have to pay more than € 2.50 per day, however. This gives you unlimited access but the UMTS speedsare limited to 384/64 Kbps.

The "Laptop Prepaid" plan: even faster unlimited access at € 7.00 per day
T-Mobile also sells special prepaid SIM cards under the "Laptop Prepaid" plan. These can access the web at greater speeds (2048/384 kbps), but have a higher maximum per-day charge: € 7.00. Otherwise, this plan does not differ much from the above plan. The cost of using mobile internet is deducted from the prepaid calling credit. The costs of T-Mobile internet are € 0.20 for each unit of 200 KB.

For details see the pricelist here.

Account Info (taken from here and a minor update from t-mobile.nl here):
APN: internet
Username (not sure if it is necessary): tmobile
Password (not sure if it is necessary): tmobile

Roaming: Cost per MB with a Prepaid SIM when roaming outside the Netherlands: € 1.68 per MB

Germany - Fonic

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:02:49 CST

Overview

Fonic is the discount brand of Telefonica o2 and therefore offers the same coverage as o2.

where to buy
Fonic is being distributed through the following retailers:

	SIM cards	top up vouchers	Surf Stick (SIM+ modem)
drugstores	X	X
electronics	X	X
gasstations	X	X
department stores	X*		X*
kiosks/gasstations		X*
supermarkets	X
electronics	X	X	X
drugstores	X*	X
electronics		X	X
supermarkets	X	X	X
office supplies	X		X
	X	X
* only available at selected locations You can find the nearest store here.
online retailers
fonic.de	X	X**	X
amazon.de	X		X
Notebooksbilliger.de	X		X
** German bank account required

voice tariffs
Apart from the very reasonably priced internet access fees (see below for details), they also offer very low priced voice calls both locally as well as international :
€0.09/min. to all landlines and mobile #'s in Germany
€0.09/min. to all landlines in US, Canada and EU countries (full country list here)
€0.29/min. to all mobile #'s in US, Canada and EU countries (full country list here)

data tariffs

The price per megabyte is €0.24 and is billed in intervals of 100 kb. The SIM card itself can be bought in any Lidl discouter for €10 without prepaid balance.

It's also possible to change the data tariff to an unlimited use per day for 2.50 euros a day that is only charged if the SIM is used for Internet access on a day.
To switch from volume-based billing to the dayflat tariff call customer care at 80000 (14 ct/min) or send an eMail through their web form (via this web page). Since eMails are not answered earlier than 24 hours, it might be preferable to request tariff switch by phone, which is carried out immdiately. An SMS will confirm activation of the new tariff option.

activation
The card must be activated online http://www.fonic.de/html/ (then "SIM freischalten") or Tel. 0800-4636642, Mon - Sat 8 - 20 h. You need an german bank account, a german address and a passport-number. For the first activation you must recharge 10 Euros from the german bank account. Also an automatic monthly recharge (from banc account) is activated. This can be deactivated immediatly.
Detailed Actions:
a) go to Website https://www.fonic.de/selfcare/servlet/ActivationInfo
b) Enter the Mobile Nr. at "Mobilfunknummer" and the "Freischaltungsnummer" as noted on the SIM-Cardholder
c) then Click "Weiter"
d) Enter Anrede (Herr = Mister, Frau= Miss), Vorname (First Name), Nachnahme (Surename) then
Strasse (Street), Hausnummer (No.), PLZ (ZIP-Code) Stadt (City) of your German location
e) Enter eMail, Geburtsdatum (Birthday), Ausweiss/Paß-Nr(Passport-No) and Staatsangehörigkeit (Nationality)
f) then you can choose a Passwort (Kennwort) and repeat it (Kennwort wiederholen)
g) if you enter the author's phone number (017696100015) at "Mobilfunknummer/Aktionscode" you and the author will both get 5 EUR of bonus credit each!
h) then click "Weiter"
i) now you can (not obligatory) enter your bank account data (Kontonummer and Bankleitzahl) and activate the checkbox at " Hiermit ermächtige ich die FONIC GmbH widerruflich, alle fälligen Beträge zu Lasten meines angegebenen Kontos durch Lastschrift einzuziehen."), if you wish to recharge your FONIC SIM from your German bank account.
j) then you must choose how much money it automaticly top up every month - and when (mid of month = monatsmitte, begin of month = monatsanfang)
You can deactivate the automatic recharge after the registration!
k) then the confirmation page is displayed. here you must activate the first checkboxes and repeat the Sicherheitscode (displayed right of the input field)
l) then you must click on "Freischaltung fertigstellen" to finalize the process.

disable automatic recharge
Go to the Homepage and login with your Mobile-Nr. and Password.
Here you can check your Account Balance
Click to "Monatliche Aufladung"
Then you must click to "hier deaktivieren" and on the next page to "weiter"

internet experience
As the only German operator O2 (including Fonic) has officially allowed VoIP-usage on their network without any additional costs, whereas T-Mobile and Vodafone prohibit VoIP in their terms & conditions and have announced to introduce special VoIP-enabled data tariffs. Allthough T-Mobile and Vodafone have not yet actually blocked VoIP, this may become reality when VoIP-enabled data tariffs will be introduced.

misc

All services are open, e.g. web surfing, SMTP and POP3 works just fine.
APN to use: pinternet.interkom.de, no username or password
Fonic is a MVNO and uses the German O2 GSM and UMTS network. GSM is pure GPRS at the moment in most areas. Currently, O2 is upgrading its 2G network to EDGE. In some areas, O2 has a national roaming agreement with T-Mobile. However, Fonic SIM cards might be barred from national roaming.
To check the account *101#

Slovakia - O2

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:55:44 CST

Users of Slovakia's O2 prepaid offer "O2 Fer " can activate an unlimited data bundle called "O2 Data neobmedzene" for 6 Euro valid 1 month. It can be activated by sending an SMS DATANEOBMEDZENE to 99222. Deactivate by sending DATANEOBMEDZENE D to 99222. O2 offers EDGE network only.

O2 Fer card costs 3,49 € with 1,83 credit included. Voice call costs 0,13 € in all national networks, sms 0,06 € national, 0,10 € international.

More info in Slovak:http://www.sk.o2.com/ludia/eshop/programy-o2-fer/o2-data-neobmedzene.html

Japan

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:42:46 CST

Operators:

There are 3 major mobile phone operators in Japan, NTTdocomo, SoftBank, and au/KDDI. For data access, PuPuRu resells the E-mobile service to foreigners at expensive but still bearable costs.

Now only SoftBank has 3G/UMTS SIM card based prepaid service. (As of Feb 2009)

SoftBank 3G covers all major cities in Japan.

There is no GSM/EDGE/GPRS service within Japan.

SoftBank prepaid service:

Find details at SoftBank's web site (English).

You may have to buy the SIM card with a handset, at first.

I have never bought this type of SIM and handset, so please ask shop staff or customer call centre whether your own handset can be used or not with the SIM before purchase.

APN: softbank

Username: ai＠softbank

Password: softbank

Note: SoftBank is formerly vodafone Japan.

vodafone UK's SIM can be used in Japan via SoftBank network.
Maybe other vodafone's SIMs are as the same, but not for sure.

You can find SoftBank shops in Narita Airport.

Terminal 1: 1F(ground fl.) and 4F

Terminal 2: B1F

In Tokyo, at least SoftBank Omotesando shop has English speaking staffs.

PuPuRu service

PuPuRu also offers voice options, but in the next only data services will be described.

E-Mobile Data Service

Costs are flat. Costs depend on when you start and end the service, not only how long you use. Better not use the service bridging two months.
One unlimited traffic month usage costs about 75 Euros.
You get an USB key with self-installing software, a data only SIM and unlimited traffic. They can send it anywhere in Japan. Your hotel or if you wish already at your landing airport. Even with jet lag and with the initial "Lost in Translation" effect is a 5 minute matter to understand where to go in the airport and get the package. You will then return it simply by using a self addressed already stamped envelope they provide and posting it in any postbox right before leaving Japan (also from the airport, if you want to use it till the very last second). As simple as that.

You get about 1.5 Mbit/s inbound bandwidth and about 500 Kb/s outbound (Maximum is 8/Mb/s, but as everywhere you never reach this limit).

Coverage is by far not comparable to the 3G network. Though it uses (if I am not wrong) a 3G network (maybe a subset of the DoCoMo network) you may be in places with 3G coverage but no Internet access.

Coverage is good in cities, along main railways and highways. No go in mountains or hills (if steep, which is always the case in Japan!). Anyway you can check the coverage on their site and the maps are accurate.

Handovers work, so you can begin a VOIP conversation in your car and it lasts while you are traveling until you are under coverage.

You should use the USB dongle. It is not allowed to put the SIM in other devices. Therefore at least in principle you cannot use your smartphone to connect to Internet. This limits a bit your flexibility, being bound to use a PC which as small it can be, cannot be carried everywhere. I guess that introducing the SIM in a 3G phone and configuring the right APN (which is clearly given in the documentation) it would work, but I do not know if and how they may spot you and block the service.

O2 - Ireland

Prepaidwireless — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:19:30 CST

O2 Ireland have finally launched prepaid mobile broadband

There are a few modems available and the costs are from €59-€99

24 hour/1day pass is €3.99 for 500mb
30 days/1 month is €19.99 for 5GB

If you register online after purchase, you receive a free 1 day pass

Details are here (26th Nov 2009)

Coverage map can be found here

Italy Vodafone

pkkrusty — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:46:51 CST

The service can be activated by calling 42046 from the mobile phone. The activation is confirmed by an SMS.
Deactivation is done by calling 42070.

The details are described in italian language here

Vodafone has an excellent GSM and UMTS coverage also with HSDPA.

I have not tested the Service till now - but i think it is usable also with other mobile phones and data cards.

As of January 2009, one of the iPhone flat rate data plans in still 3 euro/week but you get 500MB. The APN is different than the standard vodafone APN. You must use iphone.vodafone.it or you will be charged standard rates (1 euro/15 min plus .50 connection charge) To activate the iPhone plan, call 42046 and follow the instructions (in Italian). If you bring a non-Italian iPhone into country and try to use it, customer service must be called to register your IEMI with vodafone before you will be able to activate the iPhone plan.

July 2009: New offers are available at Vodafone shops all over the country.

I bought a Sim Card for 5 euro and used it without any problems in my simlock free Icon 431

Standard price = 1 euro for 15 min, (you pay 50 cents for any connection)
Special offers are:
Internet Large - 5 hours a day (total 150 hours per month) for 25 euro / month
Internet Small - 1 hour a day (total 30 hours per month) for 10 euro / month (Works with iPhone and tethering, verified Oct '09)
Internet day Senza Limiti - 1 day for 5 euro / day
Internet Night - from 22.00 till 07.00 for 15 euro / month

to activate those special offers: SMS 414 - "Internet 5 ore" for Internet Large and "Internet 1 ora" for Internet Small
or call tollfree 42070

US - ATT

pkkrusty — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:38:48 CST

AT&T (formerly Cingular) has a prepaid SIM to which mobile web browsing options can be added. Currently there are the following options:

1MB = $4.99 / month
5MB = $9.99 / month
100MB = $19.99 / month. For details see here. AT&T stopped the unlimited plan in Nov 08 and only offers a pre-paid 100MB option for $19.99. You activate this multiple times a month. Tested and works with unlocked iPhone in December '09 (but you need to Change the APN - see below).

Misc information:

The options are activated by calling 611 (a voice recognition system). Select "Feature Packages" and then "MediaNet".
Also with 611 you can check you account balance and data-option (also amount of recouring data) - select "check my feature packages"
With USSD *777# (and Dial-Button) you can check your account balance

According to this link, the APN to use for the offer is wap.cingular
Be sure to input password in CAPITALS. Details are here.

To Change the APN on an Iphone you can follow this instructions:

Find an open wireless access point.
Browse tohttp://www.unlockit.co.nz/from the iphone.
Select "Use Custom" and pick "US - AT&T" from the scroll list.
Install the new APN.
Turn off 3G.
Turn flight mode on and then off.
Data works.

The following username

The Pay-As-You Go offer is described here, but information on the MediaNet options is scarce.

All add-ons seem to be for mobile browsing only, but the phone can be used as a modem for a notebook (last checked June 2008). iPhone tethered to laptop with the 100MB plan and APN listed above with no issues. Only http and https were accessed though, so other protocols are unknown. (June 09)

The ATT homepage does not mention if other services suchs as POP/SMTP, etc. are available. In practice, POP/SMTP and also IPSec for VPNs is possible (last checked June 2008).

Network: GSM/EDGE in 1900 and 850 MHz, 3G in same bands.

Top Up: In AT&T stores, RadioShack, 7-Eleven Stores.

External Reports: WirelessMoves, Darla Mack

I bought my AT&T prepaid card in an official AT&T Shop (Dec 2009). The shop "expert" told me that specially for the iPhone the MediaNet is not working (anyhow i took it and it worked after changing the APN). The inital card is for free - but i must charge 25$ for voice and 19.99$ for Data 100 MB - so the total was 44.99+3.15Tax. But the MediaNet service was activated immidiatly (i tried it about 2 hours later). The card is only valid for 3 month. You need no ID-Card.

The saleman also told me i can use the "official" contract offers - but without contract (everytime canelation possible) - but i must bring my own hardware.

China (People's Republic of) - China Mobile

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:57:07 CST

Turkey Turkcell

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:14:08 CST

As of November 22, 2009, this is the situation in Turkey:

Arrived in Turkey International Airport and got 3 prepaid sim cards for 3 people. Cost was 40 Lira and, it included 100 units of credit. We just needed 1 passport for the 3 sim cards.
The people in Turkcell told us to put the sims on our phone after 1 hour.
This we did.

After this, you dial 8090 and choose English as the option. This will pump in your 100 units of credit.
At this point, it would be wise to shut off your phone and restart. In our case, when we restarted our Nokias, the internet access points were active on the phones already.
After this, you choose from the options as found in the website below. although in Turkish, its pretty self explanatory:

http://www.turkcell.com.tr/bireysel/servisler/internet/internetpaketleri/hazirkart

In my case, I sent the sms: AY to 2260 and got a sms back. (AY is 100MB for 65 Kontor or Units. If you plug the sim to your USB Modem and use it on your computer, you probably average 16MB of internet surfing per hour. this is much less when you use your mobile)
at this point, you have to reply to this SMS with the word EVET (which is 'yes' in Turkish) accepting the charges.
You will then get another SMS saying that the internet package is active and you should be good to go from here.

In Cappadocia, coverage is pretty much EDGE or GPRS. Hope to get better reception in IStanbul.

Once again, I hope this helps somebody out there.

Egypt Voda & Etisalat

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:58:31 CST

In Egypt, your two bests bets are Etisalat and Vodafone.

Etisalat claims to have the best 3.5G coverage but they are pricier. The sim cost about $3-5USD and, the first 5MB for internet browsing is free. However, the succeeding MB's will cost you $1. This Etisalat is okay for phone browsing, Fring, and normal phone use. However, it becimes very expensive when you plug it into your laptop. You can purchase the card in the bazaar areas. (none in Cairo airport, though)

The cheaper alternative is to go with Vodafone. For USD$1, you get 3MB's of internet. Not bad. 3G is not as extensive as Etisalat but, GPRS and EDGE acceptable. I bought mine from the Vodafone next to the railstation in Aswan and, the guys there had to see my passport, and I think they had to call it in to get the settings and for the internet to work.

So there you have it. Hope this helps someone out there.

As an addednum and update to the above, let me update you:

When you go to a Vodafone store, ask them to give you a prepaid sim card for internet and, not for voice. Ask for the pay as you go package as this is cheaper compared to the voice sim. Of course, the downside is that you wont be able to use it for voice but, the good thing is that you it just cost .35 Egyptian pounds per MB. If you get the 100 Egyptian Pay As You Go Option for mobile internet, you get 500MB for data surfing.

Here's the link for Vodafone Egypt prepaid internet offer: http://www.vodafone.com.eg/en/Personal/PricePlans/DataRatePlans/PrepaidInternet/index.htm

I made a mistake with my first post above. If you use the voice sim for itnernet, you get 3MB free per day. But, after you consume your 3MB, you are charged 1 Egyptian pound per succeding MB.