Comments on: Your blackberry and mobile data in Addis Ababa http://www.owen.org Thoughts on development and beyond Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:50:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: fasil http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16779 fasil Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:54:03 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16779 Sol, thanks for the response. you are right they hadn't turned it on; I made the mistake of going to the ETC office @ sidist kilo instead of the one at Legahar where they are better informed about EV-DO services. Sol, thanks for the response. you are right they hadn’t turned it on; I made the mistake of going to the ETC office @ sidist kilo instead of the one at Legahar where they are better informed about EV-DO services.

]]> By: sol http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16750 sol Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:11:33 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16750 @ Fasil, the error number 678 is if your device is not getting network, so either your number is not active or your evdo dongle needs to be unlocked. I can help you if you still didn't solve it. Regards, @ Fasil, the error number 678 is if your device is not getting network, so either your number is not active or your evdo dongle needs to be unlocked. I can help you if you still didn’t solve it.

Regards,

]]> By: Tseday http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16700 Tseday Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:07:31 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16700 ETC's service is visiblly progressing. These days however you cannot use the card u buy. Niether *805* nor 909 recieve recharging card numbers. It is causing people to loss many things evryday. Does it have any connection with *806* survice? As a strategy? I don't know. ETC’s service is visiblly progressing. These days however you cannot use the card u buy. Niether *805* nor 909 recieve recharging card numbers. It is causing people to loss many things evryday. Does it have any connection with *806* survice? As a strategy? I don’t know.

]]> By: Abdul Adus http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16680 Abdul Adus Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:24:03 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16680 Andrew thanks you very much the information Andrew

thanks you very much the information

]]> By: Andrew in Addis http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16468 Andrew in Addis Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:58:25 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16468 Abdul, You can even get your SIM card cut here in Addis by going to the Apple shop (Opposite Beer Garden Hotel between Bole road and Edna Mall). I would be careful about buying teh EVDO modem outside Ethiopia in case it is one that Ethio Teecom cannot set up. They are cheaper now, around 1500 Birr. Abdul,

You can even get your SIM card cut here in Addis by going to the Apple shop (Opposite Beer Garden Hotel between Bole road and Edna Mall).

I would be careful about buying teh EVDO modem outside Ethiopia in case it is one that Ethio Teecom cannot set up. They are cheaper now, around 1500 Birr.

]]> By: fasil http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16461 fasil Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:38:09 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16461 abdul, you can use an unlocked iphone as long as it has a sim card (gsm not cdma). You can buy a 3g sim card from et tele but you need to cut it to be a micro sim card. You can but a sim card cutter online -pretty cheap. abdul, you can use an unlocked iphone as long as it has a sim card (gsm not cdma). You can buy a 3g sim card from et tele but you need to cut it to be a micro sim card. You can but a sim card cutter online -pretty cheap.

]]> By: fasil http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16334 fasil Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:41:16 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16334 I have a zte ac2726 cdma/evdo modem. The cdma part works fine. 3 days ago having taken out the cdma sim card I registered for evdo service, but when I try to connect i get a 678 remote computer didnt respond error message. It has the 15 birr that comes preloaded with the service but i dont want to add more until i know it works. Any help is appreciated. I have a zte ac2726 cdma/evdo modem. The cdma part works fine. 3 days ago having taken out the cdma sim card I registered for evdo service, but when I try to connect i get a 678 remote computer didnt respond error message. It has the 15 birr that comes preloaded with the service but i dont want to add more until i know it works. Any help is appreciated.

]]> By: Abdul Adus http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16254 Abdul Adus Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:05:01 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16254 I am planing to to visit ethiopia in the nexct couple of months. I would like to know if i can use my unlocked iphone to use the Data. I am planing to teather my iphone to my laptop did any one tried that. can i buy evdo mdm outside of ethiopia and use it in ethiopia? thank you in advance I am planing to to visit ethiopia in the nexct couple of months. I would like to know if i can use my unlocked iphone to use the Data. I am planing to teather my iphone to my laptop did any one tried that.
can i buy evdo mdm outside of ethiopia and use it in ethiopia?
thank you in advance

]]> By: Solomon mekonnen http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16186 Solomon mekonnen Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:36:17 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16186 How can i use internet in ethiopia,with blackberry mobile aparatus? How can i use internet in ethiopia,with blackberry mobile aparatus?

]]> By: Sparkle http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16153 Sparkle Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:09:47 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16153 Thanks Sten & Amy. I've had the exact same experience in past years! I was there 2 years ago and was able to get SMS to work - never could in the past. But I was using a Canadian Rogers SIM card. I was thinking of getting my phone unlocked, or purchasing a cheaper unlocked phone and buying an Ethiopian SIM card there. Just dont know if its worth doing that with my Blackberry or if I should just upgrade to an unlocked iPhone or Android as I was planning to any way. Thanks Sten & Amy. I’ve had the exact same experience in past years! I was there 2 years ago and was able to get SMS to work – never could in the past. But I was using a Canadian Rogers SIM card. I was thinking of getting my phone unlocked, or purchasing a cheaper unlocked phone and buying an Ethiopian SIM card there. Just dont know if its worth doing that with my Blackberry or if I should just upgrade to an unlocked iPhone or Android as I was planning to any way.

]]> By: Amy http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16152 Amy Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:56:59 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16152 Sparkle, I have used the blackberry on both trips I was there, but I could only get SMS and phone service working. I was never able to get data working no matter what I tried and even when the network on the phone clearly displayed "3G". On a side note, from my experience there was a trick to get service at all (lots of times it would say only SOS service). To connect to the network properly, I would send an SMS text even though I had only SOS service. This would seem to establish a connection to the ETH MTN cell provider. Some times this didn't work either so I had to then reboot the phone.... I also tried various attempts to turn off 3G service (use only 2G), research for network, etc..., but only had mild success and usually didn't work for very long (few minutes). With the SMS method it seemed to work until I moved (transfer cell tower I assume). My local provider in US is ATT and I did not try to use an Ethiopian SIM card which I was thinking might work better, but my phone is locked. Thanks, Sten and Amy Sparkle,
I have used the blackberry on both trips I was there, but I could only get SMS and phone service working. I was never able to get data working no matter what I tried and even when the network on the phone clearly displayed “3G”.

On a side note, from my experience there was a trick to get service at all (lots of times it would say only SOS service). To connect to the network properly, I would send an SMS text even though I had only SOS service. This would seem to establish a connection to the ETH MTN cell provider. Some times this didn’t work either so I had to then reboot the phone…. I also tried various attempts to turn off 3G service (use only 2G), research for network, etc…, but only had mild success and usually didn’t work for very long (few minutes). With the SMS method it seemed to work until I moved (transfer cell tower I assume).

My local provider in US is ATT and I did not try to use an Ethiopian SIM card which I was thinking might work better, but my phone is locked.

Thanks,
Sten and Amy

]]> By: Sparkle http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-16094 Sparkle Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:56:19 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-16094 Does anyone have experience using a blackberry in Addis? I'll be there for 3 weeks and hope to use my blackberry bold to access data (BBM mostly). Any thoughts would be great. Thanks. Does anyone have experience using a blackberry in Addis? I’ll be there for 3 weeks and hope to use my blackberry bold to access data (BBM mostly). Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.

]]> By: Brian O'Mahony http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-15549 Brian O'Mahony Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:10:00 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-15549 Hi Amy, I know you can get a prepaid 3G SIM card in Addis, but I am unsure if you can get a micro SIM. But you can cut down a SIM to a micro SIM using a punch tool or with a sharp knife and a template. Google "make a micro sim from a regular sim" to see what I mean. If you are not keen on DIY, it may be worth taking the SIM to some of the IT shops mentioned in this blog to see if they can make it into a micro SIM. Your friend will love the unlocked iPhone 4. Brian Hi Amy,
I know you can get a prepaid 3G SIM card in Addis, but I am unsure if you can get a micro SIM. But you can cut down a SIM to a micro SIM using a punch tool or with a sharp knife and a template. Google “make a micro sim from a regular sim” to see what I mean. If you are not keen on DIY, it may be worth taking the SIM to some of the IT shops mentioned in this blog to see if they can make it into a micro SIM.
Your friend will love the unlocked iPhone 4.
Brian

]]> By: Amy http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-15516 Amy Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:47:31 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-15516 Hi! I am wondering if a prepaid micro Sim can be purchased in Addis? I plan to take an unlocked iPhone4 to a friend there next week and want to be sure he can get the prepaid cards. Thank you. Hi! I am wondering if a prepaid micro Sim can be purchased in Addis? I plan to take an unlocked iPhone4 to a friend there next week and want to be sure he can get the prepaid cards.
Thank you.

]]> By: Cynthia http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-15366 Cynthia Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:09:37 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-15366 Hi Owen, I read your article but found no info on how to actually use the 3G sim card on a BB? I have the small edge appear, not EDGE or 3G on the network icon. Also it won't let me make voice calls and surf the net. Just got it, how long does it take to activate? Hi Owen,
I read your article but found no info on how to actually use the 3G sim card on a BB? I have the small edge appear, not EDGE or 3G on the network icon.
Also it won’t let me make voice calls and surf the net. Just got it, how long does it take to activate?

]]> By: mohammed http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-15017 mohammed Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:50:27 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-15017 how can i use mobile internet in my divice blackberry 9105 pearl 3g there is available mobile network in addis ababa and also my sim card is activeted internet. But i can't use internet. my mobile is already configurated so how can i get this service can you help me? how can i use mobile internet in my divice blackberry 9105 pearl 3g there is available mobile network in addis ababa and also my sim card is activeted internet. But i can’t use internet. my mobile is already configurated so how can i get this service can you help me?

]]> By: Andrew http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14741 Andrew Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:18:40 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14741 The 3G service does not expire until you use it up - you charge the phone for telephone and 3G service at the same time - simply dial #805*# and then press call. Done. There is no pay as you go for EVDO. You need to buy a stick, go to ETC and give phococopy of ID card or Passport and visa. Then you need to charge EVDO by using your mobile phone. Instructions will be given when you register. If you go to the ETC office at the railway station (La Gare), the people are very helpful and knowedgeable. Andrew The 3G service does not expire until you use it up – you charge the phone for telephone and 3G service at the same time – simply dial #805*# and then press call. Done.

There is no pay as you go for EVDO. You need to buy a stick, go to ETC and give phococopy of ID card or Passport and visa. Then you need to charge EVDO by using your mobile phone. Instructions will be given when you register. If you go to the ETC office at the railway station (La Gare), the people are very helpful and knowedgeable.

Andrew

]]> By: fasil http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14716 fasil Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:49:02 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14716 Brian and Andrew, thank you for your responses. From my understanding then, 400 Birr per Gbyte is for 3g service and 350 per Gbyte is for evdo. for the 3g service, does the money expire at the end of the month or until you use it up ? For evdo, must you buy one of the deals or can you just pay as you go ? These are for my parents, who will not be coming anywhere near the Gigabyte neighborhood :) Brian and Andrew, thank you for your responses.
From my understanding then, 400 Birr per Gbyte is for 3g service and 350 per Gbyte is for evdo.

for the 3g service, does the money expire at the end of the month or until you use it up ?

For evdo, must you buy one of the deals or can you just pay as you go ?

These are for my parents, who will not be coming anywhere near the Gigabyte neighborhood :)

]]> By: Andrew http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14702 Andrew Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:13:38 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14702 Cut down Ethio Telecom SIM cards work fine for data on an iPAD. Just set up the same settings as you would on your phone. Officially the data cost is 400 Birr per GByte of traffic. I always seem to spend rather less than this. Just as an update on the EVDO situation - Prices have changed. You can now get three differnt deals: 300 Birr per month for 1Gbyte, 500 for 2 and 700 for 4 GB per month. When you go over within the month you need to top up as normal and it costs 350 Birr per Gbyte (actually 0.35 Birr per Mbyte so you just pay for what you use) once you have gone over your limit. To change your settings just go to an ETC office with ID card (or passport) and the number of your account - it takes about 1 minute. HTH Andrew from Addis Cut down Ethio Telecom SIM cards work fine for data on an iPAD. Just set up the same settings as you would on your phone.

Officially the data cost is 400 Birr per GByte of traffic. I always seem to spend rather less than this.

Just as an update on the EVDO situation – Prices have changed. You can now get three differnt deals: 300 Birr per month for 1Gbyte, 500 for 2 and 700 for 4 GB per month. When you go over within the month you need to top up as normal and it costs 350 Birr per Gbyte (actually 0.35 Birr per Mbyte so you just pay for what you use) once you have gone over your limit. To change your settings just go to an ETC office with ID card (or passport) and the number of your account – it takes about 1 minute.

HTH
Andrew from Addis

]]> By: Brian O'Mahony http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14687 Brian O'Mahony Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:58:22 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14687 Fasil, Thanks for your question. I did not try to use the mobile phone micro-sim in my iPad in Ethiopia. From reading information on the experience in the USA I note that Apple and the mobile carriers discourage the use of a phone micro-sim in an iPad, but that it is possible provided you change the APN settings on the iPad. One extra point I forgot in my November 29th postings: you need to bring passport size photos to the ETC office to get the 3G Sim card. Brian Fasil,
Thanks for your question. I did not try to use the mobile phone micro-sim in my iPad in Ethiopia. From reading information on the experience in the USA I note that Apple and the mobile carriers discourage the use of a phone micro-sim in an iPad, but that it is possible provided you change the APN settings on the iPad.

One extra point I forgot in my November 29th postings: you need to bring passport size photos to the ETC office to get the 3G Sim card.

Brian

]]> By: fasil http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14678 fasil Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:55:40 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14678 Brian did you try to use the sim card on your ipad to see if that would work instead of using wifi ? Fasil Brian did you try to use the sim card on your ipad to see if that would work instead of using wifi ?

Fasil

]]> By: Brian O'Mahony http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14449 Brian O'Mahony Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:28:51 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14449 Follow up comment: * I forgot to say that the iPhone 4 uses a microsim and the ECT 3G SIM needs to be cut down to size to fit in the iPhone 4. You can buy up a puncher to transform the SIM to a microsim on eBay or lots of other sites on the Internet. Best to bring this with you to Ethiopia. Brian Follow up comment:
* I forgot to say that the iPhone 4 uses a microsim and the ECT 3G SIM needs to be cut down to size to fit in the iPhone 4. You can buy up a puncher to transform the SIM to a microsim on eBay or lots of other sites on the Internet. Best to bring this with you to Ethiopia.

Brian

]]> By: Brian O'Mahony http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-14448 Brian O'Mahony Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:24:21 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-14448 Just back from a 3 week visit to Ethiopia. I found the Owen Abroad site very useful in planning for data connectivity, so here is my experience over the last few weeks: * I used an unlocked iPhone 4, purchased unlocked from the online Apple store in Ireland, not hacked; * I bought an ETC prepay 3G SIM card at their office close to the Railway Station in Addis Ababa. It cost 212 Birr and they activated it for data there and then. You need your passport and copies of your passport and visa; * I used the network settings described in the post on this site dated September 12th 2010 post by Alex Trebek; * This gave me 3G connectivity in Addis and Edge connectivity (slower) practically everywhere else in the country, including Gondor, Lalibella, Harar, Dire Dawa and Bahir Dar; * Edge was good enough to use the iPhone 4 to check email and surf to Internet sites set up for low bandwidth mobile access; * Where I had 3G connectivity I was able to set up a personal wifi hotspot with the iPhone 4 and use my iPad to surf the Internet and view normal sites; * The data cost was low. Over the 3 weeks I sent 23MB of cellular network data and received 124MB and this cost me around 100 Birr (less than 5 Euro); * So thanks again to all the contributors to this site and be confident that with the right phone and a bit of knowledge you can stay connected in Ethiopia; The trip was wonderful. People friendly and helpful and the landscape unbelievable. Definitely worth a trip. Brian Just back from a 3 week visit to Ethiopia. I found the Owen Abroad site very useful in planning for data connectivity, so here is my experience over the last few weeks:
* I used an unlocked iPhone 4, purchased unlocked from the online Apple store in Ireland, not hacked;
* I bought an ETC prepay 3G SIM card at their office close to the Railway Station in Addis Ababa. It cost 212 Birr and they activated it for data there and then. You need your passport and copies of your passport and visa;
* I used the network settings described in the post on this site dated September 12th 2010 post by Alex Trebek;
* This gave me 3G connectivity in Addis and Edge connectivity (slower) practically everywhere else in the country, including Gondor, Lalibella, Harar, Dire Dawa and Bahir Dar;
* Edge was good enough to use the iPhone 4 to check email and surf to Internet sites set up for low bandwidth mobile access;
* Where I had 3G connectivity I was able to set up a personal wifi hotspot with the iPhone 4 and use my iPad to surf the Internet and view normal sites;
* The data cost was low. Over the 3 weeks I sent 23MB of cellular network data and received 124MB and this cost me around 100 Birr (less than 5 Euro);
* So thanks again to all the contributors to this site and be confident that with the right phone and a bit of knowledge you can stay connected in Ethiopia;

The trip was wonderful. People friendly and helpful and the landscape unbelievable. Definitely worth a trip.

Brian

]]> By: Abene http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-13594 Abene Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:41:02 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-13594 There is GPRS service in Gambela region. I use it by my nokia 6086 it have WI-FI but there is no free wi-fi. I tried to setup my stream setting. Can you help me streaming setting to get youtube? There is GPRS service in Gambela region. I use it by my nokia 6086 it have WI-FI but there is no free wi-fi. I tried to setup my stream setting. Can you help me streaming setting to get youtube?

]]> By: mesay http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-12758 mesay Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:04:18 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-12758 what is the port number, gateway ip address, the DNS address, username and password to access my nokia C9 mobile phone in ethiopia. what is the port number, gateway ip address, the DNS address, username and password to access my nokia C9 mobile phone in ethiopia.

]]> By: jose http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-12538 jose Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:11:37 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-12538 what is the port number, gateway ip address, the DNS address, username and password to access my nokia C9 mobile phone in ethiopia. what is the port number, gateway ip address, the DNS address, username and password to access my nokia C9 mobile phone in ethiopia.

]]> By: Timothy http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-2#comment-11269 Timothy Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:31:01 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-11269 Does anyone know if BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) can be activated in Ethiopia? Does anyone know if BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) can be activated in Ethiopia?

]]> By: Alan http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-10912 Alan Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:50:15 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-10912 The ev-do is really good. I rented from a local store called red zebra, there website is redzebras.com from bole road. The ev-do is really good. I rented from a local store called red zebra, there website is redzebras.com from bole road.

]]> By: Simon http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8671 Simon Mon, 29 Nov 2010 06:32:56 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8671 I am working with NGO out in the sticks. CDMA has not yet reached. But we have GMS voice mobile so am I right in assuming GPRS should be there (albeit slower than CDMA)? Regarding configuring, do i just buy tariff as though I was buying CDMA, or do I stick with a voice tariff? I am working with NGO out in the sticks. CDMA has not yet reached. But we have GMS voice mobile so am I right in assuming GPRS should be there (albeit slower than CDMA)? Regarding configuring, do i just buy tariff as though I was buying CDMA, or do I stick with a voice tariff?

]]> By: Marc http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8533 Marc Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:08:05 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8533 Hi all, Does anyone have experience setting up a CDMA router for the ETC network here in Addis and can share key settings or where one can go to sort out the problem? I have a TP-LINK TL-MR3420 but haven't as yet been able to get it to connect successfully. Many thanks, Marc Hi all,

Does anyone have experience setting up a CDMA router for the ETC network here in Addis and can share key settings or where one can go to sort out the problem? I have a TP-LINK TL-MR3420 but haven’t as yet been able to get it to connect successfully. Many thanks,

Marc

]]> By: Andy http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8529 Andy Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:42:29 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8529 Hi Sarah, If you don't jailbreak your iphone and use an ETC Sim card, then you won't be able to use any of the mobile data features of the iphone at all, as Ethiopia does not participate in international data roaming. You will be able to use the other functions of the iphone--texting, calls and wifi, but keep in mind public access wifi is limited, and the speeds might not support things like skype. AT&T gave you some bad, self-serving information I'm afraid. It is not illegal to unlock or jailbreak your iphone, and a recent court judgement said as much. It will, however, void your warranty. That's about it. AT&T just don't want you to be able to use your phone in any way other than how they want you to. Jailbreaking and unlocking is extremely simple and afe, and will allow you to use your phone here if you want. Mine works great and I have had zero problems. I have only used skype with the iphone once through edge or 3G here and it was not really responsive. First, the 3G and edge speeds here are not what they are abroad so it has a difficult time maintaining a constant connection. Through wifi with EVDO it works great. Hope this helps somewhat. Andy Hi Sarah,

If you don’t jailbreak your iphone and use an ETC Sim card, then you won’t be able to use any of the mobile data features of the iphone at all, as Ethiopia does not participate in international data roaming. You will be able to use the other functions of the iphone–texting, calls and wifi, but keep in mind public access wifi is limited, and the speeds might not support things like skype.

AT&T gave you some bad, self-serving information I’m afraid. It is not illegal to unlock or jailbreak your iphone, and a recent court judgement said as much. It will, however, void your warranty. That’s about it. AT&T just don’t want you to be able to use your phone in any way other than how they want you to. Jailbreaking and unlocking is extremely simple and afe, and will allow you to use your phone here if you want. Mine works great and I have had zero problems.

I have only used skype with the iphone once through edge or 3G here and it was not really responsive. First, the 3G and edge speeds here are not what they are abroad so it has a difficult time maintaining a constant connection. Through wifi with EVDO it works great.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Andy

]]> By: Keziah http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8519 Keziah Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:15:42 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8519 Hi Owen, In Your response to Samantha, you mentioned she'd be able to IM. Do you mean on yahoo/msn messenger or the actual Blackberry Messenger? Hi Owen,

In Your response to Samantha, you mentioned she’d be able to IM.
Do you mean on yahoo/msn messenger or the actual Blackberry Messenger?

]]> By: Sirena Pictures http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8405 Sirena Pictures Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:45:06 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8405 Hi there, I'll be working/traveling in Ethiopia by way of the US for a few weeks... and starting to realize that I won't be able to use my iphone much at all other than possible texting (.50 per) and wi fi, turning data roam and fetch data off so as to avoid high roam charges. And when I spoke with AT&T recently they said that unlocking my iphone is illegal or jailbreaking... if I do it I run the risk of my iphone being corrupted. I'm thinking to bring my iphone to use for minimal texting. Possibly for some wifi per above. I will be traveling with my laptop and try to make calls via Skype whenever possible though that is dependent upon what kind of internet access/wireless that we have. Addis should be ok, right? But it's when we are in areas ie Lalibella, etc. that may be quite spotty perhaps. Are iphone users able to use Skype app there? Thanks! Best, Sarah Hi there,

I’ll be working/traveling in Ethiopia by way of the US for a few weeks… and starting to realize that I won’t be able to use my iphone much at all other than possible texting (.50 per) and wi fi, turning data roam and fetch data off so as to avoid high roam charges. And when I spoke with AT&T recently they said that unlocking my iphone is illegal or jailbreaking… if I do it I run the risk of my iphone being corrupted.

I’m thinking to bring my iphone to use for minimal texting. Possibly for some wifi per above. I will be traveling with my laptop and try to make calls via Skype whenever possible though that is dependent upon what kind of internet access/wireless that we have. Addis should be ok, right? But it’s when we are in areas ie Lalibella, etc. that may be quite spotty perhaps.

Are iphone users able to use Skype app there?

Thanks!

Best,

Sarah

]]> By: Owen Barder http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8222 Owen Barder Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:00:27 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8222 Samantha When your husband gets to Addis, he needs to buy an ETC 3G SIM card for his blackberry. He'll need his passport and a couple of hours to do that. You can buy them from the ETC offices near the railway station. Depending where he is stationed, it is possible that this 3G mobile will work. If so, you'll be able to IM each other. I doubt if he will get a good enough bandwidth for you to be able to Skype using this connection, but it is worth a try as the bandwidth is often better out of Addis than in it. Samantha

When your husband gets to Addis, he needs to buy an ETC 3G SIM card for his blackberry. He’ll need his passport and a couple of hours to do that. You can buy them from the ETC offices near the railway station.

Depending where he is stationed, it is possible that this 3G mobile will work. If so, you’ll be able to IM each other. I doubt if he will get a good enough bandwidth for you to be able to Skype using this connection, but it is worth a try as the bandwidth is often better out of Addis than in it.

]]> By: Samantha http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8220 Samantha Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:18:46 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8220 Hi Guys I hope someone can help me out, my husband is in the US Navy and is about to deploy to Ethiopia for the next 8 months. I am so worried about his cell phone access/use, he is going to be at a waterwell site so hes not going to be near to Addis or anywhere else I am assuming. We both have blackberrys (im in england and he is in the US) and we normally Blackberry message eachother or skype, can you tell me how this is going to happen when he is there? Or is this even possible? and If so, is it ridiculously expensive? I have been reading all of your updates but am still confused! Im sorry! Hi Guys

I hope someone can help me out, my husband is in the US Navy and is about to deploy to Ethiopia for the next 8 months. I am so worried about his cell phone access/use, he is going to be at a waterwell site so hes not going to be near to Addis or anywhere else I am assuming. We both have blackberrys (im in england and he is in the US) and we normally Blackberry message eachother or skype, can you tell me how this is going to happen when he is there? Or is this even possible? and If so, is it ridiculously expensive?

I have been reading all of your updates but am still confused! Im sorry!

]]> By: jalle http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8210 jalle Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:12:01 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8210 I am using all internet service face book yahoo, messenger yahoo google and all on mt my bb 8800 t_mobile. After long saffering by instoling mini opera browser on it cheers I am using all internet service face book yahoo, messenger yahoo google and all on mt my bb 8800 t_mobile. After long saffering by instoling mini opera browser on it cheers

]]> By: jalle http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8209 jalle Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:05:13 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8209 Hey guys. I have BB 8800. I was very upset didn t work any internet service in addis beause it said no browser configeration. I asked and tried to get information but no one told me lastly inthis board I got some clue that was when it says no brouser configeration just leave it. What u do is to get internet service eimail push or chat, is just find on gogle or bolt a browser software for mobile like mini opera then instel on ur BB mobile via usb port from ur computer by breaking fire wall. That's it. The BB browser still said no configaration so leave it just cliki on new insteled mini opera browser.u can get facebook, yahoo google yahoo messanger, cnn bbc or what ever u need.I am writing on this board with my phone BB 8800 normal sim card GSM edeje or gprs service with 0913 or 0921 sim cards. Cheers Hey guys. I have BB 8800. I was very upset didn t work any internet service in addis beause it said no browser configeration. I asked and tried to get information but no one told me lastly inthis board I got some clue that was when it says no brouser configeration just leave it. What u do is to get internet service eimail push or chat, is just find on gogle or bolt a browser software for mobile like mini opera then instel on ur BB mobile via usb port from ur computer by breaking fire wall. That’s it. The BB browser still said no configaration so leave it just cliki on new insteled mini opera browser.u can get facebook, yahoo google yahoo messanger, cnn bbc or what ever u need.I am writing on this board with my phone BB 8800 normal sim card GSM edeje or gprs service with 0913 or 0921 sim cards. Cheers

]]> By: Andrewh http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-8206 Andrewh Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:07:13 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-8206 Hi, Some great information here. I have been living in Addis for just over a year and have, since the start, used both 3G GSM on my Android phone(s)and EVDO for home internet (recently with a Dovado router). To get both these the easiest thing to do is to go the the ETC office at the central station (La Gare) between Meskel square and Mexico - It is primarily a bus station now as no trains run. The ETC office is on the far left of the parking area as you enter. Take a copy of your passport and/or resident card, a few hundred Birr AND the EVDO stick you have bought (Must be unlocked - so do not bring one from the US unless you are sure it is clean :-)). They will sell you and activate a 3G GSM card, activate your EVDO and sell you the green and blue pre-paid cards all in one place. Where I live I only get GPRS on my phone but out and about I find it pretty useful - Google Maps works very well and is as up to date as the GTZ map of Addis. Outside Addis, mapping is extremely limited. EVDO is great sometimes and appaling at others. It seems like late afternoons in my part of Addis (Old Airport) is not worth even trying but in the morning and late evening I can sometimes get sustained download speeds approaching 1 Mbps - more than OK. I am not sure if it was mentioned above but 3G GSM is now much cheaper than it was - 400 Birr per Gbyte, no initial charge - On a couple of occasions I have succesfully used my phone as a wireless router for other people's computers when helping them fix problems. It used to be prohibitively expensive, but no longer. Great to find this resource (Via Bradt updates BTW) Andrew from Addis Hi,

Some great information here. I have been living in Addis for just over a year and have, since the start, used both 3G GSM on my Android phone(s)and EVDO for home internet (recently with a Dovado router).

To get both these the easiest thing to do is to go the the ETC office at the central station (La Gare) between Meskel square and Mexico – It is primarily a bus station now as no trains run. The ETC office is on the far left of the parking area as you enter. Take a copy of your passport and/or resident card, a few hundred Birr AND the EVDO stick you have bought (Must be unlocked – so do not bring one from the US unless you are sure it is clean :-) ). They will sell you and activate a 3G GSM card, activate your EVDO and sell you the green and blue pre-paid cards all in one place.

Where I live I only get GPRS on my phone but out and about I find it pretty useful – Google Maps works very well and is as up to date as the GTZ map of Addis. Outside Addis, mapping is extremely limited.

EVDO is great sometimes and appaling at others. It seems like late afternoons in my part of Addis (Old Airport) is not worth even trying but in the morning and late evening I can sometimes get sustained download speeds approaching 1 Mbps – more than OK.

I am not sure if it was mentioned above but 3G GSM is now much cheaper than it was – 400 Birr per Gbyte, no initial charge – On a couple of occasions I have succesfully used my phone as a wireless router for other people’s computers when helping them fix problems. It used to be prohibitively expensive, but no longer.

Great to find this resource (Via Bradt updates BTW)

Andrew from Addis

]]> By: Addis http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-7956 Addis Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:42:48 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-7956 I am also able to use internet on my Blackberry. However, does anyone have any "tricks" on how to get push mail on your Blackberry in Ethiopia? Might not be possible since there are no BB data plans available? Anyone knows, if BB is planning to come to Ethiopia anytime soon? Tx. I am also able to use internet on my Blackberry. However, does anyone have any “tricks” on how to get push mail on your Blackberry in Ethiopia? Might not be possible since there are no BB data plans available?
Anyone knows, if BB is planning to come to Ethiopia anytime soon?

Tx.

]]> By: dnera http://www.owen.org/ethiopia/befor/mobiledat/comment-page-1#comment-7760 dnera Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:38:31 +0000 http://www.owen.org/?page_id=2195#comment-7760 @jalle You first need to buy an ETC simcard after that you will have to go to Ethiopian Telecommunication Office to get your simcard activated for the GPRS service, once that is done you will be able to use internet on your handset and it works with blackberry as well. I am not sure though if you BBM will work as you wont be on a data plan. When you reffering to wireless do you mean wireless internet using the EVDO service for your laptop correct. @jalle

You first need to buy an ETC simcard after that you will have to go to Ethiopian Telecommunication Office to get your simcard activated for the GPRS service, once that is done you will be able to use internet on your handset and it works with blackberry as well. I am not sure though if you BBM will work as you wont be on a data plan.
When you reffering to wireless do you mean wireless internet using the EVDO service for your laptop correct.

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