3
How to activate MTN, VodaCom, Cell C and 8ta Prepaid Blackberry Internet Service (BIS)
Yesh, so after I struggled to get the code on how to activate my Blackberry internet service for MTN, I decided to help everyone out on this subject and post this on my blog. Ok they have it on the MTN website (somewhere) but after Googling for days I eventually found it. I don’t know if you guys realised this but MTN has got like 5 different websites or something. And when you Google MTN Blackberry Internet service prepaid you get other websites that has got no solution for this. Or you get forums where other people ask for the same thing. Nightmare da da da!!!!!…….
Anyways, so I have all the answers and I’m going to post it here, all on one page! Whadup!!!!! I’m sure a couple of you want to high five me right now.
Ok SO! Here it goes. I hope you’re ready.
Before activating your BIS, make sure you have more that R62 on your phone. This amount will be subtracted from your airtime and you will have BIS for a month. Every month it will take R62. You’ll also receive an sms a couple of days before the renewal date each month to remind you to have airtime on your phone.
If you want to activate your Blackberry internet service for MTN Prepaid, you need to Dial:
*141*2# and press the call button.
This will activate it for you!
I also happen to know how to activate it for VodaCom because I had to figure this one out as well for someone.
Vodacom
On VodaCom prepaid you need to SMS “BlackBerry” to 100 which will also take R62 from your airtime each month and activate the service for you. This is the same as MTN and also needs to be renewed monthly.
VodaCom alternative. Thanks to @Burger
You can also activate Vodacom BIS by dialing *111# and selecting bundle purchases. Then buy the BIS service for R59.
Cell C BlackBerry BIS activation
@elaine: Thank you for the contribution:
To activate BlackBerry internet service, follow these instructions:
Just dial *147# and select option 7. Then switch your phone on and off and you’re done! Just make sure you have more than R57 on your SIM.
How to activate BIS on 8ta
Contract MTN
If you’re on contract you need to call 1555 from your cellphone to get it activated for you. Sometimes you need to fill in a form as well. I’m not sure how this works for VodaCom customers on contract.
I hope this helped some people.
Good luck fellow citizens!
94 Comments to “How to activate MTN, VodaCom, Cell C and 8ta Prepaid Blackberry Internet Service (BIS)”
Leave a comment
Welcome to my blog! I hope you find some useful info here. I will try to update it regularly.
The Latest Stuff
- Some outtakes from Gordon Ramsey in Hell’s Kitchen
- Photography 101: Choosing the Right Camera That Suits You
- BMW GS1200 Bike stolen on 22 April 2013 in Edenvale with registration WTW 648 GP. Please comment if you know anything.
- Win a one-way ticket to Mars never to come back, apply now!
- Metallica Johannesburg – All you need to know to make sure you get into the stadium as quick and easy as possible – Big Concerts
- Jozi Craft Beer Festival 4 May Marks Park Emmerentia
- Win a holiday to Thailand for two! PartyofaLifetime
- CANSA’s 10th Shavathon – shave it, spray it, stencil it or gel it!
- MotoMia Scooter review: The Java 170cc scooter from MotoMia Rosebank
- Russell Brand interviews two members of the Westboro Baptist Church
- MASSIVE HAIL STORM EXPECTED 21 Nov 2012 in the afternoon in the East Rand!
- Buy your Metallica tickets online now. Computicket and Eventshopper Johannesburg and Cape Town
- The Anne Hirsch Show : S01 E15 Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground)
- The Making Of: DIE ANTWOORD – FATTY BOOM
- The Athlete Machine – Red Bull Kluge
- Jack Parrow on The Anne Hirsch Show S01 E13
- Unlock the 007 in you. You have 70 seconds!
- St Francis Bay SOS – fire burning down over 100 houses 11 Nov 2012
- World War Z – New Movie Trailer
- Fake Red Light District tour with happy ending [LifeHunters]
- Arno Carstens on the Anne Hirsch Show S01 E13
- Chuck Norris stops a chainsaw bare handed. Ha ha classic Chuck Norris
- The 1Time liquidation situation and how to get your money back for booked flight tickets with credit card refund
- A Good Day to Die Hard Official Trailer 2013 – Bruce Willis brand new Die Hard Movie
- Please donate to my Movember page. It’s for a good cause.
- New episode on The Anne Hirsch show. Colin Moss (Halloween Edition) S01 E12
- Some tips on how to grow a full and thick moustache for Movember with Nick Offerman
- The Great Zombie Walk 2012 – Zombies invade Cape Town
- Opa Sandy Style – Two guys doing Gangnam style on the weather channel reporting hurricane Sandy
- The Adventures of Francdore is on 12 000 visits per month. Let’s try and make it more. Thank you!
- Ozzy Osbourne – Who the fuck is Justin Bieber. Interview by Mark Hoppus
- How the gentlemen died out
- A tiny problem
- Emo Adams (Actor/Musician) on The Anne Hirsch Show : S01 E11
- The new official Iron Man 3 movie trailer
- Biggest hale storm I’ve ever seen in Edenvale, Boksburg, Benoni and Midrand
- The Anne Hirsch Show : S01 E10 Francois van Coke (Fokofpolisiekar)
- I think you’re a cunt
- Traditional ghosts and sexy ghosts
- A female lion befriends a baby springbok
Thank you dudey!!
Just activated my vodacom now and it was a breeze!
Pleasure dude!
good stuff but is the BIS charge for a calendar month? i.e. if loaded say 29 april, does it run to 29 may or is one paying in full for a day? Suirely it should be on a pro rata basis.
tks
Thanks a million.
Dog thank u so much! much appreciated!:)
Hey if you everything is activated bt towards evening time you can’t get internet what do you think is the problem I’m using vodacom
Thanx a million!!
Hi there,
When i tried doing this via the mtn method my blackberry dials the *141*11# and does not request anything instead says the number is incorrect. . . what do i do someone please help????
dankie san
Bros,thanks very much i appreciate.
You are a Life Saver!!!!!!!!
THANKS
Thank u very much!!!
thank you so much! It’s amazing how easy it is to do this & how hard it was to find the info! If it wasn’t for you I’d still be looking:-)
Wow thnx bra…..too much….
And if any1 wants cell c. U just need to dial *147# And select option 7. And put ur phone off and its done. But make sure u have more than R57
Thank you. I had been searching … and searching, and thanks to you, found the MTN info I was looking for. You would think it would be easier to find!
how did you do it i’m still struggling
You can also activate Vodacom by dialing *111# an selecting bundle perches then by the BB service for R59
There is no BB service on my bundle purchases selection.
Oh my word wow you are such a great help you made this an absolute breeze for me. This was the first website I went to!! Who would have thought to blog about such but I won’t lie its a great idea!! Seems to be working too!! Just wondering though when does bis expire? After 30days or 25? Coz I don’t have and sms yet from them but its 25days today!!!
MTN 1 is wrong it’s *141*11*1# then select option 1 & then again option 1 & viola its activated……within a few minutes you can start sending & receiving emails & so on..
Very helpful, thanks
What if none of these methods work for cell c nd contract..when I tried calling 1555 it said number does not exist
Hi,
The Cell C one was contributed by a vistor. I just made sure and checked on the Cell C website which stated the following:
“You can purchase this service now on any existing Cell C package or by dialling *147# and then choosing option 7 or by calling our call center (dial 140).”
Hope this helps.
You rock dude!!
Good golly!
Ive been looking for this info everywhere to activate MTN – it’s hectic
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much. The mtn website was of no help.
Hi
I have just spent the morning trying to find something on the MTN site and it sucks. Please can you help me. I have been given a Blackberry by a friend who had it on contract with MTN. It appears that MTN has blocked any other service providers sim cards being used on it. I am on Vodacom and every time I put it into the Blackberry I just get a white screen with a tiny timer on it and it stays there for ages. I cannot even switch it off.
Hey Joanne,
Eish, unfortunately I don’t have a clue. I’ve once put my MTN sim card into my friends VodaCom BlackBerry which is on contract.
I think the best would be to call VodaCom.
Sorry. You can try and do a hard reset and/or soft reset on the phone:
A hard reset involves physically removing the battery from the BlackBerry smartphone and then reinserting it. To perform a hard reset, complete the following steps:
Remove the battery cover from the back of the BlackBerry smartphone.
Remove the battery, and then reinsert it after a few seconds.
Replace the battery cover.
A soft reset is a three-key combination that resets the BlackBerry smartphone without removing the battery. It is only available on BlackBerry smartphone models with a QWERTY keyboard. Do not attempt to perform a soft reset on BlackBerry smartphones that are equipped with SureType® technology or the SurePress™ touch screen, such as the BlackBerry® Pearl™ Series, BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip Series, and BlackBerry® Storm™ smartphone.
To perform a soft reset, complete the following steps:
Press and hold the Alt key on the BlackBerry smartphone.
While holding down the Alt key, press and hold the Right Shift key.
With both of those buttons still pressed, press the Backspace/Delete key. The display on the BlackBerry smartphone turns off to indicate that the reset has started, and the keys can now be released.
Hi, try this site, just follow the instructions to the “T”
http://techchai.com/2011/07/24/how-to-unlock-any-blackberry-phone-locked-to-any-network-provider-with-an-unlock-code/
Thanks a lot! M checkin out 4 ma gf cos we’ve chatin wit sms’es n its costly. Thanx again
Hey Francdore, I haven’t tried this as yet, but it seems sensible and to the point. This is exactly what those mega corps (service providers) don’t want you to see. Beautiful stuff, well written article and to the point! Thank You for shairng this with us!
Thank you soooooooooo much guys!
Thanx a million
So glad Google sent me to your blog as I was searching for options! YAY connected
Thanks dude
thanks for the info, greatly appreciated
why cant the service providers just put simple instruction like this on their own sites? they always have to make things so complicated…..haha
Thank you so much!!!
Thanks so much. I do however still have a problem as its not working for me. If I dial *141*11# a message pops up saying “This service is only available to MTN Pay as you Go and MTN AnyTime and MTN off peak TopUp customers”. Weird!!
Why would it do that if im on prepaid?
Hey,
Maybe first type in *141# and then follow the instructions. Maybe there’s an error on MTN’s side?
If you don’t come right, call the customer service desk.
thanks i’ll try that.
Hello, pls can any one help me with suggestions, i didnt find anything on the mtn website, am currently in the states and my num is on roaming, AT&T appears on my blackberry device and my bis worked for about 3 months, but its just suddenly stoped and my subscription is still on, dont knw wat the problem is……
YOU ARE THE MAN!!! Thankyou so much for this!! Waisted over 30 bucks airtime calling different customercare lines and after what felt like hrs of holding and transferring, i finally was helped. But by then i had used up all my airtime and then had to get more!! *bbm cant watch face* lol this is so much easier!!!!
Thanx a lot! I’ve been struggling every month, never again!!
Am not sure this wil work for XPERIA mini.and for my girlfriend samsung star help me pliz
Thanks, been on BlackBerry & Vodacom for help but found it here
Dude lyk iv got a problem wit my fone. After charging my fone via PC all my media files disappeared this includes pictures, music, videos n voice notes I hav no idea wher they r! Oh n wen I take picture they jus won’t appear on the picture folder plzzzzzzzzz helppppppp….. Desperate
Hey, I activated my BIS using you method, but it says it’s activated but it’s still not working. I rebooted my phone as well. Does BIS usually take a while to activate? I also tried deactivating it, and reactivating it, but it will not let me deactivate it! Thanks so much! x
Woaw guys. I just wna know 1 thng. I dnt want to buy airtime all the time to activate. So is it possible to just subscribe 4 a couple of m0thns and jst pay 1 off for a couple of m0nths? By the way im MTN… Plz plz help
Hi, I baught a 2nd hand BB that is on Cell C – I transfered my Vodacom no to Cell C – however I have endless problems I alwas get the RED SOS I can’t make calls most of the time and can’t receive calls, Can I change the BB to Vodacom (as it it Cell C) and if I can how do I do it.
Thanks
I don’t know what I would’ve have done without you. I have been googling for hours and there you were just like an agel ready to help. You are a lifesaver. Ta
You Rock!!
Hey there thanx 4 all ur help, I just wonder if u cud help me, I’m on the vodacom step up 75s contract and was wondering if I buy me airtime seeing as it is a top up contract if I cud use it 2 purchase bis, I’m currently using a mtn sim card cause when I tried loading bis from my vodacom sim it shows error. I wud really appreciate ur help on this one thanx.
you rock boet, you’re diffinitly “AYOBA”
thank you
Thank you!
Dude!! you are a star!!! Why can Vodacom not have this info so easily available…
You saved me hours and I will pay it forward…
Pleasure dude. I hope all the BIS codes are still correct. If anyone notices that the codes aren’t working, please drop me an email on the contact page.
wow that’s helpful…thx to you
So glad somebody did this! Thank you. All my kids are on different networks and I can’t keep up with who must sms what.
Does anyone know how to check the expiry date of the bbm service without waiting for a reminder msg from vodacom_ this is on a pre-paid service. This is my first month and I dont even know if vodacom does send a reminder msg.
Err… I have the same problem as Han.. I activated and so on using the mtn method, stated that it was activated but no bis next to the signal icon notifying me that Its on.. Can’t use it yet. Is there a delay or maybe a time period before it is officially activated and ready to use?..
Got friends asking this side as well
my blacberry does not browse anymore i don’t know why?
I know, because it’s a BlackBerry.
i dialed *141*2# which option do i choose after?
Thank u so much. This just saved me a whole week of frustration. U r just too kind. Bless u!
Thanks for the information , i am going to try it now then i will come again to say how it works. Have a wonderful day.
When trying 2 activate my bis.. Dailling *141*11#.. It says “your bis could not be completed” why is that? I’m struggling for 2days now
Probably the best BB reference on the net. Well done!!
Thanks sooo much for this, I am completely impatient when trying to get things done and after spending more than enough time trying to google for answers I found your blog!!! Yayness!!
Pleasure!
Thank u so such especially with activation of R62 every month is the best one. MERRY CHRISTMAS
I luv u so much u r such a darling if I knew u I would kiss u ryte now
I have an MTN blackberry and i did pot a cell c sim in show what mast i do 2 set up my b.i.s or mast i get an MTN simcard ?
Hi ,anyone who can help please,I struggle to activate my bis ,I used this method *141*11# it says the service its only 4 pay as u go,top up and off peak customers only and I’m a top up customer,pls help or there s other method?
wow u are a lifesaver tnx amillion im a new blackberry user but tnx 2 u im ready to role!!! u are a *
MTN is now *141*2#
Hi guys!With MTN *141*11# doesn’t work any more.Do any one know how to activate BIS on pay-as-you-go?
I tried 2 activate my bis and it saing no longer available, I’m using *141*11*1# and it doesn’t wanna work pls help me
Use the instructions up there. Worked for me:
Before activating your BIS, make sure you have more that R62 on your phone. This amount will be subtracted from your airtime and you will have BIS for a month. Every month it will take R62. You’ll also receive an sms a couple of days before the renewal date each month to remind you to have airtime on your phone.
If you want to activate your Blackberry internet service for MTN Prepaid, you need to Dial:
*141*2# and press the call button.
This will activate it for you!
So I loaded BIS then I typed in *141*11# .its 2 days now and my bbm still not working ?is it still that code of *141*2# ? For mtn ?
HI FIRST TIME I USED THE ABOVE PROCESS IT DID ACTIVATE THE BIS AND NOW I TRY IT FOR THE SECOND TIME IT SAYS SOMETHING LIKE OPTION NO LONGER AVAILABLE, PLEASE ANYBODY WHO CAN HELP A.S.A.P I REALLY NEED IT ACTIVATED
I have put in *141*11# and it says bis not available on bb10???? Never had a problem to activate my MTN bb and now what? Where do I go from here to activated my bis? I need it to work for work purposes. Please can someone help me?
There’s 8ta too, there’s a little guide here:
http://www.8ta.com/media/downloads/How_do_I_connect_to_the_BlackBerry_Internet_Service.pdf
Hi. Thanks for this. I have added it to the page. If anyone else have any updates, please let me know.
thanks a million! Was just about to throw my BB against the wall then phoning MTN to crap on them!
I loaded my 200mb on mtn, but still my phone shows small letters edge and does not want to work.
I even phoned the *141*2# and still my bb does not work
Mtn sucks ,am moving and with all my friends .
What’s happening with MTN? I hear everyone complain about it. I have a contract with them for my BB. I hear people can’t download or use the internet. Can someone explain what’s happening?
it was a breeze compared to the customer service line,
must have my head examined.
MTN..
thanks
I purchased a R20 bis on MTN and now my phone is saying my wi fi is not active buut the edge on top of the screen is now written in capital letters but still i cannot go on whatsapp,mxit or any social network so i really do not know the problem because it was my first time activating my bis. any1 who wishes to help me should send me an email at akhomacingwane@gmail.com
guys can you please post the options you chose coz i’m confused i dialed *141*2# but still
I was once an mtn customer,then it was said that they don’t have bis anymore they just provide you with 200mb worth R59,of which those megabytes don’t even last a month ,and once you ran out of data bundles you need to top-up,I mean why would I want to spend so much while I can still get my bis from my other network,so what I dd I just port my number to other network and now I have my bis and I can access the internet without the worry of the data bundles.
Hi mapaseka,am triying to activate my BIS on MTN,since they change the easiest way can u pls send those settings please.my email is,junior.munyai@gmail.com.nxa MTN sucks now.
This number from MTN *141*2# is never available is there nomber that I can phone to speak to an opperator please