How does Mobile Data work??

[malamute63]

Hello everyone! I thought i understood the mobile data function,,but it seems i don't. I thought,,that when you were away from a wifi spot,( and i'm on a prepaid card),,and i wanted to access the internet,,i just had to flick on the mobile data,,and i would be on the internet and be charged appropriately. But..every time i flick on mobile data,,whether i'm on Facebook or anything,,there is no internet connection.

I don't get it???? Any thoughts? Thank you

 

[Rukbat]

You probably have to set up the APN (if you're using AT&T or TMobile as a carrier) or download the current PRL (if you're using Sprint or Verizon as a carrier). If the prepaid card doesn't have one of them on it, and you're in the US, you'll have to find out which carrier your provider has you on. (Some of them use only 1, some like Straight Talk use all 4.)

 

[ORA1]

All data is carrier related. In any country, your data is supplied through the carriers own equipment.
If you have a sim card, either contract or pay as you go, you should have access to data. This is assuming that your data usage hasnt expired, if so then to have to buy more or top up.

 

[malamute63]

Thanks for the replys. I think i worked it out. I live in Dubai, and there are no carriers. You either have a plan, or you purchase data on a pre paid card. Prepaid cards are specific. You are either buying for "more credit", " more time, more international time or more data.

Thank you

 

[ORA1]

I would say thats the way it mostly works everywhere.
But if you go to another country, turn you data off, otherwise they bill you 10 times more.