Data charges for Wavecomm Q64 in low signal locations

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mlcarter

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#78580 4-Mar-2011 13:28

Hello,
I'm using Q64 modules in a machinery monitoring/tracking application. Data volumes are very low.(2k per day). I'm using 2Degrees Prepay Sims. On checking the web data use statistics I find that I get a 0.00Mb 0.01charge on startup even without activating the APN GPRS connection and in low signal areas will get the 0.01 charge at a frequency of up 1 every 8 minutes with no data uploads at all. I have tryed de-activating the APN connection after use but the result is the same. Can someone suggest how to prevent this? Is there a billing error, GPRS traffic should not be possible with the APN stopped?
Thanks for any adeas

SaltyNZ

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#445497 4-Mar-2011 13:39

All I can suggest is that it must still be activating a PDP context. 1c is the minimum charge, and will be applied as soon as the PDP context is activated, regardless of data transferred.

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pwner

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#445536 4-Mar-2011 15:16

if you are under 2degrees canopy just leaving the APN info will not stop the device creating a PDP context. You need to make sure the device does not try to creating a PDP context if you want to avoid getting charged money.

if you don't put an APN in it will default to the internet APN

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n4

959 posts

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#445557 4-Mar-2011 16:03

Putting in a false APN eg 'False APN' should stop it connecting.

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mlcarter

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#445638 4-Mar-2011 19:33

good idea I'll try that, thanks

mlcarter

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#446230 7-Mar-2011 11:27

Hello I tried not opening the bearer and to be sure used an invalid APN but still get the charge on startup. Is there some non-GPRS data exchange that I could being charged for?

SaltyNZ

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#446234 7-Mar-2011 11:40

mlcarter: Hello I tried not opening the bearer and to be sure used an invalid APN but still get the charge on startup. Is there some non-GPRS data exchange that I could being charged for?

Not for 1c, no.

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mlcarter

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#446294 7-Mar-2011 13:29

This is my own code on an OPENAT Wavecomm Machine. I know exactly that bearer was not open and have not sent any GPRS TCPIP!

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mlcarter

23 posts

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#446656 8-Mar-2011 14:26

It turns out that the machine remembers the APN from before the previous shut-down and re-activates this on power up. But of interest in low signal areas where the GPRS is dropping in and out you are charged each time.

SaltyNZ

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#446663 8-Mar-2011 14:41

mlcarter: It turns out that the machine remembers the APN from before the previous shut-down and re-activates this on power up. But of interest in low signal areas where the GPRS is dropping in and out you are charged each time.

Yes, like I said, 1c is the minimum charge for a GPRS session.

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johnr

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#446673 8-Mar-2011 15:28

1 cent per GPRS pdp context or GPRS attach?

pwner

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#446677 8-Mar-2011 15:34

johnr: 1 cent per GPRS pdp context or GPRS attach?

PDP context, i don't think anyone would charge for an Attach as most data enabled devices will register with the network to be GPRS attached automatically. A PDP context is actually required for any data to pass and so that is the standard charging mechanism.

I do think Vodafone ask their handset manufacturers to make the devices not GPRS attach by default to minimize loading on the SGSN.

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SaltyNZ

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#446686 8-Mar-2011 15:51

Yes, per PDP context, not attach.

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johnr

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#446690 8-Mar-2011 16:11

pwner:
johnr: 1 cent per GPRS pdp context or GPRS attach?

PDP context, i don't think anyone would charge for an Attach as most data enabled devices will register with the network to be GPRS attached automatically. A PDP context is actually required for any data to pass and so that is the standard charging mechanism.

I do think Vodafone ask their handset manufacturers to make the devices not GPRS attach by default to minimize loading on the SGSN.

Just double checking

mlcarter

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#446714 8-Mar-2011 17:59

"Yes, per PDP context, not attach."

Are you sure it looks like its each time it attachs in a low signal area where its dropping in and out. The context would be retained?

n4

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#446717 8-Mar-2011 18:08

mlcarter: "Yes, per PDP context, not attach."

Are you sure it looks like its each time it attachs in a low signal area where its dropping in and out. The context would be retained?

Depends where you are. If you are in poor 2degrees coverage with VF coverage available, you may be switching between the two, which will end the context for sure. Try locking it to 2degrees in that case.

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