Pre pay texting

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Pre pay texting

madcarue

86 posts

Master Geek

#198840 25-Jul-2016 11:04

I am a beginner with smart phones and have just purchased a Galaxy J2 and using Spark pre pay, is the data I purchase just for voice calling ?

I tried ( 3 times) to text a relative in the UK last evening using the international code 0044 and got the message “Failed” it was via my home WiFi and I have Mobile data switched off.

deadlyllama

1264 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1598080 25-Jul-2016 11:11

Data (cellular, paid-for, or wifi) is used for web browsing, apps, etc. Texting and voice calls are charged separately. If you're not buying packs that contain minutes or texts, you will be charged separately per text.

thecatsgoolies

414 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#1598083 25-Jul-2016 11:15

Save contacts with + not 00

madcarue

86 posts

Master Geek

#1598130 25-Jul-2016 11:54

Thanks deadly, I thought that was the case and I can make local voice calls.

Now cats...g, the number saved in my phone book shows as 0044 prefix so do I just edit that and enter +44 in place of?

thecatsgoolies

414 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#1598133 25-Jul-2016 12:01

Yes

madcarue

86 posts

Master Geek

#1598143 25-Jul-2016 12:32

Done that, still failed??

thecatsgoolies

414 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#1598147 25-Jul-2016 12:40

Did you drop leading 0 after 44?

semigeek

1606 posts

Uber Geek

#1598197 25-Jul-2016 13:47

Just a bit of information, why don't you install an app like Whatsapp or Viber and then you will be able to call and text your UK relative for free. Of course, they will need one of the apps on their phone too, so you could always ask them by email if they have either.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

Stu

Hammered
8347 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1598201 25-Jul-2016 13:54

Have you successfully sent a text message to local numbers? Was the phone purchased from Spark? Are you absolutely sure you have the number correct? Which network are they on?

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies - Backblaze -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

evnafets

537 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1598203 25-Jul-2016 13:59

To extend on deadlyllama's earlier comment.

Data is used for web browsing / apps
Calls/texts on the cellular network are charged seperately

However you can also send text messages and make phone calls over the internet using an app (WhatsApp, Viber, Skype etc). In that case you would be using "data" rather than the cellular network to make the call / send the text message. Using "data" is what makes apps like this so popular - because it is generally cheaper than the rates charged by your provider - particularly for overseas calls. And if you can use your home wifi - even better.

However you would need to install the application (Viber / Whatsapp) on your phone and use that app to send the message / make the call rather than the "in built" call and messaging options on your phone.

madcarue

86 posts

Master Geek

#1598212 25-Jul-2016 14:18

thecatsgoolies: Did you drop leading 0 after 44?

No I replaced 0044 with +44 the UK code 078 was left as is. I am wondering if I was given the correct number and I will try texting a local number. I can text local OK.