Cannot connect in Colombia

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MartinGZ

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#253001 21-Jul-2019 04:21

Cannot connect to local network in Bogota, Colombia. Could connect OK in Santiago, Chile.

If I do a manual network selection, the only network that says I can connect is Movistar (which I believe is Colombia Telecommunications), but when I select it, after a bit, a notification comes through saying "The operator's network you selected can't be found". The other operator's that are listed (as forbidden) are: Claro, TIGO, and Avantel. Same on two 2D phones.

All this was outlined in 2 emails ref190716-000679 & 190718-000517.

My Sim in another phone that can connect to Movistar has the same issues. Another Sim that does work in a friend's phone works in my phone.

Any idea of how this can be solved?

Only 4 days left here so will get by, and certainly won't need the phone at a Colombian wedding this afternoon :-) But I don't want to have the same issue in Peru which is our next stop.

Regards Martin

BTW. Not impressed with the response from 2D. 2 unanswered emails and a 20 minute conversation with the help desk last night where I was told it was not a 2D issue and that I needed to take it up with the local operator. That lack of problem ownership was why I left Vodafone years ago for 2D. If two 2D sims do not work, I see it as a 2D issue.

Nokia 6110, 6210, 6234, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, Huawei Ideos X5 (Windows Mobile), Samsung Galaxy SIII, LG G4, OnePlus 5, iPhone Xs Max (briefly), S21 Ultra. And I thought I hadn't had many phones - but the first one around 1997.

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#2280558 21-Jul-2019 07:51

Does your handset support Wi-Fi calling? This might be a good work around and zero cost

Kiwifruta

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#2280563 21-Jul-2019 08:26

I used to live in Bolivia. I know the Bolivian phones operated on a different set of frequencies/bands to NZ phones, so I suspect it’s the same in the other Latin American countries. You may have to buy a cheap phone from the local markets. The local SIM cards are cheap and often come loaded with credit.

Also it’s the 3rd world, and in my experience the norm was for things to just malfunction.

KiwiSurfer

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#2280565 21-Jul-2019 08:28

If you want international roaming, 2degrees isn't the best network for that. Prices are pretty horrible so maybe you saved quite a bit of money! If I was you, I'd have gone with Vodafone or a local SIM just for this trip.

hamish225

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#2280593 21-Jul-2019 09:59

Hey,

If you've already made sure roaming is unbared with 2degrees and there's no weirdness on their side they need to deal with, try a network settings reset this can sometimes help.

*Insert big spe*dtest result here*

graham007

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#2280595 21-Jul-2019 10:06

used vodafone nz roaming in south america - peru brazil chile argentina, was smooth overall , no hickups no issues except maybe the odd moments of drop offs due to altitude etc.

i dont think any other provider has such good roaming alliances in place full stop

wifi calling may be ok - if u are staying in resort sipping cocktails on the pool , but when you are on the move, on the road, you need a good 4g / 3g to keep in touch, do social etc, and voda does it best

Linux

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#2280597 21-Jul-2019 10:12

hamish225:
Hey,

If you've already made sure roaming is unbared with 2degrees and there's no weirdness on their side they need to deal with, try a network settings reset this can sometimes help.

@hamish225 it will add zero value in this case as the OP is doing a manual network selection and the attach is being rejected

scottjpalmer

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#2280607 21-Jul-2019 10:46

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

KiwiSurfer

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#2280839 21-Jul-2019 16:03

At these prices hell would freeze over before I dare turn my phone on in Colombia without swapping out for a SIM with more civilised pricing!

Linux

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#2280851 21-Jul-2019 16:32

KiwiSurfer:

At these prices hell would freeze over before I dare turn my phone on in Colombia without swapping out for a SIM with more civilised pricing!

Not helpful if you have to use your New Zealand number while away

I would use Wi-Fi calling in this case and if no Wi-Fi about turn off phone

KiwiSurfer

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#2280856 21-Jul-2019 16:41

I am off overseas later this year and I recently ported over to Vodafone so I can take advantage of their overseas roaming, with the intention to port elsewhere upon my return if I can find a better deal elsewhere. No reason why one must stay with 2degrees in order to keep their NZ number—there are other options! But yes not helpful if you're overseas already. Reinforces the point that one should do their research before going overseas.

Behodar

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#2280876 21-Jul-2019 16:59

scottjpalmer:

At least texts are cheap, at less than 1 cent each!

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#2280880 21-Jul-2019 17:05

@2degreescare @Behodar Has a valid point you need to remove the . in front of the 79c/text

Edit: Same for Albania .79/text

And: The Bahamas, Bhutan

MartinGZ

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#2281034 22-Jul-2019 03:57

Thanks for all the feedback. Obviously nothing I can do.

Yup I was aware of the charges, but only wanted txts and emergency calls. I'm long enough in the tooth to be able to travel without being constantly online. Besides, the offline apps are pretty good these days - maps, guides etc. Any longer and I might have picked up a local Sim - really the only viable option if you want to use Uber.

@graham007 and others. It never occurred to me to change provider and I certainly wouldn't for short holidays. Up until now I've been a happy 2D customer, phones answered reasonably quickly, always helpful at the other end, and reasonable rates - in NZ. It's things like this that take away from that experience, hope they aren't going the way of the other providers

PS. I wish you people would not talk so loudly - head's a bit delicate after the wedding last night. Man these guys know how to party! :-)

Linux

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#2281042 22-Jul-2019 06:50

Does your handset support Wi-Fi calling and do you have access to Wi-Fi?

MartinGZ

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#2281211 22-Jul-2019 10:42

Linux: Does your handset support Wi-Fi calling and do you have access to Wi-Fi?

We have WiFi in the hotel. Phone (OnePlus 5) is not on the 2D list of phones being supported for WiFi calling. That seems to be restricted to Apple and Samsung.

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