Could not use data when roaming - what was I doing wrong?

[BibbyBeeMan]

I recently went to Kazakhstan and, based on the research I did, assumed my EE SIM would allow data roaming. However, when I got there my iPhone connected to a 3G network. I could not use the link in the EE roaming text message I received when I arrived to access the EE portal to buy data, as I could not connect to the internet. I did have mobile broadband and roaming on in the Settings. I could make calls and send and receive SMS messages. Should I have just bought a local SIM when I arrived? Is the issue that the connection was 3G not 4G? I just don't understand how to use the mobile broadband when you can't connect to the internet to purchase any. What was I doing incorrectly? Thanks.

[Northerner]

Hi @BibbyBeeMan 

EE are not responsible for foreigner networks. You will receive what can/is provided by the local network by way of connectivity. 

Did you try connecting manually.

Thanks 

[bristolian]

Both 3G & 4G support mobile data, but specific config and/or connectivity may be network-dependent.

Manually connecting to alternative local networks often resolves similar issues, assuming "mobile data" & "data roaming" are both enabled in your phone's menus.

[Rach_H]

Hi @BibbyBeeMan,

Welcome to the Community!

I hope you had an amazing time in Kazakhstan!

It sounds like your plan might not be set up for worldwide roaming. Did you speak with our team before your trip to ensure this was active?

Rach

[BibbyBeeMan]

Thanks for your help!

When I landed in Kazakhstan, I received the following SMS from EE:

Welcome to Kazakhstan. While you're here costs include
Calls: £2.52/min to make & £2.52/min to receive. 
Texts: 82p to send 
Picture Message: 89p to send
Using data is worry free, just choose a data add-on by clicking add-on.ee.co.uk for free (make sure data roaming is ON). You'll get a set amount of data, but should it run out we'll check if you want more, so you always know what you're spending. 
You can also send the word "ROAMINGDATA" to 150 for free and we will respond with a list of options for you. 
For the best network coverage your handset must automatically select a network. To do this, choose your phone from: http://ee.co.uk/help/phones-and-device next select 'Connectivity' then 'Selecting Network'

I was connected to "Kcell" - a local provider - but when I clicked on add-on.ee.co.uk (in order to select the add-on), I couldn't because the page never loaded in the phone's browser. Kcell appeared to be a 3G network.

I did not speak to anyone but I did send "ROAMING" to 150 and it appeared to be setup correctly. 

[BibbyBeeMan]

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@Northerner wrote:

Hi @BibbyBeeMan 

EE are not responsible for foreigner networks. You will receive what can/is provided by the local network by way of connectivity. 

Did you try connecting manually.

Thanks 

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Indeed, this is why I asked the question about 3G networks.

I am not sure what you mean by connecting manually? Are you able to explain a little more how I would achieve this? Thanks. 

[Rach_H]

That's no problem at all @BibbyBeeMan.

If you go to Mobile Service > Network Selection > Turn off 'Automatic', you should be able to manually switch to another network.

Rach