Roaming in Republic of Congo (Pointe-Noire)

[paulmcg2412]

Hi,

I've got my Data Roaming ON in my device settings (Samsung Galaxy S20). I've arrived in Pointe-Noire, Congo and have text ROAM to 150 - receiving a message back saying my roaming settings were now good and I was set up. I then purchased a plan for 4MB - again receiving confirmation text that this had been added to my Account and was ready to use.

Whenever I switch on Mobile Data, I get no connection to the Internet whatsoever. It isn't a coverage issue; as colleagues are using similar devices to Roam/Call/Text. Only one thing of note is that my phone automatically connected to CELTEL | EE. When I selected manually (as others were using Airtel), this does not appear in the list. I've been led to believe that CELTEL is the legacy name for Airtel; but as mentioned I cannot seem to connect here.

Attempted help online - won't let me access the chat. Have WiFi and used help in the app - got to the automated chatbot, after back and forward told me it would connect me to someone, but then told message support no longer available for this issue.

So, I've exhausted a lot of options and feeling a bit lost. Cannot phone to speak to someone in EE, as it's £3.91/min, and I don't see any alternative options to contact.

HELP

[XRaySpeX]

@paulmcg2412 : As you are on contract, did you activate roaming on your EE a/c before you left UK by texting ROAMING to 150? Having a roaming billing add-on doesn't of itself activate roaming on your a/c.

Often just rebooting the phone is the simple remedy. Also try selecting a network manually rather than auto. Otherwise you need to call CS to get your roaming activated. Try calling CS on the Freephone no. in my sig. on Skype over WiFi. It should be free. 

[paulmcg2412]

Hey @XRaySpeX ,

Thanks for the reply.

I messaged ROAM to 150 and got confirmation as mentioned in OP; although I think this was when I arrived, as opposed to before I left. Surely with the confirmation though it should still be set-up?

Have tried rebooting, should have mentioned. Also tried toggling ON/OFF just about everything (Mobile Data/Roaming/Flight Mode etc etc). I selected CELTEL both Auto and Manual; neither to any avail.

Maybe a silly question: although it's a "freephone" number, does the freephone not only apply to whilst in UK? In other words, if I phoned now (from Congo) it would be subject to roaming call fees?

[XRaySpeX]

I'm not suggesting that you dial that Freephone no. from a phone but on Skype over WiFi. 

[bristolian]

If your phone is connecting a local network, then roaming is active. Are you able to make & receive calls OK?

The standard advice when you have connectivity issues in a foreign country is to try connecting to an alternative local network. Are you saying that a particular operator is showing as available on another phone in the same location as yours where it's not listed? That would suggest a device-issue if so.