DebConf12/MobilePhonesAndData

Mobile Phones and Data Plans

some questions about how to use mobile phones and data in Nicaragua - still open Questions are marked with "TODO"):

The DebConf12 Website mentions some information on it there: http://debconf12.debconf.org/local-information.xhtml#phone-internet

how to actually book a data plan (for movistar and claro)?

• General explanation: booking the data plan works by sending a text message to a specific service number that contains a text with a code for the plan you want to book. You always need the according credit on your account, naturally.
• Claro:
  • "internet mobile" (data only?) http://claro.com.ni/wps/portal/ni/pc/personas/internet/internet-movil/internet-movil - it's expensive and something With Quasi-4G (no real WIMAX, according to xamanu) - you rather want the latter:
  • If you buy a chip to put in your cell phone (make sure it's a "chip intelligente", as it comes with 500Mb free to be used within 7 days). Once this bonus is over, you send a code (like "50", "100", "500" or "1GB") by SMS to 8833. those codes are explained here (click on the tab "Paquetes de Internet Movil Prepago").
• Movistar: General pricing info is available here: http://movistar.com.ni/Personas/Internet/Oferta.aspx
  • In addition, you can elect a "Movistar OnLine Full" plan with unlimited data for 1 USD plus tax per day. They are currently running a promotion with the first 5 days free, so if you're only staying in the country for a week this is not a bad deal at all. To activate:
    • dial '*SALDO' (*72536) to notify the system that your SIM is active.
    • text the string 'correo' to the number 2233
    • wait for the response welcome message
    • text the response 'B' (for non-BlackBerry devices)
    • wait for the response
    • text 'OL' to choose the OnLine Full plan.
    • Manually configure the APN with the following settings:
      • APN: internet.movistar.ni
      • username: movistarni
      • password: movistarni
  • You must have a minimum balance on your phone to be able to purchase this plan in the first place, despite the 5-day promotion.

how to I check my account balance?

• Movistar: dialing "*SALDO" gives spoken information in spanish - sending a text message with "SALDO" to 611 gives it as text message (help)
• Claro: dialing *812 - gives spoken information in spanish - sending a text message "Consulta" to 821 gives it as text message, costs 0.07USD+tax (help)

What's the Voice Mailbox Number?

• Claro: *855
• Movistar: *86