FAQs
Can all cellphones receive the DVB-H signal?
No. A cellphone must be DVB-H enabled in order to receive a DVB-H mobile TV signal.
If I travel during the trial period, will my DVB-H enabled cellphone work anywhere?
Well it depends. As a regular cellphone, it will work in areas with cellphone signal coverage.
To receive the DVB-H trial signal in areas where the DVB-H transmitters are located, the cellphone requires a compatible 128k USIM (see previous question). Remember that the DVB-H trial is being conducted only in selected suburbs in the greater Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town. For more information about the DVB-H trial signal coverage, please contact Customer Care on 011 289 2207.
If you are planning to travel abroad and roam, the cellphone may not work in all countries. Your service provider will be able to assist you with information about the DVB-H enabled cellphone working in the country you are going to visit. top
Can I continue to use another cellphone as well as the DVB-H enabled cellphone while I am participating in the trial?
Oh dear! As a field trialist we really would prefer you to use your personal SIM in the DVB-H enabled cellphone, and then use it as your primary cellphone for as long as you are participating in the trial. However, if you insist, you may use another cellphone as well as the DVB-H enabled cellphone during the trial. top
Does the trial cellphone have parental guidance, like TV? Will I be able to restrict content for my children?
Sorry! We are unable to activate "parental control" on the trial cellphones, That leaves the onus on you to ensure that only suitable content is viewed by someone else, including a minor, who may use your trial cellphone.
Will MultiChoice or my service provider pay for my calls, SMS texts, and any other services or applications that I use on the DVB-H enabled cellphone?
No, your cellphone calls, data and any other costs payable to your service provider or network operator are for your pocket. The free stuff is DStv-Mobile television including audio services, for the duration of the trial. If you are already a loyal DStv subscriber, your obligations to MultiChoice for DStv services remain the same and continue as usual. Please refer to your Participation Contract. top
What if I change my cellphone number or service provider for any reason during the trial?
Please tell us! MultiChoice needs to be notified of any change in your personal details, including changing your cellphone number. Contact the dedicated MultiChoice Call Centre and inform the consultant that you are a DVB-H trialist who needs to notify us of a change in personal details.
Call: (011) 289 2207. top
What if I change my method of payment to my service provider or network operator e.g. from a 'contract' to a 'pre-paid' or 'top up'?
Again, please tell us! MultiChoice needs to be notified of any change to your method of payment. Contact the MultiChoice Call Centre and inform the consultant that you are a DVB-H trialist who needs to notify us of a change in personal details. Call: (011) 289 2207. top
Please refer to your Participation Contract.
What happens if my DVB-H enabled cellphone is stolen or lost?
Go to the police station and report it before the sun sets, or at least within 24 hours so that you can be given a SAPS case number. After that, call the committed MultiChoice Call Centre, give your SAPS case number and advise that you are a DVB-H trialist who needs to notify us of a stolen or lost trial cellphone. Call: (011) 289 2207.
Insurance for the cellphone in your personal capacity is always a good idea, because if the cellphone is lost, stolen or has an out of warranty fault you may have to pay for it.
Citizens of South Africa are given Identity numbers, cellphones are identified with International Mobile Equipment numbers (IMEI). The next question naturally is “How do I find out what my cellphone’s IMEI number is?” Simple. Type *#06# on your keypad to display it. Write the IMEI number down and keep it in a safe place away from your cellphone because you may be asked for it in the event of reporting a technical fault or theft.
If I decide to stop participating in the trial, may I keep my DVB-H enabled cellphone? Can I hand my cellphone over to someone else who wants to participate in the trial?
No ways!! The DVB-H enabled cellphone remains the property of MultiChoice for the duration of the trial. Ownership of the cellphone passes on to you on successful completion of the trial. So if you decide you want out, give the cellphone back.
Please contact the trusty MultiChoice Call Centre in this regard. Call: (011) 289 2207.
Please refer to your Participation Contract. top
What do I do if I am having technical problems with my DVB-H enabled cellphone?
Call our dependable MultiChoice Call Centre to be directed to the applicable help centre for technically related issues and/or questions about your cellphone's applications and functionality. Call: (011) 289 2207
Can I give feedback at any time, or do I have to wait to be contacted by the independent research company?
Thanks for your enthusiasm!! Of course you can give us feedback and suggestions at anytime.
You can go to the CONTACT US section of this website or call the reliable MultiChoice Call centre in Johannesburg on : (011) 289 2207.
Untitled Document Nokia 5330 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have an error message on my phone, how do I continue accessing the Mobile TV?
A: Any error message on the handset can be resolved by following this easy step:
- From the Mobile TV Client,
- Select ‘Options’
- Select ‘Organise’
- Select ‘Delete All Channels’
- You will then need to repurchase/retrieve your subscriptions.
Q: Which channels will I be able to access?
- Channel O
- Cartoon Network
- Africa Magic
- eNews
- CNN
- SuperSport Blitz
- SuperSport 1
- SuperSport 2
- SuperSport 3
Q: How do I know that I have the correct APN settings on my phone?
A: The method you use is dependent on your Mobile Operator. There are three options to check whether you have the correct settings.
Option 1: APN Test
Go to the main menu -> select Settings -> Configuration check preferred access point which must be "vlive" for Vodacom or “mtn play” for MTN.
Option 2: Using the USSD String
For Vodacom type *111# then send, you will receive an sms displaying “Web Configurations has been sent to your phone”.
Reply' with '5' -> Select options -> send, 'reply' with '4' ->Select options -> send. You will receive at least 2 SMSs. Follow the instructions within the SMS.
For MTN type *123*13#, send, you will receive 2 SMS. Follow the instructions within the SMS.
Option 3: Automatic Delivery of settings
The Mobile operator automatically sends the settings via SMSs. Follow the instructions in the SMSs. The first one contains instructions and the second contains the pass code)
Q: There is no “Restore Mobile TV” option on my cellphone to reset the TV settings.
A: You can delete all channels as this works the same as “Restore Mobile TV” option on some of the cellphones. From the Mobile TV client, select Options -> Organize -> delete all channels
Q: Why did I not get a reminder to watch my favourite programme even though I set the reminder?
A; The phone does not have the capabilities to integrate the calendar alarm functionality into the mobile TV application, so the programme reminder will ring (phone beeps) but no message will display. It’s more an auditory reminder than a visual one.
Q: How do I set the reminder on a programme?
A: Go to the EPG -> select a channel -> select 'details' on a future programme -> select 'remind' -> back -> back
Q: I received an SMS while watching my Mobile TV but can’t seem to access it.
A: You will have to exit the Mobile TV service if you want to read the text message. The cellphone will beep to notify you of the incoming SMS but you will not be able to read it unless you exit the TV service.
Q: Why do I get the following message "Packet data connection not available" followed by "Server connection failed. Retry later" on my phone?
A: You will need to “Restore the Mobile TV” by Deleting all channels, restart the Mobile TV client and purchase again. From the Mobile TV menu, select Options -> Organize -> delete all channels
Q: I tried purchasing a subscription and I got an error message “Subscribe to Packet Data First” what does that mean?
A: This means that you do not have your APN settings saved on your phone or stored correctly. You will need to select one of the following options to resolve this depending on your service provider.
Option 1: APN Test
Go to the main menu of the phone -> select Settings -> Configuration check preferred access point which must be "vlive" for Vodacom or “mtn data” for MTN
Option 2: Using the USSD String
For Vodacom type *111# then send, your cellphone will display the message ‘Web configurations has been sent to your phone.’
'reply' with '5' -> Select options -> send, 'reply' with '4' ->Select options -> send. You will receive at least 2 SMSs. Follow the instructions within the SMS.
For MTN type *123*13#, send, you will receive at least 2 SMS. Follow the instructions within the SMS.
Option 3: Automatic Delivery of settings
The Mobile operator should automatically send the settings via an SMS. When receiving the SMSs (first one contains instructions, second contains the pass code) follow the instructions in the SMSs.
Q: I tried purchasing a subscription and I got an error message “Server not responding. Retry later” what does that mean?
A: This means that you do not have your APN settings saved on your phone or stored correctly. You will need to select one of the following options to resolve this depending on your service provider.
Q: I have retrieved my subscriptions however I still see the message “"This content needs to be purchased before viewing" what does this mean? A: This may occur even when the Rights Objects have been received. If that’s the case, you will need to restart your phone by switching it off and taking the battery and SIM card out. Put everything back and retrieve your subscription.
Error Codes
“Subscription failed: server error 30344”
You will need to retrieve your Rights Objects again by following the simple steps below:
- Select "Options"
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Select "My subscriptions"
- Select "Retrieve subscriptions"
You will receive a message that says, "Rights Objects Received". You should now be able to access Mobile TV. If it fails, please call us on 011 289 2264
"Subscription not allowed. Please contact service provider"
Scenario 1: Is your cellphone blacklisted?
Scenario 2: Is your SIM card blacklisted by your network operator?
Scenario 3: Were you issued that cellphone by DStv Mobile?
Cellphones issued by DStv Mobile to clients should be whitelisted to ensure that they can access Mobile TV.
"Subscription not possible because of charging problems. Please contact service provider "
You may need to re-scan your ESG and retry again. Use the simple steps below. From any programme.
- Select "Options"
- Select "Settings"
- Select " Programme Guide"
- Select the appropriate Bouquet
- Select "Options"
- Select " Rescan"
If the ESG update fails you are most likely outisde of a coverage area or in a weak coverage area. Try going outside and repeat the process again as being in a building may obstruct the signal.
"Subscription %U already existing with different subscription period. Check selection and try the subscription again."
You may need to re-scan your ESG and retry again. Use the simple steps below. From any programme.
- Select "Options"
- Select "Settings"
- Select "Programme Guide"
- Select the appropriate Bouquet
- Select "Options"
- Select "Rescan"
If the ESG update fails, you are most likely outside a coverage area or in a weak coverage area. Try going outside and repeat the process again as being in a building may obstruct the signal.
"No subcriptions found".
You will need to re-subscribe to the service.
"Subscription not possible because of charging problems. Please contact your service provider".
Prepaid: Please insure that you have sufficient airtime. If not, please top up your account and retry.
"Subscription not possible because of charging problems. Please contact your service provider".
Postpaid: There has been a charging error in our system.
We are still in a non-billing phase and will therefore look into the matter and rectify accordingly.
Please contact us on 011 289 2264
"Subscription not allowed. Please contact service provider".
Please contact our Call Centre as your SIM card serial number cannot be authorised by our system.
The number is 011 289 22 64
For any other related problems please call our Call Centre at 011 289 22 64