By enabling this service for a fieldworker’s SIM card, you are able to automatically specify recharges consisting of airtime, data, SMS bundles or a combination. Configured recharges take place without your intervention and only if a fieldworker’s credit drops below a predefined threshold.

By recharging with data only, misuse of provided airtime can be dramatically reduced along with the associated logistics of monitoring, purchasing and loading of traditional airtime.

Currently this service is available for all prepaid Vodacom and MTN SIMs in South Africa.

Please contact us should you wish to enable this service and for pricing information.

One way to prevent airtime being used for personal calls and messaging is to convert it into data – which can only be used for internet connectivity from the handset. Although it is still possible for a fieldworker to use data inappropriately (such as for personal web browsing), the risk of large amounts of airtime being used is significantly reduced.

On the Vodacom network for example, there are a number of ways to purchase prepaid data bundles, but a really simple way to purchase a data bundle is via SMS. Once you’ve provided the fieldworker with sufficient airtime, they must simply be instructed to send an SMS specifying the bundle they need to purchase to a toll-free number. For example, to purchase a 5MB data bundle from Vodacom, they would send “MYMEG 5″ to the Vodacom short code “100″.

Purchasing a 5MB data bundle from Vodacom via SMS

To simplify the process even further, it may be worthwhile to save this message as an SMS template (supported by most handsets), which the fieldworker can use to initiate the request when instructed by a supervisor (usually on a monthly basis).

At the time of this post, a 5MB data bundle from Vodacom cost R9.25 and data bundles can carry over for a maximum of 60 days. More information on pricing and data bundle options can be found on Vodacom’s website.

You can also use USSD to purchase data bundles. MTN offer a similar service, via USSD, whereby the fieldworker dials a “USSD string” depending on the size of the bundle they wish to purchase. More info is available on MTN’s USSD FAQs page.

Even a 5MB data purchase is usually sufficient for even the most productive fieldworker – although obviously this depends on the nature and frequency of the data they collect.

What this means for organisations who have staff with SIM cards (prepaid or contract) and whether or not they use Mobile Researcher, is that these SIMs will need to be registered. Each organisation essentially has two options:

1. Request each fieldworker to complete the registration process. They will need to provide their ID book and proof of residence.
2. Nominate a representative who will register the SIM cards on behalf of the organisation.

Option 2 is the preferred option if the SIMs are owned by the organisation and, should the fieldworker leave the project or organisation, the SIM card will be reissued to another staff member. If option 1 is used in this case, the transfer of ownership would need to be recorded and the RICA process repeated for the new “owner”.

The actual RICA process itself is carried out by the relevant network operator by so-called “RICA officers”. These are generally any of the dealers, service centres or retailers where you would normally purchase SIM cards and/or airtime.

Should you procure handsets and/or SIM cards from us, we will be able to assist you in the RICA process.

Process for MTN prepaid SIMs

MTN allow you to pre-record the details of all the SIMs you wish to register, as well as either the fieldworker’s details (if selecting option 1 above) or the organisation representative’s details (option 2). You can also bulk upload all the mobile numbers you wish to register.

Once the necessary information has been submitted within 7 days, the fieldworker or representative will need to take their ID and proof of residential address to any MTN Dealer or Service Centre.

Process for Vodacom prepaid SIMs

Vodacom customers will need to register at Vodacom’s regional Walk-In Customer Care Centres and selected Vodashops, 4 U stores and other Vodacom outlets.