Frequently Asked Questions

Do you supply Micro SIMs for iPad and other devices?

Yes. We supply Micro SIMs. They can also be added to the SIMcontrol monitoring service. We take care of the Micro SIM activation, including RICA registration and SIM swap.

How long do data bundles last, and when do they expire?

Data bundles expire at the end of the following month in which they are loaded. In other words, if a data bundle is loaded on say the 10th of January, the unused portion will expire at the end of February.

What should I do if my hardware and/or SIM is stolen.

Unlike a contract SIM, your managed pre-paid SIM cannot be abused. To remove the SIM from future recharges, simply send the SIM number to mon[at]flickswitch.co.za and ask us to suspend the SIM. If there is remaining credit on the SIM, we can arrange for a SIM swap, thereby retaining the same number and credit. We can also assist to blacklist your stolen device or modem. To do this, we need the device IMEI number.

What about RICA. It’s the law right?

How much does a location lookup cost?

A successful LBS lookup is charged at R2 (including VAT). An unsuccessful lookup (when the SIM is not active on the network) is charged at R0.60c.

Why is there a price difference between successful and unsuccessful lookups?

The network charges us for a lookup, whether the SIM is found or not. We don’t however believe we should profit from an unsuccessful lookup.

Can I look up the location of a SIM that is active in a device, but has not been registered with SIMcontrol?

No. The lookup service is only for SIM’s that are being monitored by Flickswitch SIMcontrol. The service is only available for SIM’s in telemetry devices that we have pre-authorised for location based services.

How accurate is the location lookup?

The location lookup accuracy is dependent on several factors, including base station coverage and other network factors. We cannot guarantee pin-point accuracy. The data received is more of an approximation than an exact physical location.

How long does it take to receive a response after a lookup request is submitted?

Most location lookups are delivered within a minute or two of the request via e-mail, but could take up to 12 hours. The service is network dependent, and results cannot be guaranteed. You will not be charged for any lookups that are submitted and not processed.

I haven’t received a location e-mail response. What now?

Firstly, check your e-mail spam folder for an e-mail from mon [at] flickswitch.co.za. It could be that the lookup was not successful. This could be as a result of network instability or that the SIM card is not active on the network. It could also be that your device has run out of power, or that the SIM is out of cellular network range.

Do I need a positive purse balance to execute location lookups?

Yes.

What does it cost?

The SIMcontrol management fee is R7 per SIM card per month. It manages and optimises your data, voice or SMS use which results in savings and better control. There is a once-off activation fee of R10 per SIM. Why not let us analyse your existing spend at no charge to give a more accurate indication of savings?

How does SIMcontrol work?

You set up custom recharge rules, with a minimum balance and recharge amount (airtime, data or SMS bundles). Many SIM’s can be linked to one recharge rule. We monitor your SIM’s daily, and recharge them when they reach the minimum balance. This ensures SIM’s are always operational, and recharged with a minimum level of data or airtime. You have full control through our SIMcontrol website. Recharges are deducted from you pre-funded purse. You receive one invoice, and have the peace of mind that your SIM’s are optimally managed and not abused.

How does it compare to a long-term contract?

SIMcontrol has no mandatory contract length, so you can cancel the service at any time. Recharges are loaded at the same standard contracts rates. (Available at www.vodacom.co.za)

Because we use pre-paid SIM's, you don't carry the large financial risk associated with abused or stolen SIM card use. Total flexibility means that you can activate and de-activate SIM’s as you wish. You also avoid high out-of-bundle rates.

Can I use and existing SIM, or do I need new ones?

You can add any existing Vodacom prepaid SIM to the SIMcontrol service. Contract SIMs can be converted to prepaid only after the contract term has ended. We also supply new prepaid SIMs at R1 each, activated and RICA’d.

Can you manage MTN SIM cards?

We can set up scheduled automatic (i.e. once per month) or ad-hoc recharges of MTN cards. Unfortunately we do not offer SIM monitoring on MTN cards (yet). Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Why do I have to prefund my purse?

We monitor your SIM cards and recharge them with bundles or airtime on your behalf as prescribed by your recharge rules. Because the monitoring process is done in real-time and automatically, you need positive credit in your purse at all times. You can top up your purse at any stage by Electronic Funds Transfer, Direct Deposit or Debit Order.

How do I add or remove SIM cards on the SIMcontrol service?

Simply send your SIM details to mon [at] flickswitch.co.za. SIMs supplied by us are RICA’d and automatically added to your SIMcontrol profile.

How do I do an ad-hoc or once-off SIM recharge?

We can do ad-hoc recharges or overrides on monitored SIMcontrol cards. In the SIMcontrol portal, click on “Request Recharge” next to the SIM needing a recharge. Ad-hoc recharges are usually executed within 4 hours during normal business hours.

If I load a data bundle are voice calls possible?

No. Data bundles cannot be used as voice credit. This restricts SIM abuse. If needed, we can load a combination of data bundles, SMS bundles and voice airtime on each SIM.

Can I remove a SIM card and add it again?

Yes, a removed SIM can be re-activated as long as it is still available on the network, and has not been recycled. We charge a system activation fee of R10 per card. We also “keep alive” SIM’s not currently being recharged, by loading minimum airtime top-ups to keep the SIM active.

How often does SIMcontrol check SIM card balances?

SIM's are monitored periodically between 1 and 4 times per day. There are various network factors that influence this, but you can be assured that the data you see on the SIMcontrol portal is accurate as of the last 24 hours. To be extra safe, make sure your minimum recharge level is set at a level that will at least cover one day’s use.

How long does it take to recharge a SIM?

From when an ad-hoc recharge request is received or an automatic rule is triggered, recharges may take up to 24 hours to reflect on the SIM, although this usually takes place within 2 to 6 hours. Ad-hoc recharge requests are only processed Mon-Fri during normal office hours.

What use is the www.simcontrol.co.za website to me?

The SIMcontrol website is your personal management tool. This secure online portal can be used to check your purse balance, check use on specific SIM's or pull detailed usage reports 24 hours per day. It is a great way to keep control of your SIM usage.

Why has my account been suspended?

Your services will only be suspended if the credit in your purse has run out. We will try and warn you via e-mail before this happens, which will allow you to top up your purse. If your purse balance runs out, no recharges can be done. We will still monitor your SIM's for 7 days, and you can access the SIMcontrol website.

If your purse still has no credit after 7 days we will suspend SIMcontrol services. A re-activation charge may be levied to re-activate SIM's. If you are not the administrative type, or you would like to ensure uninterrupted services, why not use our easy debit order option for always-on-time purse payments?