Porting to FNB Connect while using an iPhone

<p>I recently ported to FNB from Vodacom. When my port was completed I added R30 airtime and until now I have not made a call. I also had a data bundle and wifi available at all times.</p> <p> </p> <p>I noticed that my airtime is getting less and on my statement I can see that several SMSs have been sent to the number + ********** 05094. </p> <p> </p> <p>Upon further investigation it seems that this number is being used by Apple to send an SMS to their server and waits for a reply before activating iMessage and Facetime on an iPhone, when the SIM is changed. </p> <p> </p> <p>This charge is carried by all decent cellular providers and is transparent to the user. </p> <p> </p> <p>From this official Apple support (https://support.apple.com/en-za/HT201422) the order of dealing with Facetime activation is to ensure that you have the latest version of iOS and then to contact your service provider "If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can receive SMS messages". </p> <p> </p> <p>So, if my phone is not able to activate Facetime on FNB and needs to send an SMS several times, then I hold FNB responsible, not my iPhone.</p> <p> </p> <p>Again, this is not an SMS that a user is aware of. It happens in the background. My phone did warn me of charges that may apply, but it doesn't specify what it is doing or for what reason. Since I was never charged for this on any other network the assumption is that a reputable network like FNB would not charge the user for this.</p> <p> </p> <p>It is entirely in their interest that iPhone users have a seamless and fully supported experience while on the FNB network.</p> <p> </p> <p>I am very disappointed that FNB is referring me to Apple for this issue and is not willing to carry the charges on my behalf. If my phone was not able to verify while on the FNB network, I don't see it as my problem.</p>