Signal but no 3G data connection

<p>I recently purchased a new MTN SIM card to be used as a personal number, as I have already a number that my clients are using to contact me. I purchased the SIM card at Pick 'n Pay Menlyn Maine because the MTN store didn't stock micro SIM cards. After purchase I returned to the MTN store to have the SIM card RICA'ed. I was told that the RICA system was slow that day and could take up to 24 hours. I was advised to wait out the 24 hours before inserting the SIM card into the phone. After 24 hours I proceeded to insert the SIM card into the phone, got my new MTN number and all was well, or so though. I realized that my phone only showed cell reception with no data icon next to the signal indicator (Android phone). I tried making and recieving calls and SMS's and all tests where successfull. Thought it strange, I tried opening a web page in Google Chrome only to be told I am offline. I went to the Access Point Name settings and confirmed that the following MTN points was there:</p> <p>*MTN SA Web - APN: internet</p> <p>* MTN ZA - APN: myMTN</p> <p>* MTN ZA MMS - APN: myMTN</p> <p> </p> <p>I cycled between each APN with a power cycle of the device to no avail. I then though that maybe the device was DOA, so I proceed to test the SIM cards of other family members, CellC, MTN, MTN with Afrihost Data and Vodacom SIM cards upon inserting each SIM card I had full 3G/LTE on the phone, thus ruling out the possibility of a faulty device. Today the 21st January I headed to MTN Woodlands to ask the personel at the store if they could assist. Compliments to the store staff, they where much friendlier and willing to help than MTN Menlyn Maine. They looked at phone settings, took SIM card out, inserted into store phone and store phone then had no 3G also, thus confirming that there is a problem with SIM card. They indicated to me, that maybe it is because it is still a new SIM card, the data must still be activated on the network side and I must return in 48 hours if I still have the same problem. The SIM card is about 10 days old, so I know from past expierence that this is not the issue. Other MTN SIM cards I assisted family members with, immediatly had active mobile data connections upon activating the SIM card. The SIM card also has an active balance so I know that is not the problem. </p> <p> </p> <p>It is utterly rediclious the training that store staff recieve and the responses one is provided with. I now have a dumb phone as the smart side is not working due to MTN's incompetance. Let's see how good MTN service is, and if they truly care about their clients who are supporting them, and providing their income and salaries that they just take for granted, forgetting in actual fact who is paying them, not MTN but your loyal clients.</p>