Vodafone India – GPRS for iPhone without Data Plan
Update: If you have the latest version of iOS (3.1.3, 4.0, 4.1 or later), please check update below.
Vodafone(India) will not allow to use the regular GPRS plan (Vodafone Live) on iPhone. We need to take special iPhone data plan which costs min of Rs 199. This is sort of insane, So I just took a crack at it and found a way to access the internet using the regular plan. I have an unlocked, jailbroken iPhone which is running 3.0 firmware. Please follow the below instructions.
Using OpenSSH, edit preferences.plist located in /private/var/preferences/SystemConfiguration.
Important: Make sure you take a backup of the original preferences.plist.
Around line number 89 (this is appox line number, contents of the file may change based on your phone settings) replace the <dict> with below <dict>
<dict> <key>Interface</key> <dict> <key>DeviceName</key> <string>ip1</string> <key>Hardware</key> <string>com.apple.CommCenter</string> <key>Type</key> <string>com.apple.CommCenter</string> <key>UserDefinedName</key> <string>com.apple.CommCenter (ip1)</string> </dict> <key>Proxies</key> <dict> <key>HTTPEnable</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>HTTPPort</key> <integer>9401</integer> <key>HTTPProxy</key> <string>10.10.1.100</string> </dict> <key>UserDefinedName</key> <string>com.apple.CommCenter (ip1)</string> <key>com.apple.CommCenter</key> <dict> <key>AllowNetworkAccess</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>Available</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>Setup</key> <dict> <key>AllowNoDNS</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>apn</key> <string>portalnmms</string> <key>password</key> <string></string> <key>type-mask</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>username</key> <string></string> </dict> <key>Version</key> <integer>2</integer> </dict> </dict>
To activate Vodafone Live (GPRS) see Vodafone Website
Update: The below configuration is working on 3.1.2 as well, but the line numbers are little different.
Update (16 Mar 2010):
Many guys have commented that the changes that were made in preferences.plist are lost after restarting the iPhone (for versions 3.1.2 and 3.1.3). So today i decided to take a look at it. And what you guys said is absolutely right, i upgraded my iPhone OS to 3.1.3 and i see that the settings are lost after restarting the phone. And you guys don't worry, i had found a way to fix this and this is much easier than my previous solution. Below are the step by step instructions.
- Download and Install iPhone Configuration Utility from http://support.apple.com/kb/DL926
- Open the application, Select Configuration Profiles on the left hand side menu and click New in the toolbar; Enter the name, identifier, organization and description; see the image below for more details
- Now go to Advanced option and set the apnname = portalnmms, proxy server =10.10.1.100 and port = 9401
- Connect your iPhone to computer via USB cable and you should see your iPhone in the devices menu on Left hand side. Select your device
- Select Configuration Profiles tab and you should see the Vodafone Profile; Click on Install
- You will see a pop on your iPhone asking for permission to install the configuration, Click Install button in your iPhone
- Turn on Data Roaming. Data Roaming can be turned on from Settings > General > Network on you iPhone.
- And you are done with the configuration. You should be able to use internet on your iPhone now. If its not working just reboot your phone.
Hope this helps !! Please feel free to give your Feedback, Suggestions
Update(08 July 2010): Few guys confirmed that this is working on iOS 4 as well, i personally couldn't test this at this point of time as i'm out of country. I will update this post as soon as i'm back in India. Thanks Sanjeev, Taran for testing it out on iOS 4. You might need to download the upgraded version of the configuration utility. You can download it from http://support.apple.com/kb/DL926.
Update(14 Nov 2010): This configuration works good on iPhone 4 as well. Tested and Certified by me 
Update(10 Dec 2010): For those that this configuration is not working, please turn on Data Roaming. Data Roaming can be turned on from Settings > General > Network.
Update(2nd May 2011): 4.1, 4.1.2 are good with the same configuration
Update(31st May 2011): I Confirm that 4.3 is good with the same configuration for iPhone 4.
June 28th, 2010 - 10:00
poorest service in the world which we have faced
June 28th, 2010 - 10:01
not a supporting service provider
what kind of employee they have?
July 2nd, 2010 - 18:51
Yup its working fine with OS4. I just removed my old config and again follow the same steps install the same settings and config and its working fine now.
July 7th, 2010 - 19:24
Hi JavaChap,
I have a iPhone 3G running iOS4. I have followed the steps mentioned above. I can see the E icon on the topmost bar. But when i try to open a page in my safari browser, it says could not open the page because the server stopped responding. Can you help me out on this issue. I have Vodafone Live active on my SIM.
July 8th, 2010 - 07:55
Guys, at this point of time i cannot confirm if its working on OS4 or not.. right now i’m in US. so i cannot test it.. i will update this post as soon as i’m back in India.
@Taran confirmed that it is working fine on iOS4 as well.. thanks Taran
July 13th, 2010 - 04:08
Ok..
Im using a 3GS 3.1.3.
Even after i get my apn settings, Im confused with one more thing as im not able to use some apps like youtube, nimbuzz, TVU etc. & i also get no gps signal for my mobile maps india.
Can somebody please guide??
July 13th, 2010 - 04:14
& one more thing..What is the difference between EDGE & GPRS??
what are the service plans for the respective ones if any idea?
will be great full for my issues to be solved..
Thanx..
July 13th, 2010 - 18:25
Hi,
I have a jailbroken iPhone 3G, which I upgraded to OS4 2 days ago.
While overall the phone is working fine, its a bit slow though, I can’t seem to get my internet working again. I tried everything – resetting the network settings, rebooting several times, visiting the Vodafone folks to see if they can help…but nothing has worked.
I have reached a level of frustration that I want to downgrade back to 3.1 which was MUCH faster and far more efficient.
Can you help?
1) What do I need to do to get the internet running? There is no option for me to manually change any network settings in General/Network Settings
2) If I downgrade back t 3.1, will my phone go back to the way it was…with internet, speed and everything?
Pls help!
Best regards,
Joanna
July 15th, 2010 - 08:29
Thx a lot chap …
u did a big favor 2 me ….
Thx agn…
July 16th, 2010 - 15:22
The above details are for the same issue if u havnt read them.
July 17th, 2010 - 18:01
Hey Javachap you rock bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!now i have unlimited EDGE on my Iphone for Rs 99 per month!!!!!!!
July 21st, 2010 - 15:39
@Joanna Huang
Did you try the setting that i have explained in this blog ? The above setting should work if you are on Vodafone. And yes you can downgrade to 3.1.3, you iPhone should work fine.
@Extreme Welcome bro, i’m happy that this post is helpful for you.
@ARUN Enjoy Bro, Have fun
July 21st, 2010 - 15:42
@Extreme
@ARUN
July 22nd, 2010 - 09:04
hey it worked fine for me on 3G iOS4 and @Joanna try disabling multitasking and then iPhone works fine with iOS4
July 24th, 2010 - 12:46
browsing totally worked on my 2G running on a 3.1 .. thanks chap .. one issue though :
My email doesn’t work .. I can only check mails by opening my inbox through a browser .. I am not sure if this is a general issue with evbdy accessing net this way or just with me
July 25th, 2010 - 16:08
Hey,
I’m on 3.1.3.. I have tried using Configuration Utility also… My service provider is Docomo and the APN I’m using is TATA.DOCOMO.INTERNET.. But when I’m trying to access its popping out an error “Safari could not open the Requested Page as the server stops responding”
July 26th, 2010 - 07:19
@ Arun – What vodafone plan you are using for rs. 99 unlimited gprs? is it vodafone live or vodafone mobile connect?
does it give u push notifications??
pls let me know..
@ java chap.. pls guide me i request you..
July 28th, 2010 - 05:53
Thanks it really worked up on my Iphone 3GS version 4.
Please guide me I am using vodafone Rs 99 wap services does it give push notificsations.
July 31st, 2010 - 14:34
@Joanna Huang
hi, u can degrade ur iphone to 3.0. i was dacing the same problem, i hv dgraded it at Mumbai. U can see various service centres on justdial website.
August 1st, 2010 - 08:30
@ Pranav-Well this is an exclusive corporate offer and not necessarily on every corporate number cos my friend tried to send this text and got a negative response from vodafone………its vodafone live so i guess wont get the push notifications….
August 5th, 2010 - 16:44
Hey buddy
first time it worked very well
but whn i tried push notification,it ddnt work..!
So i inserted my aircel sim nd removed vodafone to check tht my certs are okay
..!
So in ordr to use aircel gprs i changed my apn to aircelgprs frm portalnmms..!
But after reinserting my odafone sim i cannot connect to appStore..!?
Help
cn u email me the solution
on divyabgriziya@yahoo.co.in
August 6th, 2010 - 16:26
@Arun
yup i was wondering the same i am using a corporate connection too. The live service didnt work for me well..as i need push noti n stuff..using the vodafone mobile connect unlimited plan without any tweaks..it works like an idata plan..its crazy..n givs push noti too..
August 6th, 2010 - 17:26
Ye Ye Ye.. Got iPhone 4… Loving it..
August 7th, 2010 - 16:28
ok now you gotta tell me from where and how you got it and how big is the hole in ur pocket now??????????
August 7th, 2010 - 17:02
@Pranav
ok dude but how much you paying for the unlimted mobile connect plan????????is it the 899 plan……for psch notifications i use the wifi @ home….
August 8th, 2010 - 04:26
@Arun
Oh i’m in US now on a business trip.. Yep its expensive though.. $500.. But its worth man, Retina Display is just awesome.
Jailbroken and Unlocked, I have to cut the SIM card. Is anyone using BSNL 3G connection on iPhone ? I wanna try that when i’m back in India.
August 8th, 2010 - 13:27
USD 500 is not a bad price i must say….was expecting it around $800 region……Ill be heading to US pretty soon……..could you give me more details how to get one……….al20in@yahoo.com…….thanx bud………
August 8th, 2010 - 15:17
hey
i hav got apple iphone 3g n got vodafone prepaid. i wanna use internet with regular plan. bt dnt knw about using phone much….. can u help. vodaphone people says it wont work on prepaid
August 9th, 2010 - 16:28
@suhani
Read the post, all the instructions are written step by step.
August 10th, 2010 - 13:01
nt able 2 follow.
i downloaded the above link bt its nt working on my lapi.
i hav apple iphone 3g, 3.1.2. software and vodafone prepaid
plz let me knw what 2 download n frm whr…. m nt good at these software thngs
August 11th, 2010 - 06:47
@JavaChap
Share Arun’s thought on this… 500 is a damn good price for iPhone 4…
Can you pls publish here or email at my provided address (assuming you will have access to what I have provided while commenting here) your modus operandi to have gotten hold of iPhone 4 at this price
August 11th, 2010 - 15:51
@Raam
AT&T is selling it for $599 + Tax without contract. I got it from a friend of mine who decided to go to Droid-X after getting iPhone 4.
August 15th, 2010 - 12:25
Allrite, this configuration is working on iPhone 4 with iOS 4.
August 11th, 2010 - 15:53
@suhani
Did you go to this link # http://support.apple.com/kb/DL926 ? Download the Configuration Utility from this link.
August 18th, 2010 - 16:51
Great work man. Works perfectly on 3.1.2
August 19th, 2010 - 10:57
Hi
I have one issue
I am unable to access the email function
it’s saying cannot connect to the server
August 19th, 2010 - 17:05
hey bro.. great job. really worked for me in I OS 4.0.1 cool.. now i am looking for a jail break for I OS 4.0.2..
August 21st, 2010 - 12:08
Hey Bro ! I followed all your steps..but when I finally click on install, nothing pops on my iphone so cannot install the config file
Plz Help Using Iphone 3G I OS 4.0.1
August 21st, 2010 - 13:06
Thnx a lot JavaChap..Tried again and worked amazingly ! Cheers ! Gr8 Work !
August 24th, 2010 - 18:50
Seems like everyone it works on 4.0.1 but just a question would it work with a jailbroken iphone 3gs? i mean will it show up on iphone configuration utility application?
Thanks
August 24th, 2010 - 19:29
Hi there,
Bro i need ur help.. i’ve downloaded the utility tool and also created the profile but when i click on install its not doin anything..
August 24th, 2010 - 19:41
Hey.
i managed to get it installed.. thanks a million dude..:)
August 25th, 2010 - 08:41
Hi! I have got Iphone 3Gs ,unlocked. I have subscribed to Vodafone iphone data plan. I have followed all the steps as per your suggestion,i.e. iphone config utility, but I do not get the pop up on the iphone. hence cannot install config file, pls help.
Thanks in advance!
August 25th, 2010 - 08:43
My service provider is Vodafone india
August 25th, 2010 - 17:48
I have iPhone 3g on iOS 4…… this trick worked fine for a couple of days but later even if my cellular is on (thats with an “E” symbol) it says “could not activate cellular data network” .
I tried rebooting it but no result. I dont want to reset setting bcoz then i will loose this settings.
So plz @JavaChap help me plz
August 26th, 2010 - 16:39
Hey !! I have faced the same problem as Sanket, using 3GS,OS 4.0.1. had posted my query couple of days back, haven’t heard from u and my post has vanished!! Pls respond
August 29th, 2010 - 11:48
I have been a Vodafone Customer (in its various previous avatars) in Mumbai for the last decade. I have had no problems with thier service in Mumbai. I used to use the GPRS plan on my Symbian handset. When I got the iphone the GPRS service refused to work (obviously) and I had to take the iphone data plan.
Now for what is basically a GPRS/EDGE service, I felt it was ridiculous to pay such a high amount (I am in the office most of the day and use the Desk ph for voice and WiFi on the handset) so even though I was paying 800+ taxes as rental, I was actually not using Rs200 voice and data.
So I decided to use the MTNL 3G service and use the faster speeds. But it has been misery throughout. Well 3G speeds are good….when you get a good signal that is….Most of time I dont get a signal for voice forget data. Calling thier fantastic Cust care never helps. Now for thier Credit, I must say they have the most economic plans.
To cut the story short I have decided that enough is enough and just want to throw the Dolphin Sim outta window.
I have Jailbroken and Hactivated my iPhone 3G to work on iOS 4.0.2 with Baseband 05.13.04.
Now I would like to use a Vodafone Prepaid card on this phone and Push Notifications are important (i use my Corp and personal emails on it)
Since I run the latest iteration of the iOS, how do I need to proceed?
Looking for inputs.
August 29th, 2010 - 12:28
hey Tried other unlocking method but those didn’t work and tried this for the first time today its very much working as of now….. lets hope i dont face any further problem.
PS. I am using #GS with iOS 4
August 30th, 2010 - 19:26
Thanks! Works like magic.
August 31st, 2010 - 22:47
Thanks this works great, finally got relief after spending whole night trying to fix this.
September 1st, 2010 - 00:34
@Vasudha
Did u connect the iPhone to the PC ? Do u see the iPhone in the Configuration Utility ?
@Nakul
Try resetting the Network Settings.. Also try removing the profile and install it again.