Why Do You Need Extra Numbers To Receive GSM data & fax?

If you want to receive data and/or fax via GSM, you must get and use the incoming numbers provided by your GSM network. You will thus have separate incoming numbers for Voice (your current cellphone number), Data at 9,600 baud, Data at 2,400 baud, and Fax at 9,600 baud.

Someone sending you data or fax will thus have to dial one of these incoming numbers to do so. To send you a fax via GSM, they must thus use your incoming fax number etc.

The reason for this additional numbering that not all the analogue fixed-line exchanges/switches can process and route the digital data that the digitally-based GSM networks and cellphones use. 

Thus the digital data must be fed through an appropriate incoming voice, data, or fax number.

Vodacom customers can call the 24-hour toll-free Vodacom Customer Care Line at 0800-111-234 for further information and instructions in this regard.

MTN
customers can call the toll-free 24-hour MTN Customer Care Line at 0800-111-007.

More...
redarrow-tn.gif (64 bytes) Introduction
redarrow-tn.gif (64 bytes) No Analogue modems
redarrow-tn.gif (64 bytes) Hardware
redarrow-tn.gif (64 bytes) Transparent vs Non-Transparent Data
redarrow-tn.gif (64 bytes) Hayes AT Commands