Roming between Dhiraagu and Wataniya
I use Wataniya as my primary mobile number apart from a backup Dhiraagu number. Basically, I carry two handsets; a Nokia N82 with a Wataniya SIM card and a Nokia 1202 (a so called Nokia bathhi) with a Dhiraagu SIM. In the past week or so, Wataniya was experiencing some (I would say, major) issues with their network coverage in some areas of the country including Baa Atoll, where I reside. Those were hard times for me in those (almost) 4 days when there was virtually no coverage. Even now, the coverage isn't completely well. Whenever I switch off and switch on the mobile, it takes a long time for the SIM card to register with the network and I had to wait for sometime before I could make a call. Moreover the EDGE (mobile internet) service is also having some random cutdowns even now. EDGE is the successor of GPRS, faster than GPRS and backward compatible. That means if my handset doesn't support EDGE it will select GPRS by default. Also Wataniya provides EDGE in some areas only. For instance, EDGE is available in the resort which I work but not available in my home island. Wataniya's EDGE is much much faster than Dhiraagu's GPRS. Even Wataniya's GPRS is faster. Moreover, Dhiraagu doesn't provide EDGE. Not as far as I know.
During the network outage, I felt disturbed and uneasy. Luckily that I had my backup Dhiraagu number, which I made great use of during the outage. But I was thinking of something else. Something more advanced and convenient for everyone. I was thinking of the situation where I may not be having a backup number. I can have a thought of how frustrated I would be. So, here comes my solution. Both the operators can have roaming agreements with each other and activate roaming during an outage. This would save us all from the hassle of an outage of a service that has become a basic need in the 21st century.
You could wonder "what on earth am I talking about?". Well, an example is the best way to explain a theory. Let's assume the instance I had in the past couple of days. Wataniya could have a roaming agreement with Dhiraagu so that they could use Dhiraagu's network and let all of us (Wataniya users) roam in Dhiraagu network, just the same way as we do overseas. Now, you could ask if it is possible. Yes, it is possible in every other way as roaming is not limited to between countries. Instead, roaming could be established between operators in the same country too. In this way, operators could relieve it's customers from the inconveniences of a network outage.
You would now start wondering why wouldn't they just do it. Well then, you better start wondering why they didn't implement sending MMS between the two operators eventhough they both have implemented sending MMS to operators in other countries.
Posted by Ameer at Friday, May 29, 2009
Labels: Crap
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe via Email
Widgetize in Opera
.mini
My Homepage
Hey man, I'm also in almost same situation as you. I carry both numbers but on a single sim card, so I can always switch the operator. Every number is diverted to another when it is switched off, to get it ringing. I understand what you are talking about here is something different than diverting. Your idea is amazing. But, remember Dhiraagu and Wataniya are two enemies who wont stand on same stone.
Now here comes what we can do. "You need to get more people to support your idea and demand for the service". Soon a successor will surface!
Thanks for the posting.
your idea can be a great help for a lot of people if they follow it.
actually, in many countries including India, use other networks as roaming service.
I believe it's an attitude issue with Wataniya Marketing and the staff inside. They've taken competition rather personally and routinely verbally abuse the "other operator" in the country.
As long as they don't realize that they are a service provider, I think we'll have these problems.
Personally, I believe Wataniya's signal inside Malé is really very weak. My w810i goes into "Emergency Calls Only" mode whenever I'm inside a stairwell or an elevator, and then stops responding and needs a restart. That's why I've switched back to Dhiraagu.
good at least you pased the problem by roaming cuz it's better than diverting.
Firstly why do you want to use the second best (Wataniya) when you have a choice to always use the No.1 Mobile Service provider (Dhiraagu) in Maldives. From what i understand Dhiraagu is the only mobile operator in Maldives to have coverage to 100% of inhabited islands, all resorts and industrial islands. Dhiraagu is also more experienced and professional than Wataniya. They always advertise what they promise unlike Wataniya which advertises falsely in a way to confuse the customers. I use Dhiraagu and will always do because they are Maldivian and they know Maldives better.
Brilliant idea!!! Why dont you propose it to Dhiraagu or Wataniya??
Reply to the anonymous comment: I think it is very silly that Dhiraagu advertises themselves as the No.1 Wireless carrier!!! They are so freaking proud of themselves. I also believe that the choice of a mobile operator is a personal choice. (this is just my opinion)
Tsk Tsk! This is really bad, not just for you but also for the network. They're not doing their jobs right! I mean come on, mobile phones are part of a person's daily life, I am sure that network wont be bought on the markets now.
hey thanks :) was searching this
Use iPhone - be happy
Im sure that dhiraag provides EDGE service and they will launch 3G service soon during 2009.
Wataniyya and dhiraagu will have roaming between them soon and they are working on it now...Not only now, it have been some time that they were working on it and they waiting for the apporval from TAM
I am very impresse and very appriciate for this blog. I think it is very silly that Dhiraagu advertises themselves as the No.1 Wireless carrier!
ya you are right friend is really impressive but i hope you will succes soon.
Thanks for sharing the experience you made. Services are not so good as they dvertise for them.