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Mira Neworks Frequently Asked Questions


Call Centre Top 5 questions:


How did I get myself subscribed?
Content providers advertise ringtones, wallpapers, etc. on television, radio, newspaper. You can not get subscribed to a service unless you order content via a shortcode. Consumers can also download content from WAP links and often don't realize they are subscribing to a service.

How do I unsubscribe?
Reply with the words STOP, or email your request to stop@miranetworks.net or phone our call center on 086 110 MIRA (6472).

Who is taking my money?
Your service provider (MTN, Vodacom or Cell C) can provide you with all the necessary details. You can also look it up on www.smscode.co.za

How long does it take before the unsubscribe is in effect?
Up to 2 work days, from the time the customer first contacted Mira Networks.

What is Mira's role in the industry?
Mira Networks is an SMS aggregator, our role is to provide connectivity for content providers into all the networks in SA. We do not sell services and don't get directly involved with the creation of services and we do not advertise any SMS services, which are the responsibility of our clients, the content provider.

All our content clients are WASPA register members and it is their responsibility to ensure that the services they offer is compliant and above board. When we receive unsubscribe requests or disputes we pass the info directly over to our clients to ensure that the customers are dealt with and a full explanation along with logs and contact details for the content provider are provided to the customers via our call centre and forwarded to the content provider's call center.

Basic SMS applications:


What is an SMS?
SMS stands for "Short Message Service" and is commonly referred to as text messaging. A text message (or an SMS message) is a message you either receive or send in text form through your cell phone. SMS messages are limited to 160 characters.

To what networks do you provide connectivity for?
All the networks in SA and a wide variety of other global networks. For more information visit the Mira footprint page.

Premium rated SMS services:


What is a "short code"?
A "short code" is a 5 digit number active across all networks that is used for premium SMS services. By sending a special "keyword" to a "short code" you can get SMS subscriptions, ring tones, wallpapers and games for your mobile phone.

What is a "keyword"?
A keyword is a short or shortened word that you send to a short code to prompt the system for an action. You can request more information, confirm a sign-up, confirm your download and more. For example: send the word HELP to 22288 to receive a help message, or the word TECH to 55444 for technical support information.

What is a reply message?
A reply message is a reply you would receive back in response to a SMS you send to a short code. For example: “Thank you, we received you entry, the draw date is 15 December.” A reply message is limited to 160 characters.

For more queries please email your request to the Mira Networks Sales Department.

Subscription Services:


How does an SMS subscription work?
  1. If you are in interested in subscribing to a service, you can subscribe to it either by entering your cell phone information into a form on the web, or by sending a SMS message to the short code number advertised.
  2. You will receive a reply message asking you to confirm the subscription. Price and terms of use information will be included in the message. For web and SMS sign-ups, reply with the keyword mentioned. YOU WILL NOT BE FULLY SUBSCRIBED UNTIL YOU REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.
  3. You will now start receiving messages to your cell phone.
  4. At any time, you can reply to one of your messages with HELP for more information.
  5. You will be notified before you are billed for the service.
  6. To end the service, reply to one of your messages with STOP.

What do I need to get this service?
You need to have a cell phone that is SMS messaging-enabled and has the SMS messaging service turned on.

How do I sign up?
There are several ways to sign up:
  • Via the web form: Enter your cell phone information into the web form and respond to the confirmation message on your phone.
  • Via SMS: SMS the advertised keyword to the short code number advertised and respond to the confirmation message.

How do I end the service?
For all Mira related services, reply to a message with the word STOP to opt out or email your cell number to stop@miranetworks.net.

Which cell phones work with this service?
Most cell phones that have been purchased within the past 5 years or can receive SMS messages. For subscription services, the phone must support WAP, most recently phones sold do; they must also have WAP access as part of their service plan. If in doubt, check with your service provider to verify that both your phone and account is enabled for messaging.

My network provider is not listed. Can I still subscribe?
No, you cannot subscribe unless your cellular provider is one of the supported networks listed on the signup page.

How can I get technical support?
Read the terms and conditions in fine print or contact the customer care number on the welcome message you would receive when you accept subscription.

How can I get billing information?
You will receive a notice on your cell phone before you are billed.

I need a refund, what do I do?
Please contact your service provider for a refund.

Why am I getting charged extra by my network for this service?
Networks generally charge either a small per-message charge or a charge for a bucket of messages. Please contact your networks for any questions regarding billing for services.

Is there a Regulatory body for the SMS market?
The South African mobile market is regulated by WASPA. All providers have to adhere to the WASPA code of conduct and apply to be an affiliated member of WASPA. Mira Networks does not take on the WASPA code of conduct responsibilities on behalf of clients. Clients have to apply via WASPA to become a member. WASPA website www.waspa.org.za.

Technical SMS questions:


What is SMPP?
SMPP stands for Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol. SMPP is a private messaging protocol used within the wireless service provider's secure network. Using SMPP, text messages are sent to a mobile phone number rather than to an email address.

How does SMPP work?
Messages sent over SMPP are routed directly to and from the wireless service provider over a secure private network. Most major wireless service providers can provide confirmation of message delivery. The greatest benefit to SMPP is the fact that messages are two-way, enabling mobile phone subscribers to respond to the messages you send them easily via the text messaging feature on a handset.

What is API?
Stands for "Application Program Interface," though it is sometimes referred to as an "Application Programming Interface." An API is a set of commands, functions, and protocols which programmers can use when building software for a specific operating system. The API allows programmers to use predefined functions to interact with the operating system, instead of writing them from scratch.

What is HTTP?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules for transferring files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web. As soon as a Web user opens their Web browser, the user is indirectly making use of HTTP. HTTP is an application protocol that runs on top of the TCP/IP suite of protocols (the foundation protocols for the Internet).

What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules for transferring files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web. The difference between HTTPS and HTTP is that the security protocol (HTTPS) operates at lower sublayer, encrypting an HTTP message prior to transmission and decrypting a message upon arrival.

What is reverse billing or premium billing?
Premium SMS Billing is application-to-person (A2P) technology used by businesses that need to bill their consumers using the mobile channel. It works like a standard text message, "wrapped" in an invoice, which either gets billed to a consumer's monthly mobile phone bill or is deducted from the consumer's pre-pay account.

What is a MSISDN?
Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) is a number used to identify a cell phone number internationally.