I ordered a red Streak unlocked because I don’t want to be a slave to cell phone companies. The phone does not come with a SIM card. Presently i'm on Sprint $59.00 UNLIMITED plan. Currently, I used approximately 100 monthly minutes and 600.000 Kb of data.
1) What is the most cost effective and/or best reception SIM card available for national calling? Currently I live in the Maryland area.
2) I just landed a traveling satellite field engineer job and will be traveling around to under develop countries. So do I need local SIM’s or a Global SIM card correct?
3) Streak on T-Mobile is it only 2G correct?
4) Are my options for SIM cards T-mobile, AT&T, H20, o2, Mysimple.
5) Any global SIM card worth investing?
6) Can I use my company Verizon Blackberry phone SIM card for all inclusive unlimited national calling?
Help!!!!
Surely you know you can search the web, go to Walmart, or your nearest AT&T or T-Mobile and buy a Pre-Paid SIM card, right?
For other countries, just pickup a Pre-paid SIM card when you get there. No need to pay extra for a world-wide SIM, when you can just buy a SIM that allows you to make low-cost local calls in that hosts country. This is how everyone else in the world do it.
Jrosa55 said:
I ordered a red Streak unlocked because I don’t want to be a slave to cell phone companies. The phone does not come with a SIM card. Presently i'm on Sprint $59.00 UNLIMITED plan. Currently, I used approximately 100 monthly minutes and 600.000 Kb of data.
1) What is the most cost effective and/or best reception SIM card available for national calling? Currently I live in the Maryland area.
2) I just landed a traveling satellite field engineer job and will be traveling around to under develop countries. So do I need local SIM’s or a Global SIM card correct?
3) Streak on T-Mobile is it only 2G correct?
4) Are my options for SIM cards T-mobile, AT&T, H20, o2, Mysimple.
5) Any global SIM card worth investing?
6) Can I use my company Verizon Blackberry phone SIM card for all inclusive unlimited national calling?
Help!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please post Questions in the Q&A Forum thanks
Moving to Q&A
Related
Hi,
I have just bought a Galaxy Ace whilst in the UK (Carphone Warehouse), they say it is unlocked and can be used with any SIM card.
I'm now back in Japan and want to take my Docomo SIM card out of my Japanese mobile phone (FOMA P902is) and use the Galaxy Ace.
I'm on a standard contract with Docomo (5+ yrs) and when I actually put the SIM card in I can make and receive calls on the NTT Docomo network but cannot connect to the net.
Is it wise to go into Docomo and tell them I want to use this new phone?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
C.
craigom said:
Hi,
I have just bought a Galaxy Ace whilst in the UK (Carphone Warehouse), they say it is unlocked and can be used with any SIM card.
I'm now back in Japan and want to take my Docomo SIM card out of my Japanese mobile phone (FOMA P902is) and use the Galaxy Ace.
I'm on a standard contract with Docomo (5+ yrs) and when I actually put the SIM card in I can make and receive calls on the NTT Docomo network but cannot connect to the net.
Is it wise to go into Docomo and tell them I want to use this new phone?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to manually set the SIM card APN (Access Point Network) Settings
Sent from my Ultima Weapon© using XDA App
If you use the correct APN and still can't connect you may not have the right Ace that works with 3G on Docomo's network.
And 5 years' contract? Ouch. I thought 18 months was ridiculous
You can see the different Frequency bands on Wikipedia. Standard Galaxy Ace (s5830, no after letter) supports
Code:
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100
Thanks for the quick response.
I've not signed up for a 5 yr contract, it's just I have had it for over 5 years on the same billing plan... never really used it for anything more than calls.
I want to use a smartphone with all the bells and whistles.
How do I get the APN settings for NTT Docomo Japan?
Is it a good idea to goto Docomo and ask them for help?
I see in the "mobile network settings" an option Access Point Names, but it is empty and when I choose to add New APN it gives me a list (Name, APN, Proxy, Port... etc all as Not Set), no idea what to do with those.
C.
craigom said:
Thanks for the quick response.
I've not signed up for a 5 yr contract, it's just I have had it for over 5 years on the same billing plan... never really used it for anything more than calls.
How do I get the APM settings?
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=564459
I went to the "GPRS/Internet Connection Settings for the whole world" thread but nothing for Japan in those 7 pages, so I left a post asking for them.
My model is the GT-S5830 (no letters after the name).
I'm completely lost as to the freq bands, but it must work as I have made/received calls today.
Are the APN settings all I need?
I read about people getting huge bills when they use other phones than the issued one Docomo gave them, how can I check this?
Will try Docomo tomorrow, and even Softbank as people say they have reasonable charges... maybe time to change carrier.
any further help would be appreciated.
Thanks
C.
This blog will tell you how to use SIM free phone with docomo including APN set up.
yukotan.blogspot.com/2010/05/docomosim.html
I have this phone in Japan (but using it as a second phone with a roaming sim from Philippines and no data plan).
Be aware that the cheapest full-speed data plan you're going to get out of Docomo is 10,000 yen/mo. (>4000 yen/mo surcharge for using a non-Docomo handset for data) There are a number of APNs you could possibility be using depending on which data plan you have.
Its actually cheaper to get a subsidized Galaxy S II on contract than pay the surcharge.
As you're probably aware, Softbank's data network is pretty bad, though they aren't surcharging for BYO handset now.
To answer your question, you won't exactly be causing trouble by talking to the staff at the docomo shop, but the amount of help they can give you will be limited to explaining the charge scheme and telling you the APN info to set.
Thanks EvilDave_666, so it seems I can get the Ace to have internet... but Docomo want 10,000yen a month as you said.
They also said if I want the Galaxy S II it would cost me 60,000yen to buy, then 7,000yen a month for the current plan I'm on (family).
Not sure what to do now.
If you're eligable for a new installment plan the handset part should only end up costing you 2470/mo - 1300/mo subsidy + 5250 initial payment, so 1170x24 + 5250 = 33,330 yen.
By not having the 10,000 yen/mo data plan you're saving 4935/mo x24 = 118,440 yen over the 24 months, giving you a net savings over your plan of 81,960 yen after the 3150 unlock fee (so you'll have an unlocked handset when its over same as the Ace) + whatever you can sell the Ace for and getting a Galaxy S II on subsidy.
You never want to take the lump-sum option, installment plan always works out better in the end.
Hi,
I am trying to do the same thing... bring a Ace to Japan.
Currently, I have a Docomo contract without data plan.
Is it still expensive like that to use the data plan of Docomo with a BYO smartphone?
Cheers, Chris
Greetings fellow forum peeps!
I am new to AT&T and the Note and have read so much that it's dizzying, LOL!
I think I am good and know what to do about changing the APN settings, however, I am not sure what to say to AT&T when I call them to set up the plan and activate. I do have an older AT&T cheapy prepaid phone that I bought for $5 late last year. I am under the impression that I should use my new SIM card w/the Note, but first activate the card in my cheap phone? Is this right?
What are the steps to take to activate the prepaid $50/Unlimited plan? Would you mind giving them to me in order of preference?
Also, I've read that some are on the $45/Unlimited Straight Talk plan. Is one better than the other? I was under the impression from talking to the guy at Worst Buy that AT&T may make you purchase a data plan, which I normally would have no problem with but they only offer the $30/500 mb plan.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
I appreciate your time and consideration.
I remember reading that AT&T won't allow smartphones on the prepaid plans. They automatically upgrade you to the lowest monthly plan.
Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note using the XDA Premium app.
If you have an at$t branded phone on their prepaid and its a smartphone ...they make you carry some sort of a data plan....
Straight Talk is a better value at around 49 to 51 depending on taxes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
joshnichols189 / ALL said:
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
MrJinx said:
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my recent post all about setting up straight talk with at&t galaxy note for just 45$ unlimited with 3G data.
PM me if you need more info or specific help as I am glad to share my knowledge
vince2398 said:
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
MrJinx said:
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International Note is from Europe, which is what I have and am using on the $50 AT&T prepaid unlimited everything plan. I don't think the AT&T Note will work on the prepaid plan, because AT&T can tell what your IMEI number is and force you to upgrade to another smartphone plan. The only reason what I"m doing works is because it is a European IMEI, so AT&T doesn't know it's a smartphone. You won't be able to get T-Mobile 3/4G, but H20 should work just fine if you get an unlock code for the phone and unlock it to work I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
joshnichols189 said:
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
shaolinx said:
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight talk uses both ATT network and T-mobile network, they give you a choice to pick a sim card and which MVNO service suits your needs.
I have used both Sim's Tmobile as well as ATT, and i found that speeds on Tmobile network are superior than ATT network when when using Straight Talk sims.
But then again it will depend upon your location.
Get original iphone 2g and activate with your number on at&t which will give you $20 unlimited plan.
Use it couple of days then purchase at&t smartphone from craigslist and goto at&t store, tell them it's gift and you want to use it with your unlimited plan.
You will have $30 unlimited plan on lte, 4g, 3g whatever.
Enjoy.
If you want original iphone 2g, i can rent you one or you can buy one.
I did this and this still works.
Moved To Q&A
Please post questions in the Q&A section
Heading to Ireland for a week, would you update stock to use Verizon's global plan or flash a GSM rom and buy a prepaid card? Plan on mainly using data, some calling.
I have heard that Verizon charges an arm and a leg for global trips. I think you should just buy a prepaid card.
A few days ago I found out that T-Mobile's 3g won't work on the Photon (only their Edge service) after I'd already ordered 2 T-Mobile pre-paid SIMs. Yesterday I received my T-Mobile pre-paid SIM cards, and sure enough, it's like being back on dial-up.
When I go to StraightTalk's website to order a SIM card and put in my zip code, it tells me that it will send me an AT&T compatible SIM card. Here's my question: Since AT&T is also GSM, will I still be stuck with 2g speeds or will I be able to get 3g? I know that both AT&T and T-Mobile have good service where I live. (Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but I've been on CDMA for almost a decade).
Thanks in advance!
--Adam
niphoet said:
A few days ago I found out that T-Mobile's 3g won't work on the Photon (only their Edge service) after I'd already ordered 2 T-Mobile pre-paid SIMs. Yesterday I received my T-Mobile pre-paid SIM cards, and sure enough, it's like being back on dial-up.
When I go to StraightTalk's website to order a SIM card and put in my zip code, it tells me that it will send me an AT&T compatible SIM card. Here's my question: Since AT&T is also GSM, will I still be stuck with 2g speeds or will I be able to get 3g? I know that both AT&T and T-Mobile have good service where I live. (Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but I've been on CDMA for almost a decade).
Thanks in advance!
--Adam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you will get 3G data speeds. I have 3G data speeds that beat Sprint's 3G speeds.
Make sure to flash the KDDI radio before doing so or you won't get any results.
tmobile is unique in that they use 1700mhz for 3G (which isnt used by any other US carrier). The photon is a quad band (not penta band) phone and doesnt pick up 1700mhz frequency. Tmobile is making a transition to put 3G on 1900mhz so that it is more iphone friendly. Some locations in the US have already made that transition.
Thanks for the help guys. I guess I'll finish out this month on T-mobile then switch to straight talk.
So I've been globetrotting with my Incredible 4G/aka Fireball with CM10.1 (currently the unofficial 20130420 build by mdmower) for about 6 months now and it works great on VZW's global plan, Used it all over Europe and across US / Canada using Verizon's plan. Feel free to ask any questions below if you are curious about my experiences with that. I can't promise a speedy response but will do my best to answer.
The point of this post is actually to see if anyone wants me to try any specific services or networks while I am in Europe later this month. I see a number of posts asking if it will work in -insert country here- or on -insert service provider here- so if you want a guinea pig, here I am.
I was thinking of buying a pre-paid SIM or 3 and basically try different services and setups for kicks and giggles. I am flying into Amsterdam and will end up in Belgium and Germany at different points in my trip and this summer have projects in Asia and Scandinavia.
I'll either grab cards off of Amazon before I go or when I land hit up a kiosk or vending machine.
Not sure if this is of any use to anyone but since I'm already going to satisfy my own curiosity I'd offer my results to the community.
Now everyone stand back.... I'm about to SCIENCE! :laugh:
i'm heading to italy this summer and wondering what it will take to make this phone work. this is my first 4g phone with a sim card...
my previous verizon phones have always worked around america (mexico, dominican republic, etc). when i went to asia last year (japan, thailand) i only used wifi for email and data - the roaming worked but was outrageous price.
I'm using this phone in Ukraine with no issues. I have Ukranian GSM service provider and another one for CDMA. No LTE in Ukraine.
The only tip, that this phone doesn't support my GSM provider's Mobile Internet. Never the less, it does support it on other Ukranian GSM providers.
When I was in German, I bought myself German prepaid sim-card and sucsessfully switched to its network
j13smiley said:
i'm heading to italy this summer and wondering what it will take to make this phone work. this is my first 4g phone with a sim card...
my previous verizon phones have always worked around america (mexico, dominican republic, etc). when i went to asia last year (japan, thailand) i only used wifi for email and data - the roaming worked but was outrageous price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of my thought on the matter too, how easy is it to switch carriers on a device which is normally carrier locked. I see there are some configurations needed for the CM10.1 to work on a different carrier and want to try and see how it works. I will be giving that a whirl and see.
I noticed that last time I was in Belgium I had very spotty coverage with VZW and very slow data while nobody else had any problems getting decent speeds, but in Netherlands I usually had same or better signal than locals and mostly full 3G signal in main train routes and larger downtown areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Germany was about the same but I wasn't paying much attention to my phone while briefly passing through.
VZW lists the radios as:
Network
LTE 700 MHz (band 13)
CDMA 1x/3G 800/1900 MHz
UMTS/HSPA 2100/900
Quad Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900)
With this gamut I would think it can attach to any network for voice and data with the right settings. I also plan on paying closer attention to what kind of signals I am attaching to and speeds, etc.
After spending a week abroad I found that if you are just visiting using the Global Plan through Verizon is by FAR the best solution.
First, a "Local" SIM card runs about 10 Euro from most providers, T-Mobile (NL) and KPN were the ones I selected. Vodafone is in partnership with VZW for service in Netherlands so I skipped them assuming same coverage. With the 10 Euro you get varying minimal amounts of voice minutes for local calls... assume it's JUST a SIM though, you pay extra for minutes, texts and data.
The Pre-Paid SIMs I had access to do not offer roaming. I was told you need a plan for roaming. When I went into Germany or Belgium I lost service.
Data plans on pre-paid plans for a smartphone are about 25-30 euro for 100mb.
It's only $25 per 100mb chunk through VZW.
Texting plans range from 5 Euro and up. I didn't get one, didn't need it since I use WhatsApp and Viber for that.
Coverage and data speed would the ONLY reason I would go with a pre-paid SIM again. T-Mobile had exceptionally fast data and amazing coverage while I was in the NL. KPN was comparable to Vodafone (thought my VZW global plan).
Switching to other providers was difficult and cumbersome and CM10.1 does NOT handle global roaming very well. Can't just jam a SIM in and it works (See MDMower's Unofficial CM post for settings) Once the settings were made I made a TWRP backup to make switching possible without a PC.
CM 10 and 10.1 did not show a signal bar even when I had signal so it was VERY difficult to ascertain signal strength and relied on just speed and what I perceived of signal strength.
Stock Rooted works great for Global Roaming but did not like SIM cards from other providers.
Recap; If you plan on visiting a country outside of USA and use this phone (or any Global phone really) then it's best to add in a global plan at $25-30 a month and the $25 100mb package. A SIM will cost you about that or more and doesn't allow you to use your same phone number or roam into other countries without added expense.
It's best to stick with Stock Rooted on that plan. IF you plan on using a local SIM for data speeds and you are staying in one major city/area for the duration then it will work alright but make backups of different configurations before you do the switch... Plan on spending an hour or two getting your phone configured and setup with the right settings and my signal bar never worked in CM, even if you have full signal.
From now on I will use only VZW plan on Stock Rooted. It's the best way to have a reliable phone when travelling abroad.