Database Users

Can I purchase a pay-as-you-go SIM in the US?

I'm taking my T-Mobile Vario II from the UK to the US next month and I was wondering if I can simply buy a PAYG SIM card in the States and use this on my phone while I'm there?
I know that the phone is locked so can I buy a T-Mobile SIM and use that?
Cheers.

Out of interest is there any reason why you do not unlock your phone first?

Sure, Cingular and T-mobile both sell prepaid sim cards (though you may be better off trying to get one on ebay first).
A T-mobile UK phone will NOT accept a T-mobile US sim without unlocking it, they are considered different networks and a phone locks itself to the network code.
Keep in mind though that in the US we don't have prepaid data like in the UK. PAYG in the US lacks many other things like roaming and cheap calls abroad.

Wam7 said:
Out of interest is there any reason why you do not unlock your phone first?
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Click to collapse
To be honest, I don't know how to! I have a T-Mobile Vario II with the standard ROM.

Are PAYG SIMS available in Canada?
Is Canada considered 'abroad' with regard to a US SIM? And vice versa?
I'm going to both Canada and the US this year and want to know the score.
Thanks

mindracing said:
Is Canada considered 'abroad' with regard to a US SIM? And vice versa?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was in Canada in July, Tmobile2Go SIM would *NOT* register. Note that in late '06 Tmo said 2Go SIMs would get roaming - dunno if that applies to Canada or not though. I just looked online and I'm still not sure You can easily pick up a Nokia 6030 here with a Tmo2Go SIM for ~$40. If you unlock and sell the 6030 it's cheaper than buying a SIM alone from Tmobile.
If your Vario II is a Hermes (I don't know T-mobile model names), you should have little trouble unlocking it using the Wiki instructions here.
PM me if you need help acquiring a US SIM card.
HTH,
Richard

Only Rogers pay as you go sim card has US roaming, but that's really expensive!

Please share your T-Mobile US HD2 Unlocking and International 3G network experience

Me and seemingly hundreds of other users are waiting to see if it is possible to unlock the March 24th-released T-Mobile US HD2 and also to see if it is possible to connect to 3/3.5G networks outside the US/Canada before we purchase. Please post any experiences you have of:-
1. Unlocking the T-Mobile US version of the HD2 to use on other carriers (say how you did it and which carrier you changed to).
2. Using the T-Mobile US HD2 on a 3/3.5G network outside of North America (say which country and carrier and download speeds).
3. Flashing the T-Mobile US HD2 to different ROMs/radios.
I have contacted a carrier in Taiwan (FarEasTone) and they said that it "should" work there on the 2100Mhz band if it is unlocked but I want solid proof before I lay down the cash.
I found this old link www gsm-forum.eu/smart-phones-pdas-palm-organizers/16571-htc-unlock-free.html that has software that might've unlocked older models of HTC phones. Might be worth a try or please share if you know of any other free software that does the same thing for the T-Mobile US HD2.
Please don't bother posting if you are just asking whether it works or not.
Thanks for sharing!

Unlocking the tmobile hd2 (1024Leo)
they are calling it the 1024Leo after the fact that it has 1 gig rom. You MUST use the spl 2 to unlock it and roms specifically made for tmo hd2.
Not sure if the euro band is there but you can check phone>> settings for bands supported. Tmos rom is not bad but not for me. Cant wait to redo it.
Here is a good link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=5983094#post5983094

For my knowledge, I already tried T-Mobile Touch 3G at Taiwan by Taiwan Mobile network and it is working right now. Touch 3G has same band support with TMobile US HD2. I will receive HD2 in couple days, I will try it and post the result. TMobile use 1700Mhz and 2100Mhz together for 3G but all Taiwan 3G network use 2100Mhz or 900Mhz only.

Did anyone experience??
Did anyone experience the unlocked t-mobile HD2 to work with 3g outside the US????
I hope anyone could share the experience!!

sevoflurane said:
Did anyone experience the unlocked t-mobile HD2 to work with 3g outside the US????
I hope anyone could share the experience!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used my unlocked t-mobile hd2 in Latvia, Netherlands, and United Kingdom so far, and had 3G in all three countries.

I am currently using mine in the Philippines and is doing great I am getting fast speeds on Globe Telecom Network. Speed is quite good switching from 3g to H most of the time.

gromsy said:
Me and seemingly hundreds of other users are waiting to see if it is possible to unlock the March 24th-released T-Mobile US HD2 and also to see if it is possible to connect to 3/3.5G networks outside the US/Canada before we purchase. Please post any experiences you have of:-
1. Unlocking the T-Mobile US version of the HD2 to use on other carriers (say how you did it and which carrier you changed to).
2. Using the T-Mobile US HD2 on a 3/3.5G network outside of North America (say which country and carrier and download speeds).
3. Flashing the T-Mobile US HD2 to different ROMs/radios.
I have contacted a carrier in Taiwan (FarEasTone) and they said that it "should" work there on the 2100Mhz band if it is unlocked but I want solid proof before I lay down the cash.
I found this old link www gsm-forum.eu/smart-phones-pdas-palm-organizers/16571-htc-unlock-free.html that has software that might've unlocked older models of HTC phones. Might be worth a try or please share if you know of any other free software that does the same thing for the T-Mobile US HD2.
Please don't bother posting if you are just asking whether it works or not.
Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in Europe last month and got a 3G connection in France (mostly Bytel) and the UK (mostly T-Mobile). Speeds varied from about 400Kb to 1100Kb. I was using a locked phone with a T-Mobile USA SIM. I talked to a UK T-Mobile dealer and he said they were using the 2100Mhz band for 3G. Prepaid SIM cards were available everywhere. I didn't use cellular data that frequently (mostly sent pictures with WiFi) so I never bothered to get the phone unlocked.

Brazil
I Live in Brazil and my operator is " 3G BRA BrTCelular Oi "
I buy my T-Mo HD2 on april unlocked on US
Until the update to 2.13 my phone freeze many times when I connected on 3G network and next received a call
After update to 2.13 no more freeze problems

Finally!!!
Wooooooooooooohhhhhhoooooooooooo!!!
Just got the phone, and the 3g network is working perfectly like a charm!!!
Thank God!!
Awesome phone!!! I love hTC!!
So that makes Africa included with the others and especially Egypt for the TMOUS working for 3g network outside the US!!
Go ahead HD2 lovers BUY........ and ENJOY!!!

1. Unlocking the T-Mobile US version of the HD2 to use on other carriers (say how you did it)
does anyone know how to do this and have the appropriate numbers etc ???????

...you either buy an unlocking service somewhere online, or call T-Mobile customer care and request an unlock code if you are a current T-Mobile customer.

t-mobile US HD2 uses HDSPA 17/2100 bands for 3G so anywhere those bands are present, you should get 3G (unless the local carrier is blocking it for non in network phones)

sevoflurane said:
Did anyone experience the unlocked t-mobile HD2 to work with 3g outside the US????
I hope anyone could share the experience!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you think it will works with me in Jordan using ORANGE 3G???
thanx

Data works in England
My husband and I are in London with our unlocked TMOUS HD2 and LG Optimus T phones, and I can get 3G on Vodafone prepaid. All I had to do was dial 191 on my handset to get Vodafone customer service, and told them that I am visiting from the U.S. using an unlocked HTC HD2, and would like the APN settings for the data connection. The rep sent me a couple of text messages, one that said the set up text was also coming and what PIN to use to run the set up executable, and the other message contain the set up executable. It worked straight away, and the 3G service is pretty quick. I have looked at a YouTube video with no stutter, and launch web pages without delay. I am very pleased.

I unlocked my HTC HD2 to use it with AT&T at SuperUnlockCodes for a very cheap price and quickly.

Will I be able to use an unlocked MyTouch3G in Egypt through Vodafone Egypt?

I've tried digging around on my own to figure this out, but I haven't found a solid answer, and I really hope someone will help!
Would I be able to take an unlocked T-Mobile MyTouch 3G to Egypt with me and open up a service plan with Vodafone Egypt for local phone and 3G internet?
I hope the answer is simply yes, but here are a few more specific concerns:
1) Is there a difference between being unlocked from HTC and being unlocked from T-Mobile? Are those two separate things? (The one I am looking at says in the description that the unlock code was received and used from HTC, and I just want to make sure that it is really completely unlocked.)
2) Can I stroll into a Vodafone Egypt store with my unlocked T-Mobile MyTouch 3G and buy a plan for local Egyptian phone and 3G internet? In other words, does Vodafone Egypt require one of their official phones, with the Vodafone logo on the top, for them to treat me like a normal customer? (I am going to be in Egypt working as a teacher for the school year, and I would like to take out a contract just like a normal resident for the year if I can.)
3) Will an unlocked T-Mobile MyTouch 3G function properly on the Vodafone Egypt network? Are there any technical or software differences between the United States MyTouch 3G and the Vodafone Magic that might pose a problem for phone or 3G use?
4) Now I'm getting greedy, but here's one more question: Will any phone that is technically specified to work in Vodafone Egypt's network (proper band frequency, 3G capable) be eligible for a normal local Egyptian phone and 3G plan from Vodafone Egypt as described above? Or will it only work for phones that are specifically listed as part of Vodafone Egypt's current line-up?
Thank you in advance for your help!

strimble said:
I've tried digging around on my own to figure this out, but I haven't found a solid answer, and I really hope someone will help!
Would I be able to take an unlocked T-Mobile MyTouch 3G to Egypt with me and open up a service plan with Vodafone Egypt for local phone and 3G internet?
I hope the answer is simply yes, but here are a few more specific concerns:
1) Is there a difference between being unlocked from HTC and being unlocked from T-Mobile? Are those two separate things? (The one I am looking at says in the description that the unlock code was received and used from HTC, and I just want to make sure that it is really completely unlocked.)
2) Can I stroll into a Vodafone Egypt store with my unlocked T-Mobile MyTouch 3G and buy a plan for local Egyptian phone and 3G internet? In other words, does Vodafone Egypt require one of their official phones, with the Vodafone logo on the top, for them to treat me like a normal customer? (I am going to be in Egypt working as a teacher for the school year, and I would like to take out a contract just like a normal resident for the year if I can.)
3) Will an unlocked T-Mobile MyTouch 3G function properly on the Vodafone Egypt network? Are there any technical or software differences between the United States MyTouch 3G and the Vodafone Magic that might pose a problem for phone or 3G use?
4) Now I'm getting greedy, but here's one more question: Will any phone that is technically specified to work in Vodafone Egypt's network (proper band frequency, 3G capable) be eligible for a normal local Egyptian phone and 3G plan from Vodafone Egypt as described above? Or will it only work for phones that are specifically listed as part of Vodafone Egypt's current line-up?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No difference, it's either SIM locked or it isn't.
2) Yeah you should be able to get a SIM only plan which is meant for any phone. Only thing is they probably wont have the exact apn settings for the Magic (I don't think Voda sell the Magic in egypt), only generic ones but they will still work.
3) Just find out the bands the MT3G and Vodafone Egypt uses...

AdrianK said:
1) No difference, it's either SIM locked or it isn't.
2) Yeah you should be able to get a SIM only plan which is meant for any phone. Only thing is they probably wont have the exact apn settings for the Magic (I don't think Voda sell the Magic in egypt), only generic ones but they will still work.
3) Just find out the bands the MT3G and Vodafone Egypt uses...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the help. Egypt is 3G 2100 so I think I'm good!

[Q] T8282 + Prepaid?

Hello All,
Just recently came across a T8282 for sale, At a local thrift store of all places (lol).
Aside from some screen scratches (I assume these did not come with a factory protector/layer I can just peel off?) and missing the stylus + SIM card, But It works perfectly.
Anyway,
This is my first "Real" cell phone or "Modern" I guess you would say.
I've always used Prepaid service and Phones provided by the Prepaid Carrier, As has my family.
We all use Virgin Mobile, And I already have an established account with funds on it for them.
Also, They just added a very reasonable monthly Data Package Plan that seems to be the best deal around in prepaid.
Would there be any possible way to use Virgin Mobile Service with my new T8282?
I'm aware Virgin does not ussualy use SIM cards (or at all) in there phones, But, I've seen some Virgin Sim cards up for sale on auctions sites that appear to be available from outside the US.
Would I be able to make one of these "Foreign" SIM Cards work properly inside the US?
And if not~
What is a good Prepaid Service Provider that uses SIM cards I could switch over to?
I'm aware prepaid is not really the way to go with a phone like this, But I'm not really a hardcore user, And Non-Contract has always got me through just fine.
Sorry if this is in the wrong area.
Oh, And does this phone come already unlocked? Or will I need to do that also?

Bad news I'm afraid
The T8282 is a European GSM/UMTS handset and as such won't work on Virgin Mobile in the US (which uses the Sprint CDMA network)
You'll need to switch to a US carrier which uses GSM - AT&T and T-Mobile are the two big networks which do. In addition, you'll only get voice and GPRS data as the phone can't use the 3G frequences used in the US (the T8285 was the version with US bands)
Virgin Mobile is a global brand, but each country runs its network seperatly. You won't be able to pick up a SIM card and expect it to work on the US Virgin network.
As ther T8282 wasn't sold officially in the US, it will already have been unlocked if it has been used with a US network.
There's other people here which have used a T8282 in the US, it's worth searching the forums.

*Facedesk*
Thanks for all the info handsomedog.
I kinda figured Virgin wouldnt work out, But had to ask.
I dont mind switching Carriers as long as its a prepaid service, But did not count on the phone not being able to "Fully" function... That really sucks.

Band Unlock Now Publicly Available

I guess TBH finally gave up on trying to overcharge for this service. They have released the band unlock publicly.
http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/...d-2-global-pro-update-zip-public-release.html
I haven't tried it yet. It won't work with anything other than 2.26.2, so you'll have to SBF back if you are on something else and want to try this. It also won't work on T-Mobile's 3G network.
If you try it, let us know if it works.

I would try as I'll be travelling to the usa soon and use t-mobile pay as you go sim.
But the how to is not really easy, I'll try again just before leaving for usa... or carry a second phone

So in essence this would allow me to use the phone on Virgin Mobile's network?

PEZ Dispenser said:
So in essence this would allow me to use the phone on Virgin Mobile's network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This unlocks GSM bands. Virgin Mobile (at least in the U.S.) uses CDMA.
The bands for use on Virgin Mobile are already unlocked. However, you would still need to flash the software that VM uses. I don't know if VM does this for you like some prepaid carriers do.

hi i tried this and it works with simple mobile in the us but i only get 2g its something and 2g is a little fast too

it works with at&t sim. make sure your phone is sim unlocked first. code on ebay is $8.
but sometimes it loses connection randomly.

chagla said:
it works with at&t sim. make sure your phone is sim unlocked first. code on ebay is $8.
but sometimes it loses connection randomly.
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Click to collapse
wich firmware do you have?

so im totally lost on this one just need help as far as what do i do i never had a droid pro or rooted one so im terrified as i already bricked my D2G

what country?
chagla said:
it works with at&t sim. make sure your phone is sim unlocked first. code on ebay is $8.
but sometimes it loses connection randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your unlock code work in the United States? If so, which service on eBay did you use, and do u think it would work on Straight Talk or T-Mobile?