[Q] Travel to Europe with Samsung Focus? - Focus General

Hello, I am travelling to Europe next week (London, Paris and Amsterdam) and I would like to use my Focus while I am there. From what I have found I have two options:
1. Pay at&t's overpriced international plans.
2. Unlock my phone thru FastGSM and purchase a SIM card when I get to Europe.
The first option is simple, so my question is with the second. I would like to be able to get email and use apps that require data while traveling. Can anyone please assist me in what kind of SIM card I will need when I arrive in London to get data on my phone and maybe what I should expect to pay?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!

Not sure if they have the same thing in Britain, but I just researched some info for my friend travelling to Italy. There you can buy a SIM Card, and even Internet Key for laptop data use (surf internet and retrieve email). Both run on number of hours or months depending on the package. Charging up the SIM card or internet key can be done by calling a certain phonenumber and then charge up the account using Visa or Master Card. Essentially it avoids long term contracts and it`s still surprisingly cheap. I beleive the Internet Key was about Euro 90 and then another Euro 20 for 100 hours. I think that translates into about $160 USD or CAD $. Not sure what the costs were for the SIM Card, but I recall it was fairly cheap again considering no long term contract needed. website was http://www.tim.it/consumer/homepage.do
I know it`s not British pricing and plan but it gives you something to guage costs against. I also understand Wind and Vodafone have similar deals (no long term contracts and pay via Master Card to charge account).

Related

anyone got 3G working?

all i get is
"The 3G network is not available.
do you want to make a voice call instead"
what am i doing wrong?
o2 in coperate mode with 1.06 radio
cheers
Steve
Wot happens to sour cream when it goes off?
did u buy you exec from O2 on a contract and use the suplied sim card with it ?
yes
sorry miss read question
i used my old sim card
thats why then, your old sim is only 2g equipped, dont ask, its O2 there bein total [email protected] about it, aparently to use O2 3G you have to purchase an O2 3G phone which will come with the new sim called a USIM, most other networks actually sell these new sims or allow the older type to use the 3G dunno why o2 has to b awkward.
if ya dont wana use this new O2 sim of yours u send it my way :lol:
phone was an upgrade, so have not got a new sim just my old one that i have had for 4 upgrades now
get onto o2 then n see what they say, you'll probly get screwed over n told to fek off but there bound to get enough complaints sooner or later to make them start selling the usim in the shops...
definately need a new USIM (with 3GP towards the end of the sim number).
Also check your predicted UMTS coverage online.
nah just phone o2 up and say that the sim card you have isn't compatible with the exec, and that they provided the upgrade, they should have checked that it was compatible, so essentially either they replace the sim free of charge, or you send the phone back.
tbh, it shouldn't even get that far, just by saying that you want to make 3g calls and that your sim card is not compatible with 3g should be enough for them to send you out a replacement. After all, they are always giving sim cards away for free, payg granted, but surely they will look after their contract customers better... at least they did for me a few years back when the Nokia 8210 was all the rage and my old sim card then refused to work with it, they sent out a replacement free of charge, arrived next day too.
Assuming you're in the UK o2 will provide you with a new 3G sim card free of charge - all that is involved is to port your account to the new card (occurs within 24 hrs after you arrange it) - your phone will be fully operational (minus 3G obviously) up until the transfer to the new sim card actually occurs.
The o2 upgrade procedure very clearly states that all customers upgrading to a 3G handset should be given a new sim card - that applies to o2's own retail stores and o2 online - if you got it from a third party company (P4U, Carphone, MobileShop etc) they may insist you charge.
There are actually pretty good system reasons why they do not just enable 3G on existing sim cards (which in theory is possible) - it's to your benefit to get the newer simcard as it has minor improvements to make them more future-proof.
Hope this clears things up
Assuming you're in the UK o2 will provide you with a new 3G sim card free of charge - all that is involved is to port your account to the new card (occurs within 24 hrs after you arrange it) - your phone will be fully operational (minus 3G obviously) up until the transfer to the new sim card actually occurs.
The o2 upgrade procedure very clearly states that all customers upgrading to a 3G handset should be given a new sim card - that applies to o2's own retail stores and o2 online - if you got it from a third party company (P4U, Carphone, MobileShop etc) they may insist you charge.
There are actually pretty good system reasons why they do not just enable 3G on existing sim cards (which in theory is possible) - it's to your benefit to get the newer simcard as it has minor improvements to make them more future-proof.
Hope this clears things up
Hi
I had to ring o2 to get a 3G Sim card and it was F.O.C, or you can go in to any o2 shop and pay £4 for a sim if you dont want to wait 3 - 4 days
@ nosdrahcir
never knew that, but I suppose it makes sense, as then it means that the customer will have not have to ring up if the old sim card is not compatible, but then again, I think they don't send new ones on upgrades to save money, and only send out replacements to those who actually need it.
in 3 years of owning an XDA this is the first time i have had to post a problem, i usually just read other posts to solve them.
Thanks to everyone who replied
got it sorted now
phoned o2 and they are sending me one out today
what happens to sour cream when it goes off??

same number multiple sims

Hi all, this is gonna sound dumb, I imagine, and I just don't feel like calling cingular, but before I got my tytn I didn't know anything about cellular services etc.
I just wanna know if anyone can tell me if I can get two sim cards with the same number on both?, so I can like use my other phone on days that I wanna throw my tytn, without having to pop open covers and remove batteries.
I have been told by Cingular and other provider that this in not an option. You phone number is assoitated with a SIM ID so you can only have 1 SIM ID to a phone number.
What about having two sims, different numbers but with caller redirect to the second number if Hermes phone is not answered. This way callers only ever use one number but you can answer on either phone?
Mike
jcb_home said:
I have been told by Cingular and other provider that this in not an option. You phone number is assoitated with a SIM ID so you can only have 1 SIM ID to a phone number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong, one can have one phone number on several SIMs, up to four in Europe. T-Mobile Germany, also present in the US market, i.e. offers 3 SIM cards with the same number as their "Multi SIM" product. You can operate 3 mobile phones, or any combination of phone-capable machines (PDA, PC etc.) at once, and take calls on any of the phones.
The two additional cards cost 9 euro per month in Germany, to give you a figure. Check with your service provider.
this is a service offered by most operators, in spain for example with Orange it's called "duo card" or with Vodafone it's called "twin card". Just ask Cingular about this service, they will probably ask you a monthly fee for the second sim (1-2 dollars more on each bill).
Thanks everyone, I just thought I would ask here before I called a rep and talked to them, incase I needed to mention..or not mention a few things, but after reading here, I called one local cingular store, and they said they didn't offer two sims on one number.
Mike, on that redirecting, I'm guessin I would have to add a line for the second sim? would kinda suck to pay another $10.00 a month just to avoid havin to pull a sim, but I might have to consider it.
Thanks again for the time and info everyone.
ChaoticDruid said:
Thanks everyone, I just thought I would ask here before I called a rep and talked to them, incase I needed to mention..or not mention a few things, but after reading here, I called one local cingular store, and they said they didn't offer that service.
Mike, on that redirecting, I'm guessin I would have to add a line for the second sim? would kinds suck to pay another $10.00 a month just to avoid havin to pull a sim, but I might have to consider it.
Thanks again for the time and info everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it might depend how often you would use it and what for. If jit's just for ocassional use without any frills what about pay as you go?
I think it would be cool if they offer this stateside. I would leave one, on a charger, in the car.
This way, the car has it's own phone. completes the whole integration thing.

Traveling to Czech Republic

Hope I put this in the right area.
I will be traveling to the Czech Republic this July and am wanting to use my unlocked TMobile MDA (US) while there. I have looked at a couple of the carriers for plans that may fit my needs but I am not entirly sure I understand how exactly they work.
So here is what I am looking for. I will be there for 2 weeks. I am needing limited cell, mostly data. I am planning on using the data for VOIP built in to WM6 connected to my Asteriks server if possible. If I can't get that working I will be using the data as a modem to connect via soft phone. I was looking in to Pay AS You Go type services but with the terminology - tariffs? - I got a little confused. Now if data won't work for me obviously I will need more cell mins.
Can anyone help fill me in on what I might be looking for? I know of only 3 carriers for the country so am thinking my choices are limited - TMobile, O2 and Vodofone.
not sure about Czech Republic
but many places you can just buy a prepaid sim
with various amounts on in a convientstore or supermarket
and use it in any phone
Right, I have read up and understand that pre paid is the way to go, but does this normally include data service as well. And is there a service more reliable than the other. Just because I use TMobile in the US doesn't mean I will have the same luck with them out there so I will go with whoever seems to have the best service\price.
I used my UK tmobile pay as you go for data in Switzerland and France last february. It worked fine and wasn't all that expensive as far as I remember. I just collected andsent email a couple of times a day though and I used about £10 in a week.
Yes, all 3 Czech carriers (TMobile, O2, Vodofone) sell prepaid SIM cards, and I think that all of them support data/internet services (at least GPRS/EDGE). Vodafone's prices are 0,68 CZK/kB for WAP and 0,060 CZK/kB for generic internet (which is what you are interested in, I guess), other carriers' prices are probably very similar.
With O2 there is prepaid data nonstop tarif, it supports also 3G. Just go to one of O2 shops, some of them may speak english
I second the o2 suggestion. I recently took the train to Praha CR and my 02 dervice did not let me down. Problem sometimes with prepaid is they want to see documents...like residency requirements..at least here in Germany. I would get a calling card and call ahead...things like that can throw everything off.
no problem to buy prepaid card anywhere, no documents needed. you can buy it on most petrol stations, post offices - everywhere. I will give you further info about pricing as soon as i recieve it...
nocturne lives in Czech Republic so I would avoid going there.
So, i made some search about current situation.
t-mobile is the best fitting solution for you.
They offer prepaid sim card called "Twist Internet" - for 850CZK (about 35USD), you can use unlimited data connection (GPRS, EDGE or G4)
this card can be bought in every t-mobile shop, there are many of these shops in all cities larger than 10000 habitants - so it's almost everywhere.
you need no papers to buy this card, if yu will not spend another 850CZK, it simply will not work after a month, no more payments necessary.
Calling pricing is hard to choose. It depends on how much will you call and where. Try to specify it better...
If you have more questions, feel free to contact me...
vlodeck: shut up you polish freak
nocturne: ukrainian to be more exact

XDA Exec and Internet in the UK

Hello,
It's been about a year since I purchased my O2 XDA Exec from O2 and my contract is soon expiring. I am not a business customer, I simply want access to the internet to manage my website, stay in contact through email and using the internet for general purpose, such as reading news.
In advance, please forgive me as I am quite a newbie in the phone area when it comes to things like services and sim cards.
I am currently paying around £40/m for my O2 XDA Exec and Data Max (120mb). It seems now, that O2 have removed data tarrifs completely from non-business users. Previously only the bottom 3 were available, now they are all business only.
My main problem stems from the fact I don't use my exec for the internet often as I usually have some other access to the internet at home or at work or a dialup line. However, when I am away from home and work, I use the internet an awful lot (thus a tiny 5mb plan or so wouldn't be enough) and for things such as Logmein (eats up megabytes).
This leads me to wonder what my best option would be. Is there any general non-business options open to people with a lower monthly cost than £40/m but with more than a tiny bit of data (20mb+, ideally 75mb+).
Which leads into my second question - is there any way I can use any of these services on my XDA exec, or will I have to buy a new phone? From what I have read, I understand you can buy a different sim card and put it in the phone and use that service instead.
What looks the most perfect for me, is T-Mobile. T-Mobile seem to have very good internet data plans, and they seem to acknowledge that non-business customers actually do want access to the internet and not just a tiny amount of data. Their Web 'n' walk Plus (12) for £29 a month for unlimited access and allowing laptop access. They also seem to have a service where you pay £1 and then get internet access for the day. This would be even more perfect for me, where I need lots of internet in one go, but then no usage for other times.
My next question would be, do I stand any change of using either of these services with my XDA Exec, and if so, how could I go about doing it? I have done my best to search for details, but have found conflicting reports and a lack of details about how to go about doing these things, especially for a newbie like me lacking in knowledge in this area.
I would really appreciate any help anyone could provide,
Thanks in advance
Firstly, I assume that your Exec is unlocked and that you can use any sim in it. AFAIK, all O2 Execs came unlocked, but it might be worth trying a friend's sim in yours first. If not unlocked, I would guess there is an unlock tool somewhere on this forum - haven't looked myself as haven't needed to! Otherwise, there is no reason not to use your Exec on another network - mine is on t-mobile.
Secondly, and somebody may be able to offer advice on this, Three also offer decent unlimited data services but as far as I can see they don't offer sim-only pay monthly deals.
What you don't say is if you use your exec for voice calls at all and how much. On the (big) assumption that voice is not important to you, t-mobile offer two options:
1) pay monthly sim-only - £7.50 gives you 50 mins voice per month per month (15p per minute). You can then add the £7.50 web'n'walk option (unlimited data, but no modem, voip or streaming use). I have read elsewhere that it can be problematic getting this package from sales but I am using it myself so persevere! I assume you can also add the web'n'walk plus instead.
2) Pay as you go sim - 12p per minute plus 0.73p per KB, capped at £1 per day but the t&cs seem to say no modem use so may not be for you.
If you really don't want data approaching 1GB per month as offered by t-mobile, Vodafone's deals may be better - don't have much knowledge of them but they offer 15MB per day for £1 on PAYG (although it seems that it is £1 for the 0.5MB and then free to 15MB, so it may be more expensive than t-mobile - haven't done the maths), or 120MB for £7.50 per month if you're on a sim-only pay monthly contract. They offer 150 mins and 500 texts for £20 per month so this is a marginally better deal than t-mobile if you want to use the Exec for voice. Also, reading the t&cs, they don't seem to preclude modem use as with the basic web'n'walk. Someone may correct me on this.
I did (almost) exactly the same thing when switching from Orange - went onto one of T-Mobiles 'Relax' packages (combined calls and texts) plus web 'n' walk unlimited internet, and I only pay £27.50 a month now and tend to use the internet a lot. I also got a free Nokia 6233 as well, but put a payg sim in this instead and put the contract sim in my uni...
As far as configuration goes, once you join T-Mobile, you can register on their website, which allows you to access an interactive manual for your device - mine was initially set to the Nokia, but you can change it to the MDA Pro (same as the exec) and it then explains, very clearly, what you need to do to configure gprs/3g connections, etc.
One word of warning though, gsm internet access (which is set up to dial a number) is not included in web 'n' walk, so if you use activesync to sync outlook mails and a gprs/3g connection is not available, it can potentially dial up a gsm connection and stick lots of call charges on your account. This happened to me, and about £150 of extra charges were put on my bill - I managed to get them removed and now I don't have a gsm internet account set up on my uni so it doesn't happen again.
Hope this helps.
good info.
I ll do the same.
O2 is not that good for internet. but good for minutes
T mobile internet is cheap.
I moved to three not so long ago.
I'm not sure if the offer is still there but i'm currently paying:
£17.50 line rental
£10.00 X-Series
£27.50 a month total.
I chose the worst phone(dont use it (LG U300)) from their tarrif to give me 18 months half price line rental. Gives me:
300mins
1000txts
£5 downloads a month
50 video mins
25 MMS
X-Series Gold gives me:
Slingbox & Orb usage (80 hours a month (about 2 hrs a day))
5000 Skype minutes a month
Unlimited MSN Messenger
Unlimited Internet (1 gig before they start throttling)
Signed up for X-Series gold for 12 months (in shop) and they give you a free slingbox (worth about £140) not bad at all!!
Pretty damn good deal. I must say I love three, not had any issues at all.
You can also get x-series silver which is without the orb & sling stuff for £5 a month.
I doubt you'll get a better deal from another mobile provider. The slingbox is just sick, watch your sky tv on the move, i've not tried it yet as it will involve some additional networking but I can't wait!!
worth a look...
Thanks a lot for all the replies, some really useful information and I very much appreciate it. I apolpogise for the lateness of my reply but unfortunately I have been inundated with work which has put me back looking into this.
What seems to be the most perfect for me, is this plan from the T-Mobile site:
http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/services/mobile-internet/on-your-phone-and-laptop/
Web'n'walk Plus for £12.50/month on top of your voice plan
It says you can use it on your laptop and on your phone, and includes the data allowance (but no VOIP).
However, I'm still a little unclear - would it be possible to get a sim card (withouta phone) for this plan from T-Mobile as it doesn't seem possible from the site? If so, would I get the sim card, configure my Universal with the required settings and then be ready to go?
Thanks for your time,
Quboid.
You can get a sim only monthly plan from T-Mobile, but it only includes 50 minutes of calls and is £7.50 a month and there doesnt look to be any sort of scale of charges associated with it. It also doesn't see to be available bundled with a web n walk plan, so the only internet you get with it is max charge of £1 per day for using the internet.
I would pick a decent handset to get for free, to use as a spare or if you don't want to lug your Exec about with sometimes, and go with your initial web n walk plan.
captainsensible2002 said:
You can get a sim only monthly plan from T-Mobile, but it only includes 50 minutes of calls and is £7.50 a month and there doesnt look to be any sort of scale of charges associated with it. It also doesn't see to be available bundled with a web n walk plan, so the only internet you get with it is max charge of £1 per day for using the internet.
I would pick a decent handset to get for free, to use as a spare or if you don't want to lug your Exec about with sometimes, and go with your initial web n walk plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply,
Is it pretty much impossible then to be able to get a sim to use in m Exec without having to get another phone? It seems somewhat furstrating if I have a compatible phone and such to have to get another in order to be able to go with T-mobile? Is there any hope of getting web 'n' walk without having to do this?
Thanks a lot
Try phoning up their sales department. They'll be best suited to give you decent info, i'm sure they want a sale.
http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/
they might have some more info.

CID unlock HTC Magic A6161

Hi guys!
I've been reading (and searching) around the android device forums (dream, magic, hero) and I still can't find a helpful entry on where to unlock ng Smart Telecom locked (Philippines) Magic A6161 unit. I've tried 2 sites but both issued non working system / network unlock codes. This is really depressing.
I read within the Hero forums regarding the unlock method using a modified serial - mini usb cable. will this work for the magic? Or better yet, can anyone help me unlock the unit? Thanks so much
shoktong
your thoughts on this, guys?
im also encountering the same problem i have a htc magic phone locked to smart and also tried 3 different sites and all of them have a wrong code.
if you find a site that can give the correct code, can you share it?
the phone is with me for over a month now and i still can't find a website that can supply the right code.
Look for member Olipro (Legend!) he may be able to help
same problem
I also encountered the same problem.
unlock code purchased online didn't work for my Smart communication's HTC Magic. Really need alternate solution for this.
i want to use Globe sim card on my Magic, and switch my Smart sim card to other phone.
Smart don't have unlimited surfing plan, using Smart sim card on HTC magic really killing me.
Last month billing cost me PHP 26,000 (around 550 USD).
they charged PHP 10 (0.2 USD) for each internet connection. Imagine if you have more than 30 mails per day. Push a mail cost you PHP 10, and cost you another PHP 10 to read and reply. This will cost me total of PHP 20 just read and reply a mail.
Although Smart Communication provide PHP 10 / 30 min internet connection charge, but this doesn't work with push mail and using some application required internet connection.
WOW $550! That's insane!
Sorry I can't help but I have a bit of an OT question.
I'm planning to go to the Philipines this comming June and I was wondering what would be the best company for me to deal with during my visit. Since my HTC Magic is from Canada i believe the 3G bands are incompatible so really I'm looking at basic texting, airtime minutes for about a month long stay.
Any update if you have successfully unlocked your HTC Magic A6161 from Smart?
Please help us
i found a solution... you dont need to unlock the phone.
when i went to greenhills to have my phone unlocked for the 5th time and still no code available. One of the technicians offered me to use an ex sim. It looks like a generic sim card thats transparent that you put under the sim card of any brand. For me i use Globe. Try it. it costs P1200 much less compared to the price they were offering me when they said that it takes P2500 to unlock the phone.
Hope this will help!
linds said:
i found a solution... you dont need to unlock the phone.
when i went to greenhills to have my phone unlocked for the 5th time and still no code available. One of the technicians offered me to use an ex sim. It looks like a generic sim card thats transparent that you put under the sim card of any brand. For me i use Globe. Try it. it costs P1200 much less compared to the price they were offering me when they said that it takes P2500 to unlock the phone.
Hope this will help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where I can buy it?
I write to Smart, and there say:
Dear Sir Victor,
Thank you for constantly communicating with us.
We understand your sentiments regarding your request to provide you with the network code. However as previously discussed, unlocking your handset is not encouraged so as not for you to encounter handset problems in the future.
In case you would still want to unlock your phone, any Service Centers in your location can assist you with this matter.
Sir Victor, we hope this information helps.
If you have other concerns or queries, please feel free to email us again.
Sincerely,
Cathy Santos / cgc
Customer Care
when i called smart they told me that they dont offer any unlocking service for the unit so i just went to greenhills shopping center. theres a place there where people sell and repair celphones. Tell them your phone is locked to smart and you have tried codes on the internet and it doesnt work. Ask for an ex sim. and try it on your phone.
Dear friends I live in Russia
we don't have "greenhills"
may be another solutions?
I'd take a look on Dealextreme
It's a China based technology shop where you can find the "smart sim", which is a generic phone unlocking card. You put it between the sim connector on your phone and the sim card you want to use, and it's supposed to unlock the phone. If you take it out, the phone remains locked, but as long as you keep it inside, the phone will act as unlocked.
The "smart sim" cards are supposed to work on several brands, and are quite inexpensive. If it works on your phone, it's a good, and very cheap, solution to the unlocking problems. There are several models, and the latest ones should be working with your phone.
Good luck.
I guess its confirmed then. You can't network unlock an HTC Magic from Smart. I just bought a code and it does not work at all. They said that they checked and double checked and the code they gave me is correct. Oh well, probably gonna sell this unit and Greenhills as a downpayment on an openline unit.

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