I've got a Sprint Samsung Epic 4G but I plan on doing some international travel next year (2012, and I don't know where yet). I've never had to figure out the phone situation before.
I have a business to run so I'll need voice, text, and data for checking email.
Is it easier just to buy an unlocked GSM Android-based phone and do the SIM swapping thing from country to country? How do I go about unlocking a phone? Will I be able to keep my old number? Or do I just go for an international phone that can do both GSM and CDMA?
Any recommendations?
*sigh*
If the GSM providers in the US weren't so crappy I wouldn't be having such a hard time, heh.
,
Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.
The only way you can keep your same phone number when traveling abroad is to keep using Sprint and then do international roaming. Unfortunately, that can be incredibly expensive, especially for data. For instance in many countries, Verizon charges up to $20.48 per megabyte!
If you buy an unlocked phone and get a prepaid sim in the country you are traveling, the local rates will be far cheaper than roaming with your carrier, but you will get another phone number with that new sim card. You may be able to activate call forwarding so the calls go from your Sprint number to your international sim card. I'm not sure of all the details on that, if there are extra costs, etc.
Sprint has a recent phone, the Motorola Photon that comes with a GSM radio so you could use Sprint's CDMA service here and then use a local sim when you travel abroad. That phone is unlocked for international sims, but locked to domestic sims such as from ATT and T-Mobile.
You can find most phones sold in Europe and elsewhere are unlocked from the start, but keep in mind you'd pay the off-contract price which can be $500+. If you want, maybe you will be eligible to upgrade to the Photon or a newer GSM+CDMA model next year for a contract price.
Also, Europe is strictly GSM. So even if you brought your CDMA-only Epic there, it would not work at all, not even for roaming.
I am not sure if operators allow call forwarding to international numbers .... It can be done only to local numbers no matter GSM or CDMA.
I suggest you purchase a pre paid GSM number and activate your call forwarding onto it and use the GSM number for international roaming. But as we all know DATA will cost you a BOM!
I remember losing some 10+ euros in Paris just by consuming some 300 KB data on a LOCAL SIM !
At the end what best i suggest is set up a voice mail on your sprint number and purchase a Uni Connect or Tricon card (both GSM) which works through Europe. You can then inform every one via your voice message about your new number for the duration of time you are roaming.
over
回帖不看帖系列。
别把国内论坛坏习惯带到这里来。
mourui313 said:
I'm from BESTBUY to buy 306SH, but not in USA activated by SPRINT has sent to China signal, I want to use 3G or 4G LTE in the China Telecom's CDMA network, but to insert the SIM card can not identify, who are willing to help me to activate the machine? Must be in the activation of SPRINT can change the card or the first activation solution network lock, to use? SPRINT to me this kind of customers, whether to provide unlocking service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I can confirm that even you have it UICC unlocked, it won't work with China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom.
Service status will be SEARCHING always.
解锁成功了吗求方法
You'd better do some research before your purchase
mourui313 said:
I'm from BESTBUY to buy 306SH, but not in USA activated by SPRINT has sent to China signal, I want to use 3G or 4G LTE in the China Telecom's CDMA network, but to insert the SIM card can not identify, who are willing to help me to activate the machine? Must be in the activation of SPRINT can change the card or the first activation solution network lock, to use? SPRINT to me this kind of customers, whether to provide unlocking service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint could unlock the phone for oversea use only for their customer and the phone need to be activated with Sprint at least 30 days. I am afraid we couldn't help you.
Sprint Unlock
wuyiL said:
Sprint could unlock the phone for oversea use only for their customer and the phone need to be activated with Sprint at least 30 days. I am afraid we couldn't help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to contact sprint customer service, They told even their phone is unlocked, they still can not use other carrier's sim card. BUT as we can see sprint iphone 6 and 6+ are oversea unlocked in China, and supporting China Mobile TD-LTE bands( Band 38 ,41).
Let's see this phone, when I got into the hidden menu, I figured out that 306sh is support TD-LTE band 41, That's means if it is oversea unlocked (like iPhone 6 example). It is possible that 306sh also is oversea unlocked, the best carrier for support 306sh is China Mobile (TD-LTE), China Telecom (CDMA 1X, CDMA ev-do REV A, TDD-LTE, FDD -LTE), Softbank (Japan FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE, HSPA+).
I ll try take it to have a oversea test. Let's wait.
According to your saying, technically we could unlock it to use in China and Japan.
Oversea Unlock
wuyiL said:
According to your saying, technically we could unlock it to use in China and Japan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory, I have to say it could be oversea unlocked. However, if we want to use the phone oversea. We have to concern about two issues.
First, the phone had better be unactivated. I am not sure we can use a CDMA phone burned some carriers information on abroad. So an unactivated aquos is more likely can be used oversea.
Second, If we use china mobile's network, I don't think the phone can make a call. that because, china mobile is a gsm carriers, they do not support CDMA phone. Only thing we can use from china mobile is their TD-LTE network. So if we insert CMCC sim card, the phone will become a web only phone that is unable to make a call. Or if China Mobile has VoLTE technology. On the other hand, China Telecom's network will be a best choice for 306sh. Cauz China Telecom's 2g 3g 4g network is exactly same with Sprint network. Let's see, softbank. the situation is a little bit similar with China Mobile. Softbank also is a GSM carrier, but Softbank they do not have 2G network, about 10 year ago, Japan closed all their 2G network, that's means, Softbank do not have GSM GPRS and EDGE. for replacement, they have WCDMA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, FDD-LTE and TDD-LTE, so aquos also is very suitable to Softbank in Japan.
Let's waiting for the test.
看完我只想说楼主傻逼
尼玛是不是末宝店主 还是什么脑残用google翻译
淘宝店主倒也有心可原
不过这英语真是有点坑了啊
Englsih
Alien Kingson said:
不过这英语真是有点坑了啊
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a an English forum, I do not understand why you guys type Chinese at here.
I am joining in the discussion is to try to help people who have this kinda phones in China. On the other hand, I dont think it is a good place for us to critical whose English is better than others. If you guys have some good ideas why dont you post them in English not Chinese on the forum to let people from all over world to know thus we can root the phone earlier. Anyway I can get high speed 4G LTE internet service in states, I dont care how it works in China. The reason why I join the discussion is try to help you guys. Our goal is to root the phone, let do it, we can made it.
Dave E said:
This is a an English forum, I do not understand why you guys type Chinese at here.
I am joining in the discussion is to try to help people who have this kinda phones in China. On the other hand, I dont think it is a good place for us to critical whose English is better than others. If you guys have some good ideas why dont you post them in English not Chinese on the forum to let people from all over world to know thus we can root the phone earlier. Anyway I can get high speed 4G LTE internet service in states, I dont care how it works in China. The reason why I join the discussion is try to help you guys. Our goal is to root the phone, let do it, we can made it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tried to write a unlock SIM card. but it dont work on China-Unicom(a GSM/WCDMA/LTE network Operator) ,i can make phonecalls to others, but cant receive phonecalls. i want to make 305sh use GSM ONLY,i tried *#*#4636#*#* it cant set GSM ONLY. can any other way to set GSM ＯＮＬＹ？ ｔｈａｎｋｓ
Dear All,
I have been having this issue since last Monday (June 25).
I use Lineage OS 14.1 and G900V on StraightTalk (Verizon network).
It has been working fine in the last 12 months.
All of sudden, I can only get 3G + voice/text.
If I switched the preferred network type to LTE, I got LTE, but voice/text is dead (emergency call only).
I play around with Preferred Network Type settings via *#*#4636#*#*, also tried it with many possible combination of network type on Settings-->Cellular Networks-->Preferred network type.
Here are the settings that I found work:
CDMA auto (PRL) --> 3G + voice/text
LTE/CDMA auto (PRL) --> 3G + voice/text
LTE only --> LTE + NO voice/text (emergency call only)
LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) --> LTE + NO voice/text (emergency call only)
I want to know, does anybody else experience this issue? Is this StraightTalk issue, Verizon issue, G900V, or settings in Lineage?
Thank you so much for your help.
P.S.: If this is StraightTalk issue, please let me know what's the best BYOP carrier for LTE with StraightTalk. Or what's the best MVNO for LTE with Lineage.
nckhrs said:
Dear All, I have been having this issue since last Monday (June 25). I use Lineage OS 14.1 and G900V on StraightTalk (Verizon network).
It has been working fine in the last 12 months....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the G900V device with LineageOS using the Net10 with the Verizon Towers and I've got no issues with the 4G LTE Voice.
Which is weird because Straight Talk and Net10 are both sister companies owned by TracFone.
Maybe you need to update your Baseband Modem?
Mine is the QL1 Baseband Version.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
I've got the G900V device with LineageOS using the Net10 with the Verizon Towers and I've got no issues with the 4G LTE Voice.
Which is weird because Straight Talk and Net10 are both sister companies owned by TracFone.
Maybe you need to update your Baseband Modem?
Mine is the QL1 Baseband Version.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Ibuprophen,
Thank you for the suggestion. My baseband has been QL1, and I never touched it.
What I have been doing is updating Lineage OS (nightly build).
Did it get updated when I update LineageOS?
Do you think I need to downgrade my baseband?
Thanks a lot.
nckhrs said:
Hi Ibuprophen,
Thank you for the suggestion. My baseband has been QL1, and I never touched it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe that it's the baseband if your up to date.
When it comes to updating the LineageOS, my personal preference is that I update it around a Quarterly basis. I've never felt that it needs updates very frequently. The only caveat would be if an issue arose specific to the Firmware but, I don't currently see any issues myself.
What you may need to do is contact Straight Talk Support to get them to refresh your device in the system for the Verizon Towers.
I used to have to do this with Net10 (using the Chat session with their Support) every few months when I used to loose data and MMS suddenly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
I don't believe that it's the baseband if your up to date.
When it comes to updating the LineageOS, my personal preference is that I update it around a Quarterly basis. I've never felt that it needs updates very frequently. The only caveat would be if an issue arose specific to the Firmware but, I don't currently see any issues myself.
What you may need to do is contact Straight Talk Support to get them to refresh your device in the system for the Verizon Towers.
I used to have to do this with Net10 (using the Chat session with their Support) every few months when I used to loose data and MMS suddenly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on chat with StraightTalk right now. When I asked her to refresh my device in the system for the Verizon Towers, she said "That's not the process". After asking for my IMEI and SIM, she's doing something now.
nckhrs said:
I am on chat with StraightTalk right now. When I asked her to refresh my device in the system for the Verizon Towers, she said "That's not the process". After asking for my IMEI and SIM, she's doing something now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that they call it something different but, that's what it actually does.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
I believe that they call it something different but, that's what it actually does.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so here is what she said.
Since I am not in my original activation zipcode area, I am out of luck, because all of Verizon tower is full.
She quoted the term about roaming. I told her that I'm not in Sprint network, but she insisted "roaming" simply means I am outside of my original activation code.
So, the interesting part is, she said that I need to change my area code (change my phone number literally) in order to update to the matching zipcode. I first became ST customer 5 years ago, with zipcode AAAAA, and then I moved to zipcode BBBBB and switched to CDMA (ST with Verizon network). I thought they updated my zipcode to BBBBB. Apparently, my activation zipcode forever is going to be AAAAA, unless I'm willing to change my phone number to match.
Aside from all of that, if I am not mistaken, the general rule is that MVNO users will always have lower priority. So, I think what she said is contradicting that fact, because she said if I'm in the activation zipcode then I will be guaranteed to get LTE.
I am really confused now...any idea? Is it time to switch to Net10 perhaps?
Thanks a lot.
nckhrs said:
Ok, so here is what she said. Since I am not in my original activation zipcode area, I am out of luck, because all of Verizon tower is full.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OH MY WORD... LMAO!
Honestly, you were given a bunch of hot air based upon the fact that she really did not know what to do or what happened.
My mother moved from New Hampshire to Florida and has been in Florida for 3 years with the same New Hampshire number, a Version Samsung J3 device and Straight Talk without any issues with her 4G LTE voice at all.
A few years ago I had Net10 and gave Straight Talk a try and then a few months later, after dealing with support who gave me this type of Malachi for something else, i went right back to Net10.
Net10 isn't perfect but, I know how to talk to them and easily get things figured out.
I'll give you a hint when dealing with Net10 Support... Always use the Chat Session support. It sometimes takes a touch longer but, I always can get things done quicker and easier than through the voice call option.
If you do decide to go to Net10, be sure you that Straight Talk releases your IMEI/ESN/Serial Number (all 3 are the same but, uses different names). There's a difference between them removing the device from the your Straight Talk account and releasing the device from the system.
I do wish you the best of luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
OH MY WORD... LMAO!
Honestly, you were given a bunch of hot air based upon the fact that she really did not know what to do or what happened.
My mother moved from New Hampshire to Florida and has been in Florida for 3 years with the same New Hampshire number, a Version Samsung J3 device and Straight Talk without any issues with her 4G LTE voice at all.
A few years ago I had Net10 and gave Straight Talk a try and then a few months later, after dealing with support who gave me this type of Malachi for something else, i went right back to Net10.
Net10 isn't perfect but, I know how to talk to them and easily get things figured out.
I'll give you a hint when dealing with Net10 Support... Always use the Chat Session support. It sometimes takes a touch longer but, I always can get things done quicker and easier than through the voice call option.
If you do decide to go to Net10, be sure you that Straight Talk releases your IMEI/ESN/Serial Number (all 3 are the same but, uses different names). There's a difference between them removing the device from the your Straight Talk account and releasing the device from the system.
I do wish you the best of luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep... exactly, this is not the first time ST gave me this kind of nonsense.
I contacted them again, the rep was going to forward the case to their network specialist, unfortunately the dept. closed already. I will try again tomorrow.
Btw, I saw this forum. Any experience with this? Do you think the rep here are knowledgeable?
https://www.straighttalkwirelessforum.com/portal.php
So, if I want to switch to Net10, should I call ST first to release the device, or Net10 first?
Thanks a lot!
nckhrs said:
Yep... exactly, this is not the first time ST gave me this kind of nonsense. I contacted them again, the rep was going to forward the case to their network specialist, unfortunately the dept. closed already. I will try again tomorrow....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about that specific forum but, those types of forums typically end up with robo type of copy and paste responses (like Google, Microsoft, Verizon and others) that ultimately ask you to contact their support team.
First, have the phone released from their system before contacting Net10. Net10 will let you know if you're still in tied to the Straight Talk system.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
I don't know about that specific forum but, those types of forums typically end up with robo type of copy and paste responses (like Google, Microsoft, Verizon and others) that ultimately ask you to contact their support team.
First, have the phone released from their system before contacting Net10. Net10 will let you know if you're still in tied to the Straight Talk system.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot!
Btw, the rep I talked this morning checked with their network specialist department, they tried to do something, and said that my SIM card is not responding (error). So, they're going to mail me a new SIM card. That sounds weird to me.... do you think they do the right thing this time?
nckhrs said:
Thanks a lot! Btw, the rep I talked this morning checked with their network specialist department, they tried to do something, and said that my SIM card is not responding (error). So, they're going to mail me a new SIM card. That sounds weird to me.... do you think they do the right thing this time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new SIM card being sent (from Straight Talk I presume) is typically for the reasons including what you were told and also (of course without admitting it) if they just can't figure out what's wrong and are hoping that a new SIM will rectify the issue.
There's nothing wrong with waiting to see if this will work out for you. Basically giving them the benefit of doubt.
I'm curious to see how this works out for you. Please let me know after you get the new SIM going from them.
You never know... LMAO!
Good Luck My Friend!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
The new SIM card being sent (from Straight Talk I presume) is typically for the reasons including what you were told and also (of course without admitting it) if they just can't figure out what's wrong and are hoping that a new SIM will rectify the issue.
There's nothing wrong with waiting to see if this will work out for you. Basically giving them the benefit of doubt.
I'm curious to see how this works out for you. Please let me know after you get the new SIM going from them.
You never know... LMAO!
Good Luck My Friend!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep... that's what I am afraid, they couldn't figure out how to set my SIM properly on their end, and decided to just change the SIM. I am afraid how many "zombies SIMs" in their SIM registry if this is how they handle stuff. But for sure it makes the SIM manufacturer happy, but frustrated the software developer ("Dude, you blew up my linked list!! I used 256 bit integer already!!") :laugh:
Yes, I will keep you updated, thank you so much. :fingers-crossed:
Possibly my update would be "Indeed, the lawn is greener in Net10 camp!!" :victory:
Ibuprophen said:
The new SIM card being sent (from Straight Talk I presume) is typically for the reasons including what you were told and also (of course without admitting it) if they just can't figure out what's wrong and are hoping that a new SIM will rectify the issue.
There's nothing wrong with waiting to see if this will work out for you. Basically giving them the benefit of doubt.
I'm curious to see how this works out for you. Please let me know after you get the new SIM going from them.
You never know... LMAO!
Good Luck My Friend!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings Ibuprophen
So... after another chat with ST, I came to conclusion that they didn't provide any sort of training to their Customer Service team. And of course, even though they know the SIM is defective, they still cannot expedite shipping the new SIM replacement, and also it's not available in local Walmart.
I switched to Net10 today! :laugh:
Porting process is not smooth, there are 2 problems, but the chat rep seemed more knowledgeable and also very courteous on the phone.
Problem #1: Their system cannot take my phone (cryptic error). They said they have to register it to Net10 system first (which means removing it from ST). Surprisingly I don't need to contact ST, they can do everything from their side (presumably because they are sister companies). So, I contacted the chat rep. Continue to problem #2...
Problem #2: After she removed my phone from ST, registered it to Net10, she still needs to create an account. Then afterward I need to go through activation process online as she cannot process credit card (I haven't purchased refill/service plan/airtime card). At the last step (placing the order, processing the payment), it failed. Three times. Continue to problem #3...
Problem #3: I need to call the rep to figure out what's wrong. At the final step when I supposedly provide the credit card to purchase the airtime card, he mentioned the price, and I asked him to enable auto-refill to get $5 off. He told me first time purchase aren't allow to enable auto-refill, even though on the activation website there is no indication of this restriction. Anyway, so I told him I will use the website without checking auto-refill... and voila... it works!
So, it's not smooth, but they're very helpful. Yep, took me 1 hour to chat and talked on the phone.
But the amazing thing is, it worked almost instantaneously!! Literally, 30 seconds after I completed online activation and number porting, while I was wrapping up the conversation with the rep (he asked if I'm willing to fill up survey), he asked me to reboot my phone and plug in the SIM card (because he saw porting is complete). To my surprise, it works! Yep.. 30 seconds to port the number is pretty cool.
And... I got everything works fine again. LTE data, voice and text work, including MMS, without changing anything (not even the APN). I know, they use the same APN anyway.
Oh.. one surprising thing is, she told me that I can use my Straight Talk SIM for Net10 service (of course, she needs to add my SIM # to Net10 account). Of course I refuse because my "fellow" in ST told me that my ST SIM card is defective
So, my conclusion is:
1. If their online activation system failed to take your device, contact the chat rep. Or phone rep.
2. Make sure you don't check auto-refill for the first time (when purchasing airtime during activation).
3. Use Net10 as it's easier to find the SIM card locally, so that if something like this happens and you need to activate new SIM, you don't have to wait 1 week for the new SIM card to arrive.
Ok, that's all. Let me know if you want me to share more details or if you have further questions.
P.S.: So... I still don't know what's the real cause why my ST behaved that way. I believe what you said is right, something wrong with Verizon tower registration. But too bad... ST reps and network specialist are not knowledgeable enough to solve it. And there goes the 512-bit integer in the making...
nckhrs said:
Greetings Ibuprophen . So... after another chat with ST, I came to conclusion that they didn't provide any sort of training to their Customer Service team....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware that Net10 was now able to release a devices ESN from a sister carrier.
This worked out for you very well!
I don't use the Auto Refill myself because I sometimes don't have the funds available when it's due for a refill. I just purchase a $35 card with Unlimited everything with up to 3GB Data at 4G LTE speeds then the lower speeds afterwards (only because I use WiFi approx 90% +/- of the time).
As long as your good to go now and I'm happy that I was able to help make you happy too. :thumbup:
Unless you require something else, to see if I can help you with, I'll wish you the best of luck and I hope all remains well!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
I wasn't aware that Net10 was now able to release a devices ESN from a sister carrier.
This worked out for you very well!
I don't use the Auto Refill myself because I sometimes don't have the funds available when it's due for a refill. I just purchase a $35 card with Unlimited everything with up to 3GB Data at 4G LTE speeds then the lower speeds afterwards (only because I use WiFi approx 90% +/- of the time).
As long as your good to go now and I'm happy that I was able to help make you happy too. :thumbup:
Unless you require something else, to see if I can help you with, I'll wish you the best of luck and I hope all remains well!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot!
Btw, I just want to give another update.
The replacement SIM card from Straight Talk arrived, and guess what... it is the exact same SIM card as the one I got from Net10!
Inside there is a piece of paper with universal instruction to activate the SIM card for Tracfone, Net10, ST, SafeLink, Telcel, Total Wireless, and Walmart Family Mobile.
Conclusion: They (Tracfone and all of its sister companies) use universal SIM card now. No wonder the Net10 rep told me that she can activate my Net10 service on ST SIM card.
So, if that's the case, I would have used Net10 SIM and stayed with ST as it's a bit cheaper.
Update: Please see later post below.
Cheers!
nckhrs said:
...... Conclusion: They (Tracfone and all of its sister companies) use universal SIM card now. No wonder the Net10 rep told me that she can activate my Net10 service on ST SIM card. So, if that's the case, I would have used Net10 SIM and stayed with ST as it's a bit cheaper. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...
TracFone is actually owned by a Mexican Telecom Company called "América Móvil" but, TracFone (HQ in Florida) is the "Parent" company of 10 major providers in the USA. They're TracFone Wireless, NET10 Wireless, Total Wireless, Safelink Wireless, Straight Talk, Telcel América, SIMPLE Mobile, Page Plus Cellular, GoSmart Mobile, and Walmart Family Mobile.
The BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) SIM Cards have always looked the same that all state TracFone on them. There's a certain set of numbers within the SIM Card Number that determines various things like the Company listed above, the carrier it's for (AT&T, Verizon, etc...) and more.
Universal SIM cards... I had chatted with a Net10 supervisor about this and I was told that this was something that has been talked about and wasn't sure exactly where this is at this point of time but, told me that this hasn't been done yet because the supervisors would have been made aware of this.
In addition, I was told that the Porting of a Cell Phone from one Sister Carrier to another has recently been established but, not for all of them yet. At this time, the only carrier that Net10 can Port a phone from is Straight Talk and more are being implemented slowly within their system over time.
Anyways, I'm happy to see that your happy now and thank you very much for letting me know know how things were going.
I, ultimately, believe that we both have learned something from each other that's a great thing!
I do wish you the best of luck my friend!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Ibuprophen said:
Well...
TracFone is actually owned by a Mexican Telecom Company called "América Móvil" but, TracFone (HQ in Florida) is the "Parent" company of 10 major providers in the USA. They're TracFone Wireless, NET10 Wireless, Total Wireless, Safelink Wireless, Straight Talk, Telcel América, SIMPLE Mobile, Page Plus Cellular, GoSmart Mobile, and Walmart Family Mobile.
The BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) SIM Cards have always looked the same that all state TracFone on them. There's a certain set of numbers within the SIM Card Number that determines various things like the Company listed above, the carrier it's for (AT&T, Verizon, etc...) and more.
Universal SIM cards... I had chatted with a Net10 supervisor about this and I was told that this was something that has been talked about and wasn't sure exactly where this is at this point of time but, told me that this hasn't been done yet because the supervisors would have been made aware of this.
In addition, I was told that the Porting of a Cell Phone from one Sister Carrier to another has recently been established but, not for all of them yet. At this time, the only carrier that Net10 can Port a phone from is Straight Talk and more are being implemented slowly within their system over time.
Anyways, I'm happy to see that your happy now and thank you very much for letting me know know how things were going.
I, ultimately, believe that we both have learned something from each other that's a great thing!
I do wish you the best of luck my friend!
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I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
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Ah I see. I jumped to conclusion too fast!
I better delete/edit my previous post.
Thanks a lot for the comprehensive info
You're too humble, it's obvious that I am the one who learned from you
nckhrs said:
Ah I see. I jumped to conclusion too.....
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You don't need to edit your posts (unless there's private/personal information or similar)...
It's your call but, other members can learn as well if they had the same/similar questions and answers.
Thank you very much for your kind words and I'll leave the thread with "Good Luck and Enjoy your Device"!
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I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Anybody using spectrum mobile with the Essential phone? If so, how did you go about getting the phone on their service? The bring your own device list only shows Appl, google devices.
downyours said:
Anybody using spectrum mobile with the Essential phone? If so, how did you go about getting the phone on their service? The bring your own device list only shows Appl, google devices.
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I don't know who Spectrum are but it will almost certainly work, just put in your SIM. The Essential phone has worked in every country I've tried it, here in Australia as well as Africa, Asia & Europe. That said some things might not work, as for example, they have not listed this phone model on their system for VoLTE so it might not work, but some companies will add it if you request, though won't support/guarantee all services as they have not tested it on their networks.Though if Spectrum is a reseller these "enhanced" features might not work anyhow as the main networks providers who built the infrastructure like to often keep them for their customers only. Even if these partner network lists this phone some features may not be available on the resellers network.
You need to check the wavebands Spectrum use are ones supported by Essential, almost guaranteed to be fine, but maybe hope someone here will confirm what works on Spectrum and if anything doesn't.
Awesome, thank you for filling in the blanks for me. I will check the wavebands they use. I know they run off the Verizon backbone which the essential works on, I was curious about the setup part since they dont list compatibility.
IronRoo said:
I don't know who Spectrum are but it will almost certainly work, just put in your SIM. The Essential phone has worked in every country I've tried it, here in Australia as well as Africa, Asia & Europe. That said some things might not work, as for example, they have not listed this phone model on their system for VoLTE so it might not work, but some companies will add it if you request, though won't support/guarantee all services as they have not tested it on their networks.Though if Spectrum is a reseller these "enhanced" features might not work anyhow as the main networks providers who built the infrastructure like to often keep them for their customers only. Even if these partner network lists this phone some features may not be available on the resellers network.
You need to check the wavebands Spectrum use are ones supported by Essential, almost guaranteed to be fine, but maybe hope someone here will confirm what works on Spectrum and if anything doesn't.
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downyours said:
Awesome, thank you for filling in the blanks for me. I will check the wavebands they use. I know they run off the Verizon backbone which the essential works on, I was curious about the setup part since they dont list compatibility.
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You should double check with someone who's used Verizon as the main American providers do seem to operate a bit differently to most other service providers, from what I can gather, & do seem to have some limitations they impose.
---------- Post added at 09:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 AM ----------
downyours said:
Awesome, thank you for filling in the blanks for me. I will check the wavebands they use. I know they run off the Verizon backbone which the essential works on, I was curious about the setup part since they dont list compatibility.
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PS. See this thread & others where people have switched networks etc
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/help/verizon-phone-sprint-provider-t3967289/page3
BTW I was assuming you would get an unlocked version not one from another carrier!
I have been using an unlocked version since I moved to sprint. I would be taking it with me to Spectrum.
IronRoo said:
You should double check with someone who's used Verizon as the main American providers do seem to operate a bit differently to most other service providers, from what I can gather, & do seem to have some limitations they impose.
---------- Post added at 09:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 AM ----------
PS. See this thread & others where people have switched networks etc
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/help/verizon-phone-sprint-provider-t3967289/page3
BTW I was assuming you would get an unlocked version not one from another carrier!
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