Hi,
Hope Im not duplicating anything here. I've got a massive problem. I use the Three UK network on PAYG and take the all in one 15 bundle, giving me a great deal - 300 mins, 3000 texts and totally unlimited 4G data with no worries that I'll ever spend more than 15 quid a month on my phone.
The massive problem is that now I've bought what I thought was the perfect device, The Honor X1 LTE with 32GB internal, I can't use the Three sim card for data. It tells me I have to buy a data sim to use the internet on the go. The sim thinks the phone is a tablet.
I'm now at a point where I have several crap options:
1) I have to change to a different network, assuming it's possible to use data on a phone sim card in the Honor mediapad x1 on other networks.
2) Use the phone with no mobile data access.
3) Sell the phone.
4) Work out how to make the sim card stop thinking it's a tablet.
Please somebody, help me out here. Does anyone have a UK sim which works on the X1 with calls, texts and mobile data for a decent monthly cost?
Thanks in advance,
HRH.
If the SIM tells you that it is a tablet, call your provider (Three) and explain them that they have to remove the block; or you will have to change provider.
Be firm but very polite.
mru55 said:
If the SIM tells you that it is a tablet, call your provider (Three) and explain them that they have to remove the block; or you will have to change provider.
Be firm but very polite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did exactly that and they are happy to let me go. We spent over an hour on the phone. They say there's nothing they can do. There's no block to lift as such. It is simply not possible to use a Three phone sim for data access in that phone. At least according to the Team Leader.
Has anybody got data access on this phone with a normal sim?
Wow! Hardliners. That means that the offer ain't that great if they are offering unlimited LTE but only if you use a phone which makes it impossible to consume serious data..............
Then phone can definitely do LTE data. Between my wife and I, we have used several different providers in Germany, Holland, Belgium, and France.
mru55 said:
Wow! Hardliners. That means that the offer ain't that great if they are offering unlimited LTE but only if you use a phone which makes it impossible to consume serious data..............
Then phone can definitely do LTE data. Between my wife and I, we have used several different providers in Germany, Holland, Belgium, and France.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. So I presume the Sim cards you used were all normal phone sims which allowed you to make calls and send texts as well?
Correct. Just "voice" sims. Data traffic is charged (dearly). My employer was none too thrilled;but hey, I was working off my work e-mails...........
On one private one, I can book 1GB UMTS data for €10 for 30 days. And the card works no matter what; even international data roaming.
I've been round this loop, and was happy with 3 until this happened. I argued with them for a long time, but they just did not want to know.
If I have a phone SIM, no data is allowed as it is in a "tablet".
If I have a data SIM, no phone calls can be made.
In short, 3 simply cannot (or at least refuse to) provide a service to anyone with this device.
In the end I signed up with and took my number to Giff Gaff, and am happy. If you want an introduction, let me know, and we both get £5 back.
ralphrmartin said:
I've been round this loop, and was happy with 3 until this happened. I argued with them for a long time, but they just did not want to know.
If I have a phone SIM, no data is allowed as it is in a "tablet".
If I have a data SIM, no phone calls can be made.
In short, 3 simply cannot (or at least refuse to) provide a service to anyone with this device.
In the end I signed up with and took my number to Giff Gaff, and am happy. If you want an introduction, let me know, and we both get £5 back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like I might not have a great deal of choice. How do we sort it logistically then? PM me if you need to.
DrHRH said:
Sounds like I might not have a great deal of choice. How do we sort it logistically then? PM me if you need to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to this page to sign up. I think that should do it.
http://giffgaff.com/orders/affiliate/ralphrmartin
Just goes to show that what seems to be a good deal is just another attempt to rip you off.
Glad to hear that you found a good solution for you.
mru55 said:
Just goes to show that what seems to be a good deal is just another attempt to rip you off.
Glad to hear that you found a good solution for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I commit to this I've got 2 questions:
1) Is the X1 good enough as a daily driver to warrant switching? Bearing in mind I'm using a superb phone at the moment, the Lumia 1520 whose only shortcomings are to do with lack of apps. Otherwise it's silky smooth and really stable.
2) Has anyone tried TPO? It's a new network that uses EE, the UK best coverage.
https://www.thepeoplesoperator.com/PAYM-Order-Review-Tariff/?//20/
What do people think?
DrHRH said:
Hi,
Hope Im not duplicating anything here. I've got a massive problem. I use the Three UK network on PAYG and take the all in one 15 bundle, giving me a great deal - 300 mins, 3000 texts and totally unlimited 4G data with no worries that I'll ever spend more than 15 quid a month on my phone.
The massive problem is that now I've bought what I thought was the perfect device, The Honor X1 LTE with 32GB internal, I can't use the Three sim card for data. It tells me I have to buy a data sim to use the internet on the go. The sim thinks the phone is a tablet.
I'm now at a point where I have several crap options:
1) I have to change to a different network, assuming it's possible to use data on a phone sim card in the Honor mediapad x1 on other networks.
2) Use the phone with no mobile data access.
3) Sell the phone.
4) Work out how to make the sim card stop thinking it's a tablet.
Please somebody, help me out here. Does anyone have a UK sim which works on the X1 with calls, texts and mobile data for a decent monthly cost?
Thanks in advance,
HRH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I own mediapad honor x1 bought directly from Huawei (model 503L ,LTE) Data service is working all sims I checked ie Tmobile, 3, vodafone. Only problem i found is vodafone and o2 4G frequency is not compatible (800 Mz) but 3g works fine with them also. I am currently using Vodafone sim, no issue with data connection.
O
Reji Kamal said:
Hi
I own mediapad honor x1 bought directly from Huawei (model 503L ,LTE) Data service is working all sims I checked ie Tmobile, 3, vodafone. Only problem i found is vodafone and o2 4G frequency is not compatible (800 Mz) but 3g works fine with them also. I am currently using Vodafone sim, no issue with data connection.
O
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. So do you know if EE gives you a 4G signal then? I'm very surprised that you managed to get access to any kind of data using a 3 sim card.
DrHRH said:
Thanks for that. So do you know if EE gives you a 4G signal then? I'm very surprised that you managed to get access to any kind of data using a 3 sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes EE and 3 mobile 4g works well in my device.To make it confirm I personally visited their shop in Sheffield and asked for sim only contract, inserted sim card and checked, EE gives 17 mb downloading speed too, vodafone 3g works as normal as in other devices. both downloading and uploading below 8 mb
Reji Kamal said:
Yes EE and 3 mobile 4g works well in my device.To make it confirm I personally visited their shop in Sheffield and asked for sim only contract, inserted sim card and checked, EE gives 17 mb downloading speed too, vodafone 3g works as normal as in other devices. both downloading and uploading below 8 mb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you absolutely sure about Three and is it a phone sim which gives you texts, data and phone calls? It seems weird that yours works and both my PAYG and my contract Three sim cards tell me I'm not allowed to use a phone sim in this phone. Was it the 3 shop you tested the sim in?
DrHRH said:
Are you absolutely sure about Three and is it a phone sim which gives you texts, data and phone calls? It seems weird that yours works and both my PAYG and my contract Three sim cards tell me I'm not allowed to use a phone sim in this phone. Was it the 3 shop you tested the sim in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ,3 shop in Sheffield .At that that time the shop don't have a Pay as you go micro Sim but they took a normal Sim and re sized it .then we tried .IT was working well.
Reji Kamal said:
Yes ,3 shop in Sheffield .At that that time the shop don't have a Pay as you go micro Sim but they took a normal Sim and re sized it .then we tried .IT was working well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When was that exactly? Wondering if it was before they changed the policy. How old is the sim that works?
I can only emphasise that it is a question of policy whether a network is accessible, rather than a question of modem/radio capability.
mru55 said:
I can only emphasise that it is a question of policy whether a network is accessible, rather than a question of modem/radio capability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. When did the policy change - does anyone know? I've a feeling it was 2012 ish.
I would guess that the policy did not change, but that it is part of the tariff / offer.
Reji kamal used a pay as you go SIM of 3,which does not have the block.
Related
Hi All
Has anybody managed to get a 3 (Three network) SIM to work on an Orange SPV after SIM unlocking.
I would like to be able to use my other phone's SIM in the Hermes.
All advice appreciated.
Thanx in advance
Asif
Hermes - The Mother of All Mobiles
yes, it works fine
(uk)
Can you get full HSDPA speeds though?
My 3 SIM in my TyTn won't let me go above GPRS as its not my primary phone. So I'm paying for a service I can't use. I've spoken to their CS who basically said, no sorry, you've got to use that Nokia we sent you as your phone.
My T-Mobile SIM out of my 3G data card for my laptop works like a charm.
Guess which contract I'll be ripping up next month? Clue: its not the T-Mobile one.
I have put in a 3 PAYG SIM card and it worked, but I didn't test any calls.
What does happen though is the roaming triangle icon appears if you turn off 3G, which I guess is right because it's technically roaming on Orange (although the network name still says '3')
apparently most of the networks are distributing new sim cars for use with their 3g networks, and because of the upgrades, older sim cards wont work with newer services. my 3g service in the us wont work with an older US at&t card, and they had to give me a new one. so give 3 a call and ask them for a new sim card. say yours got broken or something, otherwise they may charge you. but ask first if they will give you one free first. good luck
nstefanelli
I think your problem might be that the 3 hsdpa service you are on is x series. I have asked in their shops about it, because it seems to be the best 3g deal, but they said its only compatible with a few phones made specifically for x series, eg n73. And it cant be used on other phoens because it is a sort of program embedden in the phones, rather then a homepage like vodafone live, which you can just link to.
Hope i have helped, and correct me if im worng
rory
Hey all,
Currently using an unbranded HTC Hero on Orange, unsure if I am getting a 3G connection though, icon wise I constantly have a "G" but unsure if it should show "3G" instead, also seen an "E" a couple of times which I assume is Edge but didn't know Orange supported it.
Just wondering if a 3G icon as such actually exists? If so could it be a setting somewhere I haven't got configured correctly?
Thanks
Russ
Could be 2 things.
You have use only 2G networks checked in the settings
OR
You need a new sim, although the phone supports 3G your sim needs to as well. If you are still using an old sim which was from a non 3G mobile then you need a new one. Contact your provider to ask them for a new one (you will keep your number).
how to REALLY find out whether you are connected with 3G? i mean not just looking for that 3G symbol ;-)
barryallott said:
Could be 2 things.
You have use only 2G networks checked in the settings
OR
You need a new sim, although the phone supports 3G your sim needs to as well. If you are still using an old sim which was from a non 3G mobile then you need a new one. Contact your provider to ask them for a new one (you will keep your number).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to do this a while back, if you have never bought a 3G phone from Orange you probably have a 2G SIM. Call them and they will send you a new one for free.
So I'm right in thinking there should be a 3G icon? I'll get onto them thanks
Well in a very strange turn of events I may actually benefit from this. Having called Orange to ask for a 3G SIM (they confirmed I had 2G) they basically said it wasn't possible to do a straight swap, something about contracts.
After a bit of complaining they have basically come to the conclusion that the only way to help me out is to restart my contract from scratch and send me out a new 3G handset along with the SIM.
So not only will I have my beloved Hero running on 3G I will also have an as yet unspecified 3G handset for sale!
Just waiting for them to call back
And the handset I will be getting...a HTC Touch 3G!
Should fetch a pretty penny
Thats really bull**** why can't they swap your sim card. i had vodafone sim card i lost it and went to vodafone they give me a new sim card directly 5 minuts later it was active. its very weird that they have to give you new contract.
thats ****in crazy! i'd not accept that!
Replacing like for like isn't an issue, it's because I need to "upgrade" the SIM card as such that they have a problem.
Still, works out nicely for me considering I was only 4 months into my contract and have a pretty sweet deal of £15 a month for 200 mins, unlimited txts and 500mb data. So no complaints that I have to restart my contract.
Hello everybody, recently AT&T released a new pay as you go plan which is 50$ a month for unlimited everything. Unfortunately the unlimited data does not work on smartphones which is disappointing.
I recently switched to this plan because 50$ a month for unlimited everything is a great deal, what I was wondering was if someone could find a way to allow data to work on this plan\phone.
When you try to use firefox or similar browser it just says the page cannot be displayed, on the facebook android app it gives you a message that tells you data was refused.
I would gladly donate 20$ to anyone who could figure this out, and give me the fix. it seems like something a developer would know how to fix so if anyone has any ideas shoot them at me. If one of them works they will get a nice 20$ donation Thanks.
It sounds like AT&T itself is blocking the data connection.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
Exactly, but it doesn't block the connection if my pay as you go sim card is in a non-smart phone. There must be something that tells at&t you have a smartphone, and maybe there's a way to stop that.
What a rip off, i pay 15 bucks a month for unlimited.data
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Cell service providers such as AT&T have the ability to know what phone you are using through your sim card.
so it'll be hard to find a way around it, but it's not impossible.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
It's because it's an x10a from at&t if so it's the IMEI that gave it away they have a log of all there numbers if you call an be real nice they will give you the unlock code for free (I did it and it was free any one can on at&t) Then flash a Stock rom and then wait a month or so an cancel that sim and go to another store or have your friend start up another sim. A wahoo
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO But it's worth a try. Unlock it an update to like Wolfs 2.3.3 x10i and if nothing else you'll have a unlocked bad ares phone
hasei said:
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Its about what APN you connect via. Have a look @ this. Settings > Wireless and networks > Mobile Networks > AT&T and you'll need to configure the apn ... I have no idea which one ... But well , thats all I can help .
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
scoobysnacks said:
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
hasei said:
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm but if you never gave them your imei they would have no way of knowing...
I would say it has to do with either your apn, the bands you're using (and the fact that you're using 3g/hspa), or just they can recognize the pure volume of data you are using.
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Patricks_book said:
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not correct at all....
the imei does not pop up, I worked for a phone company before.
Unless you sign up with a phone and have given it to them, they do not have your imei...
If the phone was first purchased from AT&T then they have the IMEI. Or just like when an app has access to your account it can read your IMEI your sim card can read your IMEIs it's connected too your phone number contract/pay as you go. Anyone of them even Wally world (Walmart) who ever you get a sim card from can read your sim card/IMEI.
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a bullsh!t plan. I got this plan, got data to work just fine, but had alot of trouble with it. ie- Market apps, took FOREVER to download.. That was the first downfall. Yesterday morning, I noticed my phone was in Edge mode. I proceeded to reset it, change the Network options in the debug menu, and play with the APN. This morning.. Still Edge. My conclusion? They obviously shut off my 3G. Now, The problem I have with this, is that I havnt used over 100 mb of data yet, and it hasnt even been a week since I got this service. Stay away from this plan.. GARBAGE. Now, as much as I loathe paying an EXTRA 20 bucks a month, Im taking the dive and goin with TMobile. I need my 3g....
I just kind of skimmed over this post (new here) and this alone made me sign up cause I just order X10 recently.
I have this question though; if is not IMEI# that at&t block you with, then is it possible a reflashing could fix it? I have heard of people use different firmware versions; like my old phone, Ericsson K850i there was just plain K850 version (no 'i') that could get 3G I think.
But assume I install new Sony 2.3.3 Android on my X10, would be the key to get around at&t unnoticed ja?
I too have unlimite 50usd plan and tried to use on HTC Aria that was brand with at&t junk. That did not work But I have not try to root it (updated to 2.2 already ) so I not know if reflash would have fix it or not.
Got a lot of conflicting info on this.
1.Are different sims given for smart vs dumbphones? 3G vs 4G? Etc
Ie: will a smartphone not access 4g on a GoPhone sim?
2.Can a Rep on the phone identify your phone by the imei?
Thank you for any enlightening!
I may be wrong but I think the gophone sim works differently than a regular sim, there are att sims that say 3g but they work just the same as the new sim cards att is using, as far as the rep being able to tell ur phone make and model by the imei that's a yes for sure, they can detect what phone you have without you giving them that info and slap the $25 2gb data plan on your account.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
To put it simply- if the network system knows that X phone has X IMEI or even model code it shows when it connects (I777 vs say I9100) and its endorsed by them, then they'll know what it is.
Do you want to know this to avoid paying ridiculous data fees? If so, get an international unlocked/unbranded phone that your carrier never had/in their system. I've been milking dumbell data rates on my Nokia E series phones for years now and not because I use the balls out of the data, but to have that unlimited/cheap peace of mind.
When I upgraded from my Captivate to the SGS2, the AT&T clerk said I needed the 4G sim card and installed one.
retnuh said:
When I upgraded from my Captivate to the SGS2, the AT&T clerk said I needed the 4G sim card and installed one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I received the same treatment. With my last five phones, I've only been able to swap out the SIM cards twice — once because I bought a phone on Craigslist.
Really? I'm still on my, what is it, 4-5 year old 3G sim and no problems whatsoever.
Skv012a said:
Really? I'm still on my, what is it, 4-5 year old 3G sim and no problems whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on my old 3g Sim card as well but when i got the sgsii it wouldn't connect to the "phone" APN, i had to use the old "wap.cingular" APN. The old 3g Sims aren't provisioned on AT&T's network to access hspa.
Before getting a new Sim card, i would never get over 3Mbps down. Now i average 5 and on good days it'll peak to 7-10.
to answer the question about different Sim cards for smart phones or dumb phones; pretty sure they use the same card because when i went the other day to get a new Sim, the rep just grabbed one from a stack and activated it, there was only one stack. Also it would cost more and bee more confusing for them as company to do that.
And at&t can identify a phone over the network only if that phone is familiar to them. So if you bought an AT&T sgsii off craigslist/ebay/friend and plug in your Sim card, they'll be able to tell.
If you buy a phone that isn't sold/recognized by AT&T, most of the time they can't tell what the device.
A good check is after you put the Sim in your phone, wait a couple hours then log onto your account online and if it shows a picture of the phone your using, they can detect it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I have this as a gophone. They gave me a normal sim card not the go phone sim card. It has hspa + also.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Well sim doesn't really determine what your plan allows you to do, so sims are dime a dozen. I may consider upgrading my sim if they'll be able to put my current number on a newer sim, else I'm not really concerned too much. (and, for your laughs, I'm still only using Edge to avoid having gutter battery).
bbubel said:
as far as the rep being able to tell ur phone make and model by the imei that's a yes for sure, they can detect what phone you have without you giving them that info and slap the $25 2gb data plan on your account.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is only partly true. IF you have a att phone they can detect what type of phone you have by your IMEI #. that number is cataloged in their systems however if you have a European phone or a unlocked phone from another carrier then no they cannot tell what phone you have.
as for sims there are 2 different types of sims (go phones I dont know) there is the regular sized sims and the micro sims. Micro's for att are used for iphone 4 and up and I believe they are the only phone for att that uses the micro sim. As for functionality of the sims no the old sims (3G) work with thier HSPA+ just the same.....
retnuh said:
When I upgraded from my Captivate to the SGS2, the AT&T clerk said I needed the 4G sim card and installed one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing when I upgraded. But my sim was a few years old and pretty scratched up from being put in different phones so I figured even if it would work it was time to be replaced anyway.
When I bought the sgs2 the clerk was surprised I still had my Cingular Sim card and suggested I get the new one. I got to keep my Cingular relic.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
The only problem I've run into is my mms stopped working a few days after using the phone and I'm on a gophone account. My inspire works fine. Not sure if they ran an imei sweep and the sgii doesnt play nice with gophone accounts. They still had my imei as an old nokia flip phone. You don't have to have data on a gophone, but if you want internet you'll need to buy a gophone data package.
You mean you need an unlimited $50 type GoPhone account right? No one needs a data account above and beyond that.
I bought a cheap GoPhone $50 plan today...using that sim in my Note AI get tomorrow.
gadget069 said:
The only problem I've run into is my mms stopped working a few days after using the phone and I'm on a gophone account. My inspire works fine. Not sure if they ran an imei sweep and the sgii doesnt play nice with gophone accounts. They still had my imei as an old nokia flip phone. You don't have to have data on a gophone, but if you want internet you'll need to buy a gophone data package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I recently visited the USA (Las Vegas) and discovered that my UK bought (UNLOCKED) Samsung Galaxy S3 could not make nor receive calls in the USA. Roaming WAS enabled and I had an R symbol over the signal strength indicator. I have a Vodafone pay as you go sim card which I have used (as my main sim) over numerous years now. I have used it in other phones previously (HTC, Samsung, LG, etc.) over the years and they have all made and received calls in the USA (roaming) no problem. I did get a text message (eventually) when I was in the USA saying welcome to USA and calls cost £1.50, etc, etc. Yet when I tried making a call, I had an automated voice message asking me to contact my operator for some reason (can't remember the specifics). I've never had a problem using my Vodafone sim roaming in the USA and with previous phones, always made and received calls without any hassle (i.e. found a network automatically, e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.). Also, I visited Las Vegas last year with the same sim card but a different phone (HTC Desire HD) and was able to make and receive calls. I recall my brother saying that he had read something on the internet about the UK spec. S3 having hardware differences with the rest of the world versions, including not being able to work in the USA for calls. However, he could not find the site again. Has anybody else had this problem or know about it?
Yee1 said:
Hello, I recently visited the USA (Las Vegas) and discovered that my UK bought (UNLOCKED) Samsung Galaxy S3 could not make nor receive calls in the USA. Roaming WAS enabled and I had an R symbol over the signal strength indicator. I have a Vodafone pay as you go sim card which I have used (as my main sim) over numerous years now. I have used it in other phones previously (HTC, Samsung, LG, etc.) over the years and they have all made and received calls in the USA (roaming) no problem. I did get a text message (eventually) when I was in the USA saying welcome to USA and calls cost £1.50, etc, etc. Yet when I tried making a call, I had an automated voice message asking me to contact my operator for some reason (can't remember the specifics). I've never had a problem using my Vodafone sim roaming in the USA and with previous phones, always made and received calls without any hassle (i.e. found a network automatically, e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.). Also, I visited Las Vegas last year with the same sim card but a different phone (HTC Desire HD) and was able to make and receive calls. I recall my brother saying that he had read something on the internet about the UK spec. S3 having hardware differences with the rest of the world versions, including not being able to work in the USA for calls. However, he could not find the site again. Has anybody else had this problem or know about it?
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I have no idea about roaming in the USA...
However, I do know that the phone works on AT&Ts network, because I live in the USA & use the I9300 on AT&Ts network. The I9300 will not work on T-Mobile's data network, but should work on T-Mo's voice network.
That probably wasn't much help to you. I just wanted to confirm for you that the phone does work on AT&Ts network here.
brkshr said:
I have no idea about roaming in the USA...
However, I do know that the phone works on AT&Ts network, because I live in the USA & use the I9300 on AT&Ts network. The I9300 will not work on T-Mobile's data network, but should work on T-Mo's voice network.
That probably wasn't much help to you. I just wanted to confirm for you that the phone does work on AT&Ts network here.
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Thanks brkshr, that was helpful. Good to know that a GT-I9300 does work in the USA.
I thought the USA had different models (SGH-T999 and SGH-I747). What made you decide to get a GT-I9300?
I may try again (next time I go back to USA) and if still the same, will try an AT&T sim. I must admit, I don't know anything about the different networks in the USA. Can I get a pay as you go sim for free? In England, you can get sim cards for different networks free and then obviously pay to top up.
Yee1 said:
Thanks brkshr, that was helpful. Good to know that a GT-I9300 does work in the USA.
I thought the USA had different models (SGH-T999 and SGH-I747). What made you decide to get a GT-I9300?
I may try again (next time I go back to USA) and if still the same, will try an AT&T sim. I must admit, I don't know anything about the different networks in the USA. Can I get a pay as you go sim for free? In England, you can get sim cards for different networks free and then obviously pay to top up.
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You are correct. The U.S. does have it's own variations. I decided to buy the I9300 for the quad-core & I was hoping that Samsung would be more likely to release sources for it & update it faster. They do update the I9300 faster, but I prefer AOSP (Google's stock Android) over Samsungs TouchWiz & that's where sources come in to play. So now I wish I would have gone with a U.S. variant, because sources for the US variant are released. Oh well! (Sorry for the rant)
Unfortunately, we don't get free SIM cards here. The best thing to do is buy an AT&T SIM card online ahead of time. Then activate it on a prepaid plan when you get here. You need a Micro SIM card. They should cost anywhere from $5 to $15. Otherwise, you have to go into an AT&T store & buy their 'SIM Starter Kit' for $25... Complete BS.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=at&t+sim+card
Thanks again, the link (to Amazon) is very useful. I think I will get an AT&T pre-paid sim card as suggested. At least that way I can use mobile data (when wi-fi is not available) and not have to pay extortionate data roaming charges. Especially useful for mobile data assisted GPS.
One last question though. In the UK, you can keep your number even if you don't top up for ages. In the US, can you buy a pre-paid sim card, use it once, not top up for say a year and still be able to use the sim again, i.e. it won't be deactivated will it? That way I can have it as a holiday sim (I visit the US every year).
Yee1 said:
Thanks again, the link (to Amazon) is very useful. I think I will get an AT&T pre-paid sim card as suggested. At least that way I can use mobile data (when wi-fi is not available) and not have to pay extortionate data roaming charges. Especially useful for mobile data assisted GPS.
One last question though. In the UK, you can keep your number even if you don't top up for ages. In the US, can you buy a pre-paid sim card, use it once, not top up for say a year and still be able to use the sim again, i.e. it won't be deactivated will it? That way I can have it as a holiday sim (I visit the US every year).
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I don't know the answer to that question. Sorry.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Question!!
I bought an unlocked i9300 the quad core international galaxy s3.. i'm using Simple Mobile micro simcard.. i wanted to use AT&T prepaid simcard the one amazon sell.. i 'm asking if anyone used the AT&T with this phone and make it work.. i went to AT&T store and they told me the simcard will never work on my phone so don't buy it..i live in Texas USA.
PS: i'm sorry if this question been asked before and thank you all for your time and help
Have you seen this thread?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app