I tried searching on this but was not able to come up with a clear answer.
Im in the USA and in the process of buying an O2 Exec. Im wondering if its CLEAN of any kind of sim locks. I know it comes unlocked but will I be able to use more then one carrier sim card? I currrently have an ATTWS sim and am considering switching service later in the year.
So, if I use the ATTWS sim now will it lock the phone to ATTWS and thus make it impossible to switch carriers later in the year? What about local country sims since I will be traveling internationally?
Many Thanks.
Please run a search, this question has been asked and answered on this forum ad nauseum.
In a word. Yes, the current batch of Execs are unlocked to ALL sims. No idea if that will change in the future or not.
I did run a search. There wasnt really a clear answer if it would be unlocked to ALL sims. Thanks for your response.
well so far there has not been any first hand acocunts of locked Execs. those who said they have seen locked Execs were told by their friends or their friend's friend. in short, they did not experience it for themselves.
Related
I live in the US and I have a trip planned to London, Paris and Rome in May. I own a T-mobile G1 and was wondering what my best option was for using my G1 in those cities. I know there are a lot of European users here on XDA so I was hoping somebody could give me some advise from experience. I do realize that the 3G won't work over there no matter what I do.
Thanks for any and all help!
NickPDX said:
I live in the US and I have a trip planned to London, Paris and Rome in May. I own a T-mobile G1 and was wondering what my best option was for using my G1 in those cities. I know there are a lot of European users here on XDA so I was hoping somebody could give me some advise from experience. I do realize that the 3G won't work over there no matter what I do.
Thanks for any and all help!
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3G should work fine. When you get there, buy a local prepaid simcard.
You need to unlock it first, call T-Mo and tell them what you just posted and they will give you the unlock code.
Your best bet for London (once you've got the phone unlocked) is a "pay as you go" sim from three. Just put £10 credit on it and you'll get a 150mb, 90day internet allowance. If you need to top it up again you get that allowance renewed every time.
Unless I am mistaking, the phone is rooted and is running a non stock rom, thus it is unlocked. I will look into the prepaid sim cards. Will I have to get a different one for each of the countries/cities?
@lbcoder: are you sure about the 3G? since this is a t-mobile phone I was under the impression that the bands it uses for 3G are only the N. American Bands and would only work over here.
Not unlocked for other networks, you need to get it unlocked to use other networks.
NickPDX said:
Unless I am mistaking, the phone is rooted and is running a non stock rom, thus it is unlocked.
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Sim unlock isn't the same thing as root.. You need a code from t-mobile for that. They'll give you one if you tell them what you've told us.
NickPDX said:
I will look into the prepaid sim cards. Will I have to get a different one for each of the countries/cities?
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That's going to be the cheapest way to do it.. You'll get brutally raped for roaming charges otherwise. In the UK the cards are usually free, you just have to buy the calling credit.
TMO will give you your SIM unlock code for free if your account has been paid up for 90 days or longer. They take up to 7 days. I had to get this from TMO via my American friend when I bought my G1 off him. There are places online where you can pay $25 or so and get an unlock code within hours. SIM unlock is not the same thing as root.
I'm also just about to go to Europe! Vodafone turned on global roaming for free (I just pay for calls) and they sells packs of roaming data, I got 25Mb for $50, which is way cheaper than their usual rate of $10 per 1Mb! For me this is easier than stuffing round with pre-paid SIM cards, changing number and whatever, I also don't know if a pre-paid SIM gives mobile data access? Give TMO a call and see what they offer.
I will turn off Sync and use DroidWall to make sure stuff doesn't update in the background and use all my allowance. It's really only to update Facebook to let people know I am still alive
Your G1 will most definitely work and use 3G in London. You can grab a T-Mo prepaid SIM from the multiple vending machines in the airport when you arrive in London, and swap it in and start using it immediately. I did exactly this at both Gatwick and Heathrow. Do like the other posters said and call T-Mobile in the US and get the unlock code before you fly. It's free that way. I did that too, and they are cool about it. It took about 24 hours after my request and it was emailed to me. The one thing that confused me at first was my G1 kept asking for a "SIM unlock code" or something like that after I had unlocked it using the T-Mobile code. Turns out it was a security setting that I could disable, to prevent someone from using the phone if they stole it. Two totally different "SIM unlocks". Now I know.
I've done a bunch of searching on this and can't find a thing; I know there are certain restrictions on the sims (locked) but that's as far as it goes.
I may be going to Greece (from US) for 2-3 months and am about to buy a Streak here in the US.
Can I use the phone there without having to go through AT&T's "overseas plan"? Can I, for example, use a Vodaphone sim or any other for that matter while I'm away?
Thanks for the help.
EDIT: Almost forgot to ask, what type of speed do I expect compared to ATT's 3G?
Short answer: no, you can't. When the phone is sim-locked, you can't use any other sim cards than att-sims.
Slightly longer answer: you may call att once you get the phone and tell them you will be staying with att, but you're going to greece for 2-3 months. they may send you an unlock code (see the other recently updated unlocking thread). i think you also have to buy the full priced version from dell, not the one with an att subscription. i just sent them a fax with a proof of purchase, because they needed to know the price i paid for the device... good luck!
olemartinorg said:
Short answer: no, you can't. When the phone is sim-locked, you can't use any other sim cards than att-sims.
Slightly longer answer: you may call att once you get the phone and tell them you will be staying with att, but you're going to greece for 2-3 months. they may send you an unlock code (see the other recently updated unlocking thread). i think you also have to buy the full priced version from dell, not the one with an att subscription. i just sent them a fax with a proof of purchase, because they needed to know the price i paid for the device... good luck!
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Seems like you have personal experience with this sort of thing.
So basically, buy a phone at full price and then maybe att will give me an unlock code?
tr8rjohnk said:
Seems like you have personal experience with this sort of thing.
So basically, buy a phone at full price and then maybe att will give me an unlock code?
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Not true.
I've had att provide me with the unlock code for many devices that I paid the subsidized price for.
What you have to do is call them and request it, have your devices imei # available. once they tell you that they can't access the unlock code or whatever the issue ask them what your options are and if they don't suggest to open a case then request to open one. They'll take your email from you and you should get the code within 2 weeks.
Remember to be polite and when they offer you the international roaming package, just kindly deny it and say your more comfortable with using a local sim card. Also good to say that your going overseas for business so they take you nour seriously.
As for the data speeds, find what frequency the network in greece uses then compare that to the streaks
Good luck.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Why don't you just buy a rebel ii sim card?
fone_fanatic said:
Not true.
I've had att provide me with the unlock code for many devices that I paid the subsidized price for.
What you have to do is call them and request it, have your devices imei # available. once they tell you that they can't access the unlock code or whatever the issue ask them what your options are and if they don't suggest to open a case then request to open one. They'll take your email from you and you should get the code within 2 weeks.
Remember to be polite and when they offer you the international roaming package, just kindly deny it and say your more comfortable with using a local sim card. Also good to say that your going overseas for business so they take you nour seriously.
As for the data speeds, find what frequency the network in greece uses then compare that to the streaks
Good luck.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
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Well, i bought the full priced device - i can't use att when i don't live in the us..
checkbox111 said:
Why don't you just buy a rebel ii sim card?
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1. calling att is cheaper?
2. changing sim cards often when using rebel sim ii is a hassle
3. rebel sim is not a true unlock, and it complicates everything..
but, tr8rjohnk, if att won't give you the unlock code, go ahead and buy a rebel sim ii..
olemartinorg said:
1. calling att is cheaper?
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Well if you're within a geographical location that allows you to use att i would imagine you would use your att sim
olemartinorg said:
2. changing sim cards often when using rebel sim ii is a hassle
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Yeah! shutting the phone down, removing the back, taking out the battery, taking out the sim, sliding in the new sim, replacing the battery, putting the cover back on taking all of 5 valuable minutes at the start and the end of your three month tenure could really bring a man down
olemartinorg said:
3. rebel sim is not a true unlock, and it complicates everything..
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Can you, or can you not, use any sim anywhere within the developed world whilst using a rebel ii sim? Yes! so why is it different from any other unlocking technique
Good info, everyone, thanks for the input. I'll be looking into the rebel sim ii and also speaking with att.
checkbox111 said:
Well if you're within a geographical location that allows you to use att i would imagine you would use your att sim
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well, me and att are on opposite sides of the atlantic - and calling att for 10 minutes is still much cheaper than ordering (and shipping) the rebel sim..
checkbox111 said:
Yeah! shutting the phone down, removing the back, taking out the battery, taking out the sim, sliding in the new sim, replacing the battery, putting the cover back on taking all of 5 valuable minutes at the start and the end of your three month tenure could really bring a man down
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and cutting your sim? i haven't tried the rebel sim yet, (because i just unlocked my att streak with the unlock code i received) but i've heard it's more than just 'sliding in another sim'.
checkbox111 said:
Can you, or can you not, use any sim anywhere within the developed world whilst using a rebel ii sim? Yes! so why is it different from any other unlocking technique
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well, it's different in that you phone is still locked to a provider.. have you read any other threads about rebel sim? until rebel sim released the new firmware for their sims, 3g did't work properly.. as i said, it complicates things... i just punched in my 8 digit code i got from att (called them on friday), and the streak works like a charm with my (uncut) norwegian sim card..
guys, calling Att is for the US sold ATT devices. I'm pretty sure, but not 100%, that they can tell from the imei if it was sold via dell.com in the US or not. If not i don't think they'll issue you the unlock code, unless the unlock code generator that LBK Tech for At&t has doesn't distinguish the imeis
I live in Canada and I want to buy a Droid Pro. Is there currently a way to buy a *UNLOCKED* *UNACTIVATED* Droid Pro (off eBay) and activate it outside of the US?
Thank You
Google this:
how to bypass android activation screen on Motorola Droid
I have seen the posts about being able to touch the corners of the screen but that doesn't seem to promising and I would need that conformed before being able to buy it. Also if I were to travel to the US would it automatically start using verizon? Thank You
jamilm9 said:
I have seen the posts about being able to touch the corners of the screen but that doesn't seem to promising and I would need that conformed before being able to buy it. Also if I were to travel to the US would it automatically start using verizon? Thank You
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Well honestly I can't confirm any of that Because I got my Pro off eBay, pre-activated and ready to go. I unlocked in Kuwait on a Kuwaiti SIM card using the code provided by the seller.
Ehem.. I think I just answered your question Just make sure that the seller already activated the phone
For a phone to be pre activated does it have to be used or is there another way for the seller to activate it? Thank You.
Look through this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=866922
A lot of people have had problems with unlocking the SIM card unless it was activated by Verizon first in the U.S. Your best bet will probably be to get one that has already been activated and unlocked. After that's been done, you should be able to bypass the activation screen following a factory reset and use whatever SIM card you want. It won't start roaming on Verizon if you have a foreign SIM card in there. Actually, it won't roam in the States at all on GSM, regardless of whether you have a foreign SIM or not. The U.S. GSM bands are locked out and can't be used.
I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!
BelowAverage355 said:
I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!
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As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.
bsam55 said:
As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.
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The S4 is equipped with a GSM radio, I checked on that much at least.
Yes
I went ahead and just bit the bullet and bought a SIM card here, and good news: it works :good:
HOWEVER, I believe the problem that others who tried to use it globally were having is that it defaults to Global mode, which doesn't really seem to work (No clue what Global mode is, but I got a signal with no data connection). For anyone who wants to use it internationally, you will have to manually switch to GSM/UMTS by going to Settings>Connections>More networks>Mobile networks>Network mode>GSM/UMTS
Helllo,
I have a question, in Italy we have all cellphone unlocked to use with every carrier (there are some locked phone but there are less), but in USA i have a huge problem to find unlocked S 5. So my question is, could i take a used Verison,AT&T etc, and after flash with some cooked ROM and using Italian SIM?
Thank you very much
Really?
fortunately for us nexus 5 users, you can use the same phone on every provider, besides verizon. unfortunately for you, yours is locked, and you asked your question in the wrong forums. as this is the nexus 5 forums
>.>
SilvanoP said:
could i take a used Verison,AT&T etc, and after flash with some cooked ROM and using Italian SIM?
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This has been asked and answered numerous times, so the ideal way to have found an answer - not mention a quicker one would have been to search the forum for existing threads.
What you are describing is called region locking and is used to discourage black market sales of handsets intended for one region to another. You can purchase region unlock codes or even circumvent the region lock blacklist yourself on a rooted phone. For that matter, (limited) reports seem to indicate that SIM unlock codes also remove the region lock.
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Thank you for the answer,
for me was really hard to search because i don't fully understand the differences, also at shop (best buy/at&T/Radioshack etc) they wasn't able to make a clear difference from no contract, unlocked and 1 month contract. I would be glad to buy S5 unlocked, but it seems impossible (i was in San Francisco and LA) only on web, where amazon (which i thought was more efficient in USA) want +40$ and not guaranteed 1 day shipping (in Italy they are way more quicker and cheaper).
Only to have a quick answer i post it here, because i had to go to see a used phone (which after revealed to be a rooted and flashed with bad IME (like 22222225) i was surprised that in USA people try to cheat you).
Just want a quick question OP, th Sprint s5 it's impossible to flash for UE for working correctly with European SIM Call&data?