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Do you need a 3G SIM to use 3G Network? |
michael the mage
Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: U.S. of A.
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Just curious, does one need a 3G SIM to access and use the 3G Network in Germany and other parts of Europe where UMTS is?
Can one access that network with a regular 2G SIM ?
Thanks |
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Red_Rach
Joined: Jan 20, 2004
Posts: 424
From: Manchester, UK
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You need a 3g sim. |
michael the mage
Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: U.S. of A.
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So one can not even log into 3G and make a regular phone call with that 2GSIM ?
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goldenface
Joined: Dec 17, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Liverpool City Centre
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You'll find most 3G networks are backed up by a 2G network. If you don't have a 3G sim you will stil be able to call home.
What network are you on btw? T-Mobile?
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himlims_nl
Joined: Apr 06, 2004
Posts: > 500
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usualy the provider can provide you a free umts/3g-simcard
cause you'll be able to make more costs, which is good to the provider
try to contact your providers customersservice |
goldenface
Joined: Dec 17, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Liverpool City Centre
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Orange UK don't. They make you pay a £5 for one, they made me anyway. T-Mobile sims are already 3G compatible.
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maxim1
Joined: Nov 17, 2006
Posts: 1
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Most operators in the UK do not use USIM's, if you have a 3g enabled phone, Bobs your uncle and away you go for circuit swicthed calls. If you wish to use packet swiched services then you need to subscribe for what ever data services your opeartor provides 3g release 99 = 64k, 128k & 384K down link. HSDPA QPSK = 1.8Mb down link HSDPA 16QAM = 3.2 Mb down link
Tech3g2000 |
Kimi
Joined: Nov 21, 2001
Posts: 293
From: Switzerland
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In Switzerland you don't need a 3G SIM, mine is 2G and from 1998(!) and works perfectly well with my K610 and my V800 (even Live TV).
So it's just the operators deciding if the force their customers to a new SIM.
@michael the mage:
And I am able to do phonecalls via UMTS in Germany and even data access (of course for a hell of a lot of money).
[ This Message was edited by: Kimi on 2006-11-20 12:03 ] |
JK
Joined: Feb 24, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: S. Africa - JOZI
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Nope you dont need it! |
jplacson
Joined: Apr 21, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Philippines
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786 is right, you don't need a 3G SIM... by "SIM" we're talking about the actualy physical SIM card. You do, however, need an account/subscription that is allowed onto the 3G network you intend to use (3G enabled)... and of course, a 3G phone.
If you don't have a 3G enabled SIM/phone, then you will just be using an available GSM network.
Just a note, my SIM is 10 years old, it's an old 8KB SIM, the account is 3G enabled, and I have used 3G with it on my old K600i. I didn't have to swap it in, nor did I have to physically bring it to my provider to activate the 3G.
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hanugro
Joined: Feb 28, 2005
Posts: > 500
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Quote:
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On 2006-11-20 16:20:44, jplacson wrote:
Just a note, my SIM is 10 years old, it's an old 8KB SIM, the account is 3G enabled, and I have used 3G with it on my old K600i. I didn't have to swap it in, nor did I have to physically bring it to my provider to activate the 3G.
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My provider said you need at least 32kB SIM to use 3G. Wonder how they come up with 32kB while your 8kB work fine. Maybe they put proprietary menu on the SIM as well. I already have 32kB SIM so I don't have to replace it when I decide to buy 3G phone. |
Kimi
Joined: Nov 21, 2001
Posts: 293
From: Switzerland
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Quote:
| My provider said you need at least 32kB SIM to use 3G |
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There is no technical reason for this, only marketing. Your guess about additional software/menu/settings might be correct. |
Residentevil
Joined: Feb 29, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Raccoon City, USA
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I wish I could buy one here in the US.
Tough times don't last, tough people do!
Free Tibet |
lazeeboy
Joined: Feb 08, 2003
Posts: 301
From: Makati, Philippines
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my sim's been with me since the pre-3G era, but i'm able to make/receive video calls and have other 3G-related features. so i guess it's not the sim, just the network(and phone, of course).
A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter. |
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Posted: 2006-11-17 05:34
