T-Mobile 2G to 3G

[Guest mikekirk]

I'm thinking of buying a sim-free Toshiba G500 (or possibly a S710). I've currently got a T-Mobile SDA-II with an approx. 9 month old SIM.

If I go for the 3G G500 will I need a new USIM to access all the 3G services? Or will my current 2G SIM work fine? I've found conflicting information on the net so far, but it seems that most network providers need a USIM to access 3G, but with T-Mobile a 2G SIM will work just fine?

I've asked T-Mobile, but the guy I spoke too was a little vague and unsure of the answer, though he did say I didn't need a new SIM. I just want to be certain though, don't want to spend £199 on a 3G phone that I can only use on 2G.

Is this correct? If so I'll probably go for the G500 instead of the S710.

Edited July 11, 2007 by mikekirk

[Guest Shuflie]

Your current SIM will be fine. I got a 3G MDA PRO over a year ago and the SIM package that came in the box with it was just a standard T-mobile SIM pack without anything fancy saying that it was a 3G USIM. As far as I know most operators switched over to using 3G capable USIMs when they released their 3G networks, doesn't make sense for them to use separate 3G and 2G SIMs, that would only add to cost and complexity in their packing department. Most people should only have to worry about a SIM if they've had theirs for years.

[Guest Swampie]

AFAIK, only Orange give you 2G SIMs as standard. All the other operators issue USIMS which are backwards compatible with 2G phones so if you ever get a 3G phone it'll work fine.

Orange however a just dumb. You buy a 2G phone, you get a 2G SIM. You purchase (from Orange) a 3G phone and they'll give you a 3G SIM. You purchase (from elsewhere) a 3G phone and Orange will refuse to give you a 3G SIM. You purchase (from Orange) a 3G phone (and get a 3G SIM) and then next year upgrade to a 2G phone, they'll send you a 2G SIM and disable 3G services.

Basically, Orange will only enable 3G when you purchase (or upgrade) a handset from Orange (or a reseller). Buy one from eBay, or even SIM-free brand new from Expansys, and they will refuse to enable 3G.

As I said, dumb.

[Guest GordonTGopher]

I emailed T-mobile about this as I'm hoping to buy a Kaiser soon. Their response (if you can make sense of it!);

I'm pleased to informthat you'll be unable to move from 2G to 3G SIM without changing the tariff signing up new contract.

However, you canorder a new SIM at a cost of £10 (including VAT). This will take 1 to 3 working days to be delivered. During this time you'll experience some loss of service, and you'll lose any phonebook entries when the replacement SIM card is made.

If you prefer, you can opt for our replacement SIM card premium service. You can pick up a new SIM card from your local T-Mobile retail store. The cost is £14.99 (including VAT) and you need to pay this in store. "

Gordon

[Guest Neil5459]

AFAIK, only Orange give you 2G SIMs as standard. All the other operators issue USIMS which are backwards compatible with 2G phones so if you ever get a 3G phone it'll work fine.

Orange however a just dumb. You buy a 2G phone, you get a 2G SIM. You purchase (from Orange) a 3G phone and they'll give you a 3G SIM. You purchase (from elsewhere) a 3G phone and Orange will refuse to give you a 3G SIM. You purchase (from Orange) a 3G phone (and get a 3G SIM) and then next year upgrade to a 2G phone, they'll send you a 2G SIM and disable 3G services.

Basically, Orange will only enable 3G when you purchase (or upgrade) a handset from Orange (or a reseller). Buy one from eBay, or even SIM-free brand new from Expansys, and they will refuse to enable 3G.

As I said, dumb.

Not what I've found!

I bought a 2G phone on Orange last year, and I now also have an SPV M700 on an additonal contract. I can use either SIM in the M700 and I get full 3G service.

[Guest Confucious]

T-Mob SIMS are all USIMS (at least in the past couple of years.

Orange certainly used to refuse point blank to give you a USIM but obviously things are changing from NeilM's experience. It was nearly 2 years ago I got my Universal and my O SIM wouldn't work and I was forced to get a new contract - another reason I'm pleased to have left them!

[Guest mikekirk]

T-Mob SIMS are all USIMS (at least in the past couple of years.

Orange certainly used to refuse point blank to give you a USIM but obviously things are changing from NeilM's experience. It was nearly 2 years ago I got my Universal and my O SIM wouldn't work and I was forced to get a new contract - another reason I'm pleased to have left them!

I took my SIM into the local Carphone Warehouse today and got them to plonk it into an N95, everything worked great with 3G working just fine. :-)

[Guest Confucious]

I took my SIM into the local Carphone Warehouse today and got them to plonk it into an N95, everything worked great with 3G working just fine. :-)

Glad to hear it :P

But an N95? :)