Communications

[#1]

What is a 'SIM' card and what does it do?

[#2]

Short for subscriber identity module .   This allows phone to connect to a carrier.  This was a great idea for travellers who may need to switch carriers when reaching a different country.

[#3]

I stay right here in Ontario and use Bell. Is there any advantage to my having a sim card in my phone?

[#4 · Accepted solution]

There used to be a big advantage, now it seems that it's not as much of an advantage.

It's not as simple as a SIM card now... you still have to make sure your phone is compatible with the network (UMTS, HSPA, GSM, etc)...

SIM cards used to make it easy to switch phones...

SIM cards used to make it easy to move contacts (not entirely anymore with smartphones)

SIM cards don't deter theft as much as CDMA because CDMA phones are always locked to a specific carrier and you can lock others from using it.

I've recently moved from Telus CDMA to Telus HSPA (SIM), and I can say that it's much more of a headache then anything else...

[#5]

I'm not from Canada but my Uncle is sending me a mobile. I want to know which mobile has the capability of changing SIM card so I may use it in Pakistan. Thank You

[#6]

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swamprat69er wrote:

I stay right here in Ontario and use Bell. Is there any advantage to my having a sim card in my phone?

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For certain networks, such as Bell's/Telus' new network, you need an activated sim card in your phone to make and recieve calls, texts, as well as using data. If you're still on the older CDMA network that they've had for years.

However, some phones on the old network (i.e. Blackberry Storm or Tour) also have a slot for sim cards, but only allow foreign sims for roaming (i.e. won't work with Rogers or Telus)

If you let us know what kind of phone you have, we can further assist you with any other questions.

[#7]

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mohsinkamal wrote:

I'm not from Canada but my Uncle is sending me a mobile. I want to know which mobile has the capability of changing SIM card so I may use it in Pakistan. Thank You

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In Canada, Bell, Rogers, Telus, Fido, Wind, Virgin, and soon Koodo use sim cards in some or all of their phones. The difference is which portion of the spectrum they use.

Firstly be aware that not all phones sold by Telus/Bell/Virgin/Koodo use sim cards, most are CDMA and will only work on those carriers.

However, most GSM compatible phones sold by any provider in Canada have a Quad-band GSM radio in them, so that means that most phones will work almost world.

What I recommend you to do:

1. Check for the spectrum bands that your carrier uses (i.e. 850/1900 or 1700 or 2100)

2. Check out some phones available from Rogers, Telus or Bell that are GSM compatible, and see which bands their radio works with.

3. When you recieve the phone, ensure you unlock it. The only carrier that will unlock a phone for you in Canada is Wind Mobile, and only after 3 months of use. They aren't available nationwide either. If you don't unlock the phone, it WILL NOT WORK. Unlock codes are available online for fairly cheap, shop around and find some reviews. I've heard mobileincanada is a good site.

Hope that helps!