Database Info

Which SIM card is best and why? Yes there is a difference.

I've personally experienced the differences with SIM cards.
Having been with T-Mobile (since Voicestream) I've gone through tons of SIM cards throughout the years. For the heck of it every time I got a new phone I just swapped to the new SIM.*
Ok so let's talk present day. I've noticed that the SIM cards have been changing. The large gold surface area is now small etc...
* Recently (past few years) before all the smart phones started to pop up like crazy, I was using the same SIM card with several devices. I remember getting crappy data speeds at one point then I swapped out to a newer SIM and it was night and day.
Now it looks like the newest SIM's are marked with an, "activate by," date. I wonder if there are limits to how many times that SIM can connect to the network?
Anyhow, anyone with advanced knowledge about SIM's, your input would be greatly appreciated. I find it a pretty interesting topic due to my personal experience. There has to be something with the changes that do effect the data speeds for example.
Below are some pics...
"SO FOR THOSE WHO ARE HAVING CONNECTION ISSUES, COULD IT BE PERHAPS YOUR SIM?"

the reps at a store just told me to makr sure I used the new sim card they gave me because only their new ones allow for the 4g network
they have a diff design hatched in the gold
but u r correct in noticing the difference
sent from my G2X with no regrets

rich2thad said:
the reps at a store just told me to makr sure I used the new sim card they gave me because only their new ones allow for the 4g network
they have a diff design hatched in the gold
but u r correct in noticing the difference
sent from my G2X with no regrets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd, I'm still using my sim from my old G1 and I hit 9018kbits when I did a speed test a couple of days ago.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

rich2thad said:
the reps at a store just told me to makr sure I used the new sim card they gave me because only their new ones allow for the 4g network
they have a diff design hatched in the gold
but u r correct in noticing the difference
sent from my G2X with no regrets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting as figured. Thanks for your input.

well in their defense , they said new sim card in respect to at some point in time they changed how thw sim cards were made and was concern if i had an old one seeing as I've been with then for years...
but
ugh I wish I got speeds like that northern cali speeds suck ...
in sacramento I get maybe 1mb if I'm lucky usually around 0.85mb/s
sent from my G2X with no regrets

I just switched sim cards one day ago. I switched to the one that came with the phone. I notice no difference at all. The old one had been in my vibrant for about 7 months. T mobile rep told me that the only difference in sims(size of gold area) is how many contacts they will hold. I do not believe that for a minute. I just sold my Nexus One and it would not recognize the sims with the smaller gold contact area. I have been told so much BS from CS and tech reps at tmobile that I rarely believe any thing they say at this point. I am getting a replacement phone which should arrive on Monday. I just hope that it is free of most of the issues that my present one has or what I have seen listed in these threads. I really really like this phone just hope either it is issue free or the issues are addressed by LG right away if not I will send back and cancel the order. This phone has potential to be THE Beast of the the Bunch!!!!

I just got a new sim card with smaller gold area for my N1 and it works fine.
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

davehasninjas said:
That's odd, I'm still using my sim from my old G1 and I hit 9018kbits when I did a speed test a couple of days ago.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also using one that I got with my G1 and am pulling down almost 6mb myself. The TMo rep stated that my SIM will work just fine, and it does. But if I notice slow speeds, I should just activate the new one and put that in.
Side note, anybody know how to activate it to your account without having to go through the completely clueless IVR? Perhaps through their website?

Fernanernie said:
Side note, anybody know how to activate it to your account without having to go through the completely clueless IVR? Perhaps through their website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest I know of is doing a chat session with a rep through their web site. I have only swapped SIMs once when I switched to the Nexus One and had the 3G connection issues (didn't have them with the G1). Went smooth and had no problems.

I work at a retail store and the newest SIMs have a matte white finish to them and have the numbers "5.0.0.1" on the bottom. I don't know if it gets you faster speeds , but generally these ones fix most customers connection problems.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

I'm having super nasty reboot issues, but I also have the SIM from my T-Mobile Wing still so I'm going to go swap it tomorrow and see if it at least helps.

I just chatted with T-Mobile customer rep online and she swap for me in 5 mins. Painless process.

Been curious lately myself. To Tmobiles reps surprise when I told them. (After they said I wouldnt have 3g or 4g) I told them I am still using my simcard from 2003.. from my Nokia 3650! I use it in my G1, I have used it in my HD2 with Android and Better windows rom for HSPA (4g) just fine..
Reps didnt really believe I am using that old of a sim card. I am however. Data speed seems fine to me. Wouldnt mind being proven wrong if a new sim style has faster speed.
I will believe the new sim cards have larger space for contacts tho.
The main reason I think there are new sim cards and they are being pushed, is due to sim cloning. Older sim cards could be cloned so you could put multiple numbers on 1 sim, or just clone it to prevent swapping. Newer sim cards however, cant really be cloned. So if you want my thoughts, its not about the data, its about the security.

That's a good observations.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

rich2thad said:
well in their defense , they said new sim card in respect to at some point in time they changed how thw sim cards were made and was concern if i had an old one seeing as I've been with then for years...
but
ugh I wish I got speeds like that northern cali speeds suck ...
in sacramento I get maybe 1mb if I'm lucky usually around 0.85mb/s
sent from my G2X with no regrets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in Northern Ca too, and I am getting between 2.5-4M down, and 1.1-3 Up

As far as how GSM works i know the carriers network information is on the sim card not the phone. Hence why you can swap GSM carriers on your phone at any time. The sim card carries the prl which instructs the phone what towers to use. So getting a new sim card once or twice a year would seem like a good idea.
This is my guessamation lol
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Older SIM cards, unlike the newer ones, have an activation limit (usually ~90,000 or so). Once this limit is reached, the SIM card will not connect to the network anymore. The 'activation' event occurs each time your modem connects to a new cell radio on the towers. This wasn't a large issue with GSM/EDGE because they had a larger cell radius and your phone would use data less. With HSPA(+), your phone can make hundreds of connections in a day, sometimes thousands.

JaiaV said:
Older SIM cards, unlike the newer ones, have an activation limit (usually ~90,000 or so). Once this limit is reached, the SIM card will not connect to the network anymore. The 'activation' event occurs each time your modem connects to a new cell radio on the towers. This wasn't a large issue with GSM/EDGE because they had a larger cell radius and your phone would use data less. With HSPA(+), your phone can make hundreds of connections in a day, sometimes thousands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never seen or heard this one before. I mean using it since 2003 to now. I would be sure over my time and travel I wouldve connected that much and more.

First off - there is supposedly a problem for Wifi calling and the G2X and the TM9177 sim card,
many seem to find that switching to an older TM9073 (or TM9035) SIM card fixes the wifi calling problem.
see: http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/10103?tstart=0
see: http://support.t-mobile.com/message/68263
I had the older TM9073 which worked great for 2g/3g/HSPA+/wifi calling- but it died on me while traveling for work, and I was fortunately able to stop by a T-mobile store, and they gave me a new SIM --- the TM9177 --- which works fine for 2g/3g/HSPA+... but wifi calling is a mixed bag, it works on some ROMS, but not otthers.. whereas before the TM9073 works for all ROMs.

arvonn said:
First off - there is supposedly a problem for Wifi calling and the G2X and the TM9177 sim card,
many seem to find that switching to an older TM9073 (or TM9035) SIM card fixes the wifi calling problem.
see: http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/10103?tstart=0
see: http://support.t-mobile.com/message/68263
I had the older TM9073 which worked great for 2g/3g/HSPA+/wifi calling- but it died on me while traveling for work, and I was fortunately able to stop by a T-mobile store, and they gave me a new SIM --- the TM9177 --- which works fine for 2g/3g/HSPA+... but wifi calling is a mixed bag, it works on some ROMS, but not otthers.. whereas before the TM9073 works for all ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1 my new SIM didn't like wifi calling at all... but switched to the TM9073 and never had a problem since on any rom.
Sent from my HellfireKindle using Tapatalk 2

Data Network Issue

When I purchased my sensation i used my old sim from my HD2.. everything worked good internet bandwidth a lil slower than what people have been posting. ~1.2mbps
last night i decided to give tmobile a call to use the new sim that came with the phone. bad mistake. now my service is verry spotty, internet keeps getting stuck with the lil up arrrow on . (next to the 4g) and i get a huge lag when trying to refresh a page and or facebook... just did a speedtest .7mbps
is there any new setting i need to configure on the phone? very dissapointed. and to top it off. tmobile is making me wait couple days till i can change back to my old sim. I dont understand why this would happen when using the sim it came with? any help and or ideas?

Check these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123076
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118017

El Daddy said:
Check these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123076
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118017
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried both of those. same thing...

Are you on an older data plan? Does the data work or not at all?

EH Im upgrading two HD2 phones to the Sensation. Is there any reason I need to use a new sim? I had just planned on using my old sim cards.
OH and one of the above links says I need a 3g/4g capable sim card. I get 3g/4g fine with my current sim in my HD2 but honestly it must be 6 years old.

freakaccident said:
EH Im upgrading two HD2 phones to the Sensation. Is there any reason I need to use a new sim? I had just planned on using my old sim cards.
OH and one of the above links says I need a 3g/4g capable sim card. I get 3g/4g fine with my current sim in my HD2 but honestly it must be 6 years old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
new sim cards come with the phone so it would be in your best interest to simply use them... a lot of people with the g2x and sensation had apn/data issues because they were using old sim cards...

xnifex said:
Are you on an older data plan? Does the data work or not at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same plan I had on hd2 .. 2gig /unlimited plan
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

nccu_eagles said:
new sim cards come with the phone so it would be in your best interest to simply use them... a lot of people with the g2x and sensation had apn/data issues because they were using old sim cards...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought .. its new. Why not.. didn't think it was going to affect it like this
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

Call tech, tell them to cancel your location (you'll need to power cycle). For other poster, if your sim card works, don't change it. No benefit.

bobbymokie said:
Call tech, tell them to cancel your location (you'll need to power cycle). For other poster, if your sim card works, don't change it. No benefit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean "cancel your location" i know im going to have to explain it to them ive been getting some real idiots on the phone last couple times

freakaccident said:
OH and one of the above links says I need a 3g/4g capable sim card. I get 3g/4g fine with my current sim in my HD2 but honestly it must be 6 years old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they are the SIMs that came with the HD2 then you are good. That's what I'm using & have no issues
juice_cazarez said:
I have the same plan I had on hd2 .. 2gig /unlimited plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they're not "Android approved" plans don't be surprised when Tmobile blocks your IMEI until you "upgrade"

juice_cazarez said:
what do you mean "cancel your location" i know im going to have to explain it to them ive been getting some real idiots on the phone last couple times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably know some of them : ) cancel location is what they call it, tech will know. It means they fully remove you from the network, letting you re register from scratch when you power cycle

Thanks I will give that a try
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

Any new info on switching back and forth between LTE phones and Standard 3G phones?

Given the TBolt has the sim card, it seems it would be a little crazy to switch back and forth (if not impossible). This issue was touched a while ago, but is there an easier way yet? I guess anytime you wanted to switch back to the tBolt you needed to get a new SIM card. Is this still the case? Or can you use the website to switch back and forth between phones.
Reason I am asking is that I would like to use the iPhone during my work day since all of our machines are Apple based... and tBolt any other time. It just doesn't seem possible unless something changed?

I was also wondering how this would work. I have several phones and, until recently when I got my Tbolt, would switch between them quite often. Now with my first 4G phone, I wasn't sure that would work. From your post, it sounds like I could go online and switch from my Bolt to one of my 3g devices as I always have, but going back to the 4g Bolt might be a problem? I don't have 4g in my area, but I really am liking my bolt and don't feel the itch to switch devices yet, but I would like to be able to have the option.

Why not just call VZW and ask ?
That would be the easy way to answer your question.
Sent by my HTC Incredible

jbh00jh said:
Why not just call VZW and ask ?
That would be the easy way to answer your question.
Sent by my HTC Incredible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They give different answers each time you call! Depends who you talk to.

if it helps, sim cards are sim cards and the one in the tb (though it works in a slightly different way than what would be normal for a sim) is the same as any other sim card. However, if you switch to activating a 3g phone without a sim card, they will deactivate your tb sim card for sure. They may even if you don't, just because they're verizon and are slightly clueless on how sim cards work still.

psufan5 said:
Given the TBolt has the sim card, it seems it would be a little crazy to switch back and forth (if not impossible). This issue was touched a while ago, but is there an easier way yet? I guess anytime you wanted to switch back to the tBolt you needed to get a new SIM card. Is this still the case? Or can you use the website to switch back and forth between phones.
Reason I am asking is that I would like to use the iPhone during my work day since all of our machines are Apple based... and tBolt any other time. It just doesn't seem possible unless something changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you ever switch phones online without calling Verizon. I have never been able to do it other than when setting up maybe a new phone but never switching back to an old one. Good luck though it would be nice to be able to freely switch. I have a DInc and OG Droid just sitting here
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

Switching from 4g to 3g phones you have to call in each time
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

I have tried switching from 3g phone to 4g phone and it is a pain. You need to call or go into the store and get a new sim card each time. The minute you place a 3g device on your 4g account the sim card is deactivated.
I switch back and forth now because i talked the store manager into giving me a few sim cards. You can also call every other day and have the customer service send you a new one. They are free but some stores will try to charge you.
Once you have the sim card all you need to do is turn off the 3g phone, place the new sim card in and it should activate itself.

Wow thats pretty sad that its this difficult.

I had tried this once and it brought up a question that I did not have the guts to answer myself. If you went back to 3g for a short while then afterwards reactivated on 4g would you loose the grandfathered unlimited data?
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App

theryanguy said:
I had tried this once and it brought up a question that I did not have the guts to answer myself. If you went back to 3g for a short while then afterwards reactivated on 4g would you loose the grandfathered unlimited data?
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No since you aren't changing your plan
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

Just talked to a VZW rep on the phone, who I'm assuming went to talk to a supervisor or a tech, and she said as long as I keep the sim card in a place where the gold contacts don't get harmed (like in the phone), then I can keep the same sim card between activations, I just have to either call in to switch back to the TB or activate it online.. She talked to someone about this after I asked if I could have a few sent to me, so I'm assuming whomever told her this at least had some knowledge on the situation, but I guess we'll find out when it's time to switch back

joshnichols189 said:
No since you aren't changing your plan
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks.
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App

the verizon rep that told you you can keep the sim card between activations is wrong. The sim card for verizon doesnt store any data its just basically a key to there 4g service. They can only be used for one activation and once they are deactivated they are dead. The only way to switch back and forth would be to have a surplus of sim cards. You would still have to call in and have them activate the new sim card before using it.
Ii have done this a few times on my thunderbolt so I know from experience.

Not sure on that having multiple SIM cards is right. I have switched between my DX and Tbolt numerous times and never gotten a new sim card. I do have to call every time when reactivating the bolt though.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

I can't see how this would work since LTE and gsm cards aren't compatible. If you could do that, you could drop it in most of the decent BlackBerrys and run... But ya can't. Anyone telling you that you can isn't at all familiar with the specs.

What a pain in the butt.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

just my experience...
Using the My Account web site, I can...
Change between multiple 3G phones, no problems.
Change from 4G/LTE phone to 3G phone, no problems other than... the Web site warns the LTE SIM will be disabled after 90 days of non-use, implying that you could re-use it for up to 90 days, BUT the SIM gets deactivated immediately.
If I try to change from 3G phone to 4G/LTE phone, no problems IF I have a NEW SIM card. If I try to re-use my SIM it fails and I need to call in. When I call in, its hit or miss if they can enter that same SIM back into the System (customer service can't, but tech support has done it) or make me get a new SIM.
I haven't tried switching in about 3 weeks. So I don't know if anything has changed since.
Also, I find it best to complete the equipment change before 11pm eastern, otherwise the device change could get hung up in VZW's switch/system and not complete/clear until the morning.

SIM card/switching from 4G to 3G
psufan5 said:
Given the TBolt has the sim card, it seems it would be a little crazy to switch back and forth (if not impossible). This issue was touched a while ago, but is there an easier way yet? I guess anytime you wanted to switch back to the tBolt you needed to get a new SIM card. Is this still the case? Or can you use the website to switch back and forth between phones.
Reason I am asking is that I would like to use the iPhone during my work day since all of our machines are Apple based... and tBolt any other time. It just doesn't seem possible unless something changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time, it is still necessry to relace the SIM card if changing from a 4G device to a 3G device. So, if you were to change devices each day, you would need a new SIM card each time. Please check out our forums for updates at our website. Go to the website for Verizon Wireless, click Contact Us, then Customer Forums. You can also sign up for email updates from this site.
Thank you and have a good day!
Christina B
VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

VZWSupport said:
At this time, it is still necessry to relace the SIM card if changing from a 4G device to a 3G device. So, if you were to change devices each day, you would need a new SIM card each time. Please check out our forums for updates at our website. Go to the website for Verizon Wireless, click Contact Us, then Customer Forums. You can also sign up for email updates from this site.
Thank you and have a good day!
Christina B
VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
verizon actually semi pays attention to xda

Problems

So, I got a SGS2 Skyrocket a few days ago from a guy on craigslist for $400. Great deal, or so I thought. The phone worked well until today, I'm not receiving text messages or phone calls and I cannot send text messages. I first though, "great, I bought a stolen phone and and now it's been disabled." I googled it and it seems that I wouldn't be able to make calls if it had indeed been reported stolen. Any ideas? I restored the device and it didn't help. Thought it was interesting when I went to software update under settings it says "DM initialization is not ready. Check network or sim card." Could I just have a signal problem or something? I have full bars...

Did you get a new 4G LTE sim card for the phone?

No, I didn't. But it was sending texts just fine yesterday and now I'm trying to use the sim on my old phone and it wont send texts either.

Sounds like a sim issue. You might need to head to your ATT store and upgrade your sim card. This should solve your problems. Older sims won't work on the newer 4G phones. I had this issues with my 1st skyrocket and my old sim. It worked for a bit then stopped working, we replaced the old sim with a new one and all was good....

iLiberate said:
So, I got a SGS2 Skyrocket a few days ago from a guy on craigslist for $400. Great deal, or so I thought. The phone worked well until today, I'm not receiving text messages or phone calls and I cannot send text messages. I first though, "great, I bought a stolen phone and and now it's been disabled." I googled it and it seems that I wouldn't be able to make calls if it had indeed been reported stolen. Any ideas? I restored the device and it didn't help. Thought it was interesting when I went to software update under settings it says "DM initialization is not ready. Check network or sim card." Could I just have a signal problem or something? I have full bars...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Guy......Craigslist"..... = problem?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium

I bought mine off Craig's List and experienced the same thing. Your sim from your Captivate will only work briefly for phone/SMS, but not at all for data.
You MUST get a 4G LTE sim card for the Skyrocket and AT&T will change your data plan "type" (same data and price per month, but different line item on the billing).
5 minutes in AT&T and I was good to go.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

Grut said:
Sounds like a sim issue. You might need to head to your ATT store and upgrade your sim card. This should solve your problems. Older sims won't work on the newer 4G phones. I had this issues with my 1st skyrocket and my old sim. It worked for a bit then stopped working, we replaced the old sim with a new one and all was good....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont listen to people like this when they tell u older sims will work for a min then stop. Complete and utter bull****. Me and my friend have the skyrocket and he uses and older version sim and has no problems. The new sim only matters cuz it gives u the lte data plan. Its not gonna stop text from going thru. Such misinformation going on. This is y people are so screwed up
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Justinfedor said:
Dont listen to people like this when they tell u older sims will work for a min then stop. Complete and utter bull****. Me and my friend have the skyrocket and he uses and older version sim and has no problems. The new sim only matters cuz it gives u the lte data plan. Its not gonna stop text from going thru. Such misinformation going on. This is y people are so screwed up
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? So if your information is correct, and you are all knowing, then why not help him fix the problem.

First off sounds like a SIM issue. Sim is usually the problem when it comes to network connectivity issues. Did you check the litmus sticker for water exposure?
Call ATT and have them check the IMEI #. You should have done that before you bought the phone.
@Justinfedor: That kind of response is not needed. If you can't say what's on your mind kindly please go somewhere else.

When I got my Skyrocket (moving from Captivate) the sales person said directly I would get a new SIM because the 4G LTE needed a new (assumably different) one. I'm sure you just need to get a new SIM which ATT should do no problem.

X10D3 said:
First off sounds like a SIM issue. Sim is usually the problem when it comes to network connectivity issues. Did you check the litmus sticker for water exposure?
Call ATT and have them check the IMEI #. You should have done that before you bought the phone.
@Justinfedor: That kind of response is not needed. If you can't say what's on your mind kindly please go somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4g lte sims are for data. Like i said my friend doesnt have one in his phone. We dont live in an lte area so hes not getting a new one. U all say people need a new sim for a 4g device. Thats a complete lie. Sims can cause the issue but its not always the answer. Oh and i will go somewhere else cuz you all obvisously think you know everything. No need to be in here with a bunch of low life.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Justinfedor said:
4g lte sims are for data. Like i said my friend doesnt have one in his phone. We dont live in an lte area so hes not getting a new one. U all say people need a new sim for a 4g device. Thats a complete lie. Sims can cause the issue but its not always the answer. Oh and i will go somewhere else cuz you all obvisously think you know everything. No need to be in here with a bunch of low life.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! Holy childish over-reaction batman!

Can't you just get a new Sim? Worst case, is that your carrier might charge you something like $10.00......
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium

If that's the way you're going to act, then please leave. I used to work for ATT a while back. What I don't think you get is... You're right and you're wrong. No you don't need a LTE sim. If the sim is bad it can cause connectivity issues, and weird stuff all together. That last statement is what you're completely ignoring.

Justin and X10D3 are correct. I used my sim from my Atrix in my phone since I got it. You'll need to be set up on the LTE plan through att. All that happened is their system doesn't have your account provisioned for LTE and it took a day or so for them to catch it. Login to your account and see if you're on an LTE plan. If not, then call them, but I know my sim is the same one from my Atrix and I've hit LTE areas the whole month in December with no issues. It shouldn't change your rate plan just need it provisioned for your account to register properly with their LTE network.

Sim card

Recently a buddy of mine picked up a couple of S lll's and I don't know how the subject came about but he was asked by the sales rep if he has a 4G sim card. He had no idea, turns out he did not and they upgraded him to a 4G sim for no charge. He states that now his data seems more responsive and quicker. Many of us have been with T-Mobile for a while and just kept using our original sim card when upgrading phones. What do you guys think, is this just a placebo or does it make sense and could we benifit from a new sim card. Also don't say this is wrong section that it should be in andriod general, I'd rather it be discussed in here with people I know it will help ween out the BS replies.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app

I know when I was in a T-Mobile store a couple months ago and complained about data speeds being slow on my gnex the rep told me it's recommended to change Sim cards yearly. She gave me a new Sim and my data speeds almost tripled according to speedtest.net right there in the same location after multiple runs with both Sim cards, and my old Sim was a "4G" card.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

95Z28 said:
I know when I was in a T-Mobile store a couple months ago and complained about data speeds being slow on my gnex the rep told me it's recommended to change Sim cards yearly. She gave me a new Sim and my data speeds almost tripled according to speedtest.net right there in the same location after multiple runs with both Sim cards, and my old Sim was a "4G" card.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
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Do you know the reason for the bolded part?
Im sure Ill be told Im wrong but, with gsm phones the prl info is kept on the sim card. When towers are upgraded and added for some reason gsm carriers have not found a way to update the sim card OTA. Therefore you need to get a new sim card. This is what I was told by the local ATT/T-MO reps. A customer that was "evedropping" piped up and said nah man they could update it OTA but then they couldnt charge you the 5 bucks for a sim card. The look of horror on the reps face was funny.
Yes my local t-mo store is also a att store. Its not a corporate store just a franchise. They also use to be a alltel payment center.

After reading this thread I called T-Mobile and asked them about this since my sim card is 3yrs old...
They upgraded me for free.
So i headed over to a T-Mobile store and the Rep said yea i had a 2nd generation card and that with this new one...i will see a drastic change data and speed,and he was right,i do.

screenshots of speed tests or it didn't happen

Personally I don't care if anyone believes me lol.
Its up to you if you want a new sim card or not....its free and what's the harm...anyway I'm not here to prove or dissprove. Do what you want.

Shortbus-Driver said:
After reading this thread I called T-Mobile and asked them about this since my sim card is 3yrs old...
They upgraded me for free.
So i headed over to a T-Mobile store and the Rep said yea i had a 2nd generation card and that with this new one...i will see a drastic change data and speed,and he was right,i do.
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Was it free?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app

Yes its says that in the 2nd paragraph of my post and in your quotation of my post lol.
Also says that in the post directly above yours.

+1 to the free. In case I wasn't clear the rep gave me a new sim, not sold. Around here T-Mobile gives free replacement sim cards all the time as a trouble shooting method, myself and everyone I know has never had to pay for one.
And yes, she explained the whole updated towers like previous poster mentioned.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Wind gives free SIM's too when something doesn't work. My data worked, calling work, receiving txt's worked but I couldn't send a txt. I reflashed ROM's, everything, tried another SIM in my phone, sending txt worked fine. It was my card, new card, could send txt. It seems silly that everything worked but sending a txt and a new SIM fixed it.

getochkn said:
Wind gives free SIM's too when something doesn't work. My data worked, calling work, receiving txt's worked but I couldn't send a txt. I reflashed ROM's, everything, tried another SIM in my phone, sending txt worked fine. It was my card, new card, could send txt. It seems silly that everything worked but sending a txt and a new SIM fixed it.
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Click to collapse
Sometimes, when only my texting doesn't work, all I have to do is remove my sim and put it back it after about a minute.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app