<SPRINT> SIM Card question

kilmarac · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:02 AM

I did some searches and didnt find an answer so I wanted to ask.

Im familiar with SIM Cards in phones for use in keeping your Subscriber info intact. I.e. Pull the sim card out and slide it into another phone and you can use that phone as your own. Useful for when you do upgrades.

So now the question is. Is this how sprint is using it? Is the sprint SIM already unlocked or do I need to get OliPro's unlocker? Why would I want it unlocked? What are the benefits of this?

Do I need to unlock it to travel internationally (im planning a trip to japan and would like to use my TP2 there)

I guess in the long run, aside from the basic purposes of a SIM Card, Im not familiar with how they are in relation to sprint as I have never had a sim card before.

If there is anything else you can think of that would be useful about it, by all means please add that. Heck, maybe we can make a sticky "All About Sim Cards" LOL

Thanks!

**Adrianh85** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilmarac

I did some searches and didnt find an answer so I wanted to ask.

Im familiar with SIM Cards in phones for use in keeping your Subscriber info intact. I.e. Pull the sim card out and slide it into another phone and you can use that phone as your own. Useful for when you do upgrades.

So now the question is. Is this how sprint is using it? Is the sprint SIM already unlocked or do I need to get OliPro's unlocker? Why would I want it unlocked? What are the benefits of this?

Do I need to unlock it to travel internationally (im planning a trip to japan and would like to use my TP2 there)

I guess in the long run, aside from the basic purposes of a SIM Card, Im not familiar with how they are in relation to sprint as I have never had a sim card before.

If there is anything else you can think of that would be useful about it, by all means please add that. Heck, maybe we can make a sticky "All About Sim Cards" LOL

Thanks!

for the sprint verizon u do not need the sim unlocker for international travel! u only need it if u plan on using domestic carriers(us gsm)

Verizon on the other hand needs the sim unlocker unless they got it for free from verizon like myself!!

The Lance · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 05:48 PM

uh you don't even need a sim card for your TP2 or any CDMA phone to roam internationally in Japan.. They use CDMA over there too...

amart79196 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 05:58 PM

But what is the purpose of the Sprint SIM card?? Is there any need for it at all?

**japper88** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amart79196

But what is the purpose of the Sprint SIM card?? Is there any need for it at all?

To make money off you!!! Also some corporate clients have deals with Sprint where they pay a lower rate (than us regular folks) when they roam abroad. Basically meaning Sprint has made some deals with international GSM carriers so the Sprint GSM card picks up their signal. Sprint then charges you "international roaming" rates they set. This probably works well for frequent international business travelers who go all over the world on short trips (buying GSM cards for every country would be a pain).

When I go to China/Hong Kong I just but a disposable GSM sim card (only a few bucks) that I fill up (similar to pay as you go services in the U.S.).

The best thing about the TP2 is you don't have to call Sprint or anything if you want to just use your own GSM sim card internationally. Just put it in and go!

kilmarac · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 01:20 AM

If I dont like sprints prices then, I would need it to say, rent a sim card there and use it, correct?

mikejones13 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 03:13 AM

Ya after you SIM unlock you phone

posted in irc but maybe others can use it.....http://www.myworldphone.com/storeite...cc=prepaid-sim

kilmarac · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 03:17 AM

Gotcha, ok. Makes sense now.

cj10488 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 03:18 AM

You do not need to unlock your phone. Sprint is Sim-unlocked. meaning any sim will work with the phone. Sprint is Radio Locked to restrict use of the US based GSM towers. Since you are going to Japan then you can pick up a card there or use the Sprint service... You only need to Sim-unlock the Sprint phone if you want to unlock the radio for use on the US based GSM towers with a US GSM carrier.

Hope this sheds some light.

James

kilmarac · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 03:23 AM

Ok, just make sure I have this straight.

Sprint TP2 works in other countries (specifically Japan)
Sprint TP2 is unlocked as far as using another countries SIM card. So I dont *need* to buy the OliPro Simcard unlocker.

So Essentially i am good to go without having to change anything.

So this brings another question... Is there an advantage to unlocking the US GSM radio?