Ok, I see, thanks.
Yes, I was looking under the GSM section, nothing would have told me to look in the FDD section. (Don’t know what that means anyway.)
But mainly I was thinking I had to match the frequency numerals exactly as written to me by the carrier, now I understand that is not the case.
BTW, the reason the GSM (2G) section, and especially the HSPA+/WCDMA (3G) section of that table are less important now is because 3G is disappearing in some countries, and 2G also to a lesser extent.
Soon the U.S. carriers will no longer use 3G. AT&T has also already retired its 2G network.
Thanks again.
So… The carrier I was in touch with “requires” VOLTE ability, which my Librem 5 currently lacks. Two questions:
Other than Purism’s own plan, are there carriers in the USA that work fine with the Librem 5? Asking just in case you know where I can find this, I understand if you don’t.
If I am interested in a data only plan, then the fact that my Librem 5 doesn’t currently support volte should not be a problem with the carrier I was talking to - Is my logic valid?
It might turn out that the L5 (its modem, actually, which is removable/replaceable) will fly under the radar with the carriers, as this modem is normally used in automotive applications. I believe a couple of people in the forum have mentioned activating with no carrier gripes. You can test by checking the modem’s IMEI (see the modem settings) on, say, T-mobile’s compatibility checker.
Note that just because you get a SIM approved doesn’t mean that your calls will work 100%. As 3G continues to be shut down in various locales, a phone (modem) that relies on 3G for calls will not be able to find 3G anymore. There may be some 2G left as a fallback, but maybe not ubiquitous.
If the U.S. carrier won’t issue a data-only SIM (because they frown on using those in phones, due to the lost revenue and lack of 911 availability), then an international travel SIM would probably work, as long as it doesn’t require some Android/iOS app. The trick is finding one with reasonable data rates, but it’s possible.
Short answer, as I see this (and as you already guess), would be: no. Long answer is here: “You can activate any un-activated starter pack to it, but once a SIM is activated to a phone, it’s not eligible for data plans.”
Therefore, please stay within known usage patterns, as already advised here:
Info within my above post link provided while US Mobile −> T-Mobile and while further below, same chapter as linked, you’ll find (under Settings and info) following APN for LTE devices: fast.t-mobile.com. And as “a starter kit costs $10” (for 30 days) perhaps it is worth of trying if such SIM card package might suit your needs, if/when about to use it on Librem 5.
Too bad the chart doesn’t have a print button. (Auto format print gets four pages worth, mostly blank lines.)
For people’s tests with different cellular carriers, see the community wiki:
I copied the table into a spreadsheet. You should be able to do the same. (I had to realign a couple of items, so please check for accuracy.)
That works for me on the images we posted here, using “Copy Image” from my right-click context menu, but it’s not available on Purism’s original modem chart. (FYI)
With Linux Mint and Pale Moon browser, anyway. May be different in other systems.
(Although I could have used the “Take Screenshot” application in Linux Mint, and selected the area to grab. It’s a large, awkward area, though.)
The U.S. carrier successes from that chart may change as the 3G networks continue shutting down. At least for calls over 3G. Just something to be aware of.
Thanks both amarok and Quarnero, nice work.
Yes I could have done that but what I was really complaining about was the lack of a formatted print button. Like some websites used to do in the gold old days so the user didn’t have to work at it.
Some news sites used to do that. They don’t do that anymore. (Perhaps they’re trying to discourage paper use? Or is it that the print dialog omits clickable adverts and they lose money?)
That would probably be another topic on another forum.
I have not received my L5 (ordered Aug’18) but did try my Verizon SIM card from my android phone in a beta PP and it did work (made a call). Verizon did immediately send me an email inquiring if it was me but they did not give me any problems. So with this and maybe flying under the radar as you say may allow pre-activated Sim cards even if one cannot be activated in an L5.
That’s good news, but don’t forget:
Agreed…but the replaceable modem also lends itself to a evential possible solution. Or at the very least a puzzle to be solved which keeps me interested in not only Linux in my pocket, but learning experiences (to be shared) that benefits ongoing Linux hardware/software dev.
In my case I have a data only plan with US Mobile (their “GSM” sim card), that works fine.
Then just for giggles I did a one time addition of 75 minutes of telephone time (for USD 2). I can make and receive calls just fine, but only when the modem is in the 3G mode, 4G does not work.
As far as “flying under the radar” goes in this case: US Mobile is fully aware that I’m using a Librem 5, I called them (on a separate matter) and discussed it with them, they told me that is fine, they didn’t care.
In case any of the above adds anything useful to the discussion…
Your person may not have the right or experience to say “they didn’t care.” Unless you hear it from a high ranking employee, I’d not depend on them not caring. Maybe they don’t care today, but tomorrow is another day.
~s`
Neither optimistically nor pessimistically, just factual/objective, relating here to the product FCC ID 2AON8-BM818: “Grants authorize equipment for operation at approved frequencies and sale within the USA.”
