I did order Librem 5 with Modem - BM818-T1. I did validate that this modem will work with my provider Videotron located in Canada. I did also validate with chatGPT and with this web site.
When I put my SIM card, the phone don’t seem’s to recognise it. Can I have a confirmation that I have ordered the correct modem on the phone? Thank you
As a reminder, some people have reported that Librem 5 will destroy SIM card or uSD card, if the tray is opened or closed while the Librem 5 is powered on. So, please make sure that you do not touch SIM card tray unless power is OFF. For best peace of mind, consider removing the battery before ejecting the tray.
(I am not a Purism affiliate. I am just a random user. My thoughts might be totally uninformed. I am only sharing a memory of something I read on forums 6-12 months ago.)
Normally, the BM818-A1 modem is best for North America. The -T1 modem (Asia, Australia, New Zealand, et al) only covers 2 of the 4 LTE frequency bands that Vidéotron uses. (LTE is most important now, as 3G and 2G networks either have been, or are being shut down in many areas of the world.) It’s missing B12 (700MHz) and B17 (also 700Mhz), according to your frequencycheck.com link.
It’s also unclear whether the -T1 can use VoLTE calling on Vidéotron, if that’s a requirement… although I’m guessing it can (in theory).
My advice is to just order the other modem from Purism, c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y disconnect the -T1 without breaking the v-e-r-y delicate connectors, then install the -A1 instead. Save the -T1 for future travel to Asia and Down Under.
Yes. Reported several times, I believe.
Never heard that mentioned before.
I did put back the sim card in my old phone and it still working.
You might do better with Rogers; at least there are a few additional LTE frequency bands shared with the -T1. Whether these are the “right” ones for your coverage remains to be seen.
Telus and Bell might be OK, too (for use with the -T1).
Still, the -A1 modem is probably the best choice, due to those 700MHz inclusions.
You did not order the correct modem.
To add to that, the OP can always review user reports of what works and what doesn’t: Cellular Providers · Wiki · Librem5 / Librem 5 Community Wiki · GitLab
Note that this advice applies to other phones too, not just the Librem 5. You can find discussion on the internet of the same question in respect of iPhones, for example.