Change your SIM card every 2-3 years !

[NJSS]

I spent a frustrating few hours yesterday & today when my cell 'phone stopped working.

The only symptom was that I couldn't hear "the other party". Initially I thought that the problem was my 'phone, so I switched the SIM card to my spare 'phone only to have the same problem.

Off to my service provider where the rep. was very helpful & installed a new SIM. He would not want to be quoted but admitted in answer to my direct question that one should change one's SIM cards regularly.

Google found this on the web:-

Quote:​

SIM cards are designed to last for several years, but the exact lifespan of a SIM card can vary depending on several factors. Factors such as exposure to water, heat, and other elements, as well as general wear and tear, can all affect the lifespan of a SIM card.

In general, it is recommended to replace your SIM card every two to three years to ensure optimal performance

Source: https://europeesim.com/blog/can-sim-cards-go-bad/

I have made a diary note to do just this

NJSS

 

[clk320x]

Never had a problem, but I suppose the transition to e-sim will eliminate this issue.

 

[NJSS]

I must confess that I am a little wary of e-Sims - totally illogical I know, just lack of experience.

 

[st13phil]

I must confess that I am a little wary of e-Sims - totally illogical I know, just lack of experience.

FWIW, I used e-SIMS for data on a trip to the USA last year and the whole process was very simple and worked faultlessly. It was also massively cheaper than paying Vodafone’s exorbitant roaming pass fee.

 

[clk320x]

FWIW, I used e-SIMS for data on a trip to the USA last year and the whole process was very simple and worked faultlessly. It was also massively cheaper than paying Vodafone’s exorbitant roaming pass fee.

Was it Holafly? I used them too, perfect.

 

[TC350]

Was it Holafly? I used them too, perfect.

I used Breeze for an eSim in the USA last month. Perfect for sat nav.

 

[st13phil]

Was it Holafly?

No, it was easySIM. Both my wife and I used them, as did one of our travelling companions. You have to put a little effort into making sure you have your phone's data and roaming settings correctly set, but at £16 for a 30-day 10GB package vs Vodafone's exorbitant charges it's a no-brainer.

 

[Steveml63]

Hi,
We use an E-SIM for our contract number - then use the spare physical SIM slot to put a low cost pay-as-you-go SIM from the local provider in whatever country we are visiting,
We were in UK for past few weeks and bought a Lyca SIM with £10 voucher in Tescos on our first day of arrival. This gave us 40GB of data, unlimited UK calls, unlimited texts and 100 minutes of calls to many overseas countries.
We arrived back to Abu Dhabi this morning and I have already junked the SIM. It is still a surprise to me that you can buy a new SIM and a top-up voucher for cash and start using it without providing any form of ID - real “burner phone” territory!
Most other countries that we visit require you to show your passport when buying a SIM!
Cheers
Steve

 

[G.P]

I must confess that I am a little wary of e-Sims - totally illogical I know, just lack of experience.

Before the physical sim card, we had to wait a few days for new phones to be connected, which is my concern now with an esim as we rely to much now on our mobiles as no landline..

 

[colinallcars]

Before the physical sim card, we had to wait a few days for new phones to be connected, which is my concern now with an esim as we rely to much now on our mobiles as no landline..

The eSIM I use was activated instantly, no waiting time. Similar process to activate a physical sim.

 

[ALFAitalia]

FWIW, I used e-SIMS for data on a trip to the USA last year and the whole process was very simple and worked faultlessly. It was also massively cheaper than paying Vodafone’s exorbitant roaming pass fee.

I had to Google what an esim was!.... but they have been around since 2016 apparently. I'm with Vodafone....I dont pay a penny extra for roaming... never have.
As for changing sims every three years....well mine is one of the first that I've had since about 2017.... been in four or five phones in that time... no issues so far.
Esim is not all good news according to my Google.... especially when you get a new phone... if you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, you will have to contact your local phone provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM, if that's even possible. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

 

[st13phil]

I'm with Vodafone....I dont pay a penny extra for roaming... never have.

I too have an old agreement with Vodafone that includes European roaming, but I don’t ever remember them including “free” roaming in the USA.

As a general point, Vodafone have become very expensive if you want roaming included in your contract as they only do so for the highest included data offerings - which is why I let my old agreement run, as it’s far cheaper.

 

[BTB 500]

Interesting about the SIM age - quite a few things have them built in (Mercedes cars, TomTom satnavs, etc.) with no way to replace them but they seem to work fine for a good many years ... much more than 2-3 ??

I no longer go to the US but yes 'free roaming' here generally excludes the US. We've used Lebara (Vodafone) for a few years now ... £7 a month for 12 GB, unlimited calls/texts, 5G, WiFi calling, free roaming in most places, etc. Potentially looking at eSIMs on another network now as a backup for mobile data - many of the events we go to with our dogs rely on using a phone app now (organisers can save thousands by not having a big PA system) - venues are typically big showgrounds etc. and 4G coverage varies a fair bit depending on what masts are nearby!

 

[NJSS]

TomTom no longer sell Satnavs with built in SIM cards. This means that TomTom customers have to have their Smartphones turned on and consuming data all the time they are using a TomTom device with TomTom services such as Traffic.

The reason for this is "Technology issues": For some years, we had only 2G service available. Devices were built with 2G cellular technology to match. Then companies started shutting down 2G service. Devices were becoming obsolete, and doing so on different schedules in different countries. Then we went to 3G. Then 4G. Now 5G. It would be a bit annoying to keep chasing the latest standard and have devices keep going obsolete, with customers unhappy as a result. The BYOC (Bring Your Own Connection) solution solves this by assuming that the owner will be updating cell phone technology as needed to stay connected.

Source: Built in SIM cards

 

[colinallcars]

I too have an old agreement with Vodafone that includes European roaming, but I don’t ever remember them including “free” roaming in the USA.

As a general point, Vodafone have become very expensive if you want roaming included in your contract as they only do so for the highest included data offerings - which is why I let my old agreement run, as it’s far cheaper.

I’ve found that going directly to any of the major providers is expensive. I wanted an O2 contract for EU roaming, £22 per month directly from O2, £8 through USwitch.

 

[BTB 500]

Source: Built in SIM cards

Interesting - earlier TomToms relied on a phone connection, then they went to internal SIMs, now back to using your phone! AFAIK nobody is shutting down 2G any time soon - 2033 was the last estimate I saw for the UK.

Our TomTom came with lifetime free speed camera and map updates - I keep getting emails like this from them, trying to get me to upgrade to a newer one where these are subscription services

Important Information about Your Navigation

You are driving with outdated technology, which can compromise your safety on the road. The latest navigation tools are essential for a secure and efficient journey.

At TomTom, we provide you with advanced devices designed to prioritise your safety and help you navigate confidently.
For a limited time, you can get 35% off our latest navigation devices. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your safety comes first.

 

[whitenemesis]

Interesting - earlier TomToms relied on a phone connection, then they went to internal SIMs, now back to using your phone! AFAIK nobody is shutting down 2G any time soon - 2033 was the last estimate I saw for the UK.

2G/3G Switch Off | Mobile UK

Mobile networks will be gradually switching off their 2G and 3G networks. All the mobile providers have confirmed with the UK Government that they do not plan to offer their 2G and 3G services beyond 2033.

www.mobileuk.org

 

[chic0821]

Showing my age, never heard of Esim, hands up the rest of you who are like me

 

[BTB 500]

Seems

2G/3G Switch Off | Mobile UK

Mobile networks will be gradually switching off their 2G and 3G networks. All the mobile providers have confirmed with the UK Government that they do not plan to offer their 2G and 3G services beyond 2033.

www.mobileuk.org

Looks like TomTom use Vodafone 2G so no immediate danger of live traffic disappearing on mine.