I have read the archives on unlocking and sim cards which still leave me with a few questions. I plan to p/u a 3GS next week.
Can it be unlocked to accept US Sim cards to save the $45.00 monthly US roaming charges?
If I do this does it affect the iPhone or its warranty?
Can I buy an AT&T sim card in Ottawa and where?
With a US sim card do I retain my regular cell number?
Are there other negatives a rookie should consider before doing this?
Be aware that at present, the only carrier for iPhone in the US is AT&T (though I've heard you can work with T-Mobile as well), and they're not just going to hand you a free SIM card and US number. You will have to commit either to their PAYGO program (called GoPhone) which needs at least $25 every three months, or a two-year contract with voice and data (minimum $50/month).
I use my 2G iPhone in the states under the former plan. It's voice only (no sms, no data), and deducts $3/day from that $25 each day I use it, but gives me unlimited minutes, complete US coverage (no ld) etc for that day. This is perfect for me as I'm in the states (or close enough to pick up the signal) about one week every three months. $3/day x 8 days = $24.
What Chas has said is not entirely correct!
You do not have to keep paying the paygo plan every 3 months.
You can just pay when you need it!
They can however cancel your number if you do not keep the account current.
I have been using an ATT sim card and do not keep the account active and have not lost my US number as yet. But I do refill it as I need it and my account goes dormant between refills.
You could also get a pay-as-you-go from T-Mobile or any other provider and simply pay whenever you want to use it. You can refill, just like in Canada, for $10, $15 etc. It'll deduct a certian $x.xx from your balance whenver you text or call, usually 25cents a text and 15 cents a minute, whatever the rate may be.
You do, however, get a US Number just like the other posters have said.
Be aware that at present, the only carrier for iPhone in the US is AT&T (though I've heard you can work with T-Mobile as well), and they're not just going to hand you a free SIM card and US number. You will have to commit either to their PAYGO program (called GoPhone) which needs at least $25 every three months, or a two-year contract with voice and data (minimum $50/month).
I use my 2G iPhone in the states under the former plan. It's voice only (no sms, no data), and deducts $3/day from that $25 each day I use it, but gives me unlimited minutes, complete US coverage (no ld) etc for that day. This is perfect for me as I'm in the states (or close enough to pick up the signal) about one week every three months. $3/day x 8 days = $24.
For iPhone 3G or 3GS, with AT&T, the minimum plan is $69.99 per month if you go with the monthly plan ($39.99 for the airtime and mandatory $30 for data). If you go GoPhone, you get no data at all for iPhone.
If I do this does it affect the iPhone or its warranty? Maybe, your SMS may get sent to some random person or you'll receive a random SMS
By jailbreaking or inserting another SIM? Impossible.
The correct answer here is the warranty is technically void if an Apple employee sees it in this condition and it makes the phone slower to boot, and possibly slower based on apps you install.
What Chas has said is not entirely correct!
You do not have to keep paying the paygo plan every 3 months.
You can just pay when you need it!
They can however cancel your number if you do not keep the account current.
I have been using an ATT sim card and do not keep the account active and have not lost my US number as yet. But I do refill it as I need it and my account goes dormant between refills.
You've been lucky. I've lost my number twice because I forgot to refill. These days (and perhaps this depends on how populous is the state your "US number" is in), the odds you will lose your US number if you don't keep a plan active is quite high.
I am convinced not to have my iPhone modified but I am curious as to why have the sim card at all if carriers try to subvert its usefulness.
I go to the States at least 4 times a year for anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks. Cdn carriers all charge a minimum of $40.00 (minimum 30 days) to have access to N/A calling. If you don't get a plan you pay an exorbitant charge for the first US based call. I presume most of it is lack of competitive pressure in Canada. Getting a prepay card, even if I get a new number every time, would make it a lot less expensive. The manufacturers are trying the carriers are fighting?
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