These Are The 11 Most Asked Questions About SIM Cards by Sam

Best Cellular gets a lot of questions about SIM cards, so we have listed some information to assist customers through the process of buying a SIM Card. If you"re looking for tips on how to activate your sim card online or just need help buying a SIM Card, you have come to the right place! There are many things to consider when shopping for SIM Cards, but we hope these answers ease the process.

Find the answers to questions like these:

• Can you cut a standard SIM card?


• Do SIM cards have an expiration date?


• Are SIM cards all the same?


• How do you unblock a SIM card?


• ...And more!

The Network of Your Phone

Before we go any further, we need to establish this vital information. Most of the answers below will be affected by this one thing. If you are on a plan directly with one of the big 4 in the US (Verizon/CDMA, Sprint/PCS, AT&T/GSM-A, T-Mobile/GSM-T), you probably already know who your carrier is. However, since there are over 240 MVNOs in the US (and counting), you may not be aware of which network your Prepaid cellular company is using for service. In order to find out, you can check the MVNO Database we created and verify the carrier for your coverage. If you are still unable to determine which network you are on, you can always call Best Cellular and we"d be glad to help you out! Almost all 4G-capable phones will need a SIM Card, but there are a few 4G phones which have internal SIM Cards. If your phone comes with a built-in SIM Card, you can skip straight to activating your phone. Keep in mind: Sprint currently has forty (40) different types of SIM Cards and most are device-specific. You can use our Sprint UICC Matrix SIM Card Tool to find out which Sprint SIM Card you need. By the way, in case you haven"t noticed yet - the correct term is "SIM card" not simply SIM (Subscriber Identification Module).

How Does a SIM Card work?

To put it simply, the SIM card in your device completes the loop between the carrier towers and your phone. The carrier programs and assigns it to either your phone number or device (depending on the network). The card tells the system that you are authorized to make and receive calls. Without a SIM card, your device will only be able to make emergency (911) calls.

1. Can you cut a standard SIM card to a micro SIM card?

The short answer - yes, but it depends. Most GSM devices require mini-SIM Cards (2FF) while CDMA phones typically use Micro (3FF) and Nano (4FF). You can cut GSM SIM Cards to fit your phone if you have a GSM device that needs a smaller size. Typically this won"t cause any issues. However, PCS SIM Cards (for Sprint networks) are device-specific. You must get the correct one out of forty (40) different types of PCS SIM Cards. Just because a SIM card form factor fits does not mean it will activate. Be sure to confirm compatibility before ordering a SIM card online from anyone, Best Cellular included. As far as CDMA SIM cards, they are universal for all CDMA-capable devices. The only issue you may run into would be the need for a SIM card adapter kit. These kits adapt a smaller SIM card to fit in a device"s SIM card tray that would otherwise be too large.

2. Can I buy a SIM Card online?

Why yes, of course - you can buy a SIM card online! All joking aside, buying the card you need has never been easier. Keep in mind, though, that only PCS SIM cards (used on a Sprint network) are compatible across MVNOs (Prepaid cellular companies). Any CDMA, GSM-A, or GSM-T SIM cards you buy online will only work on their branded network. For example, the BestCellular.com CDMA SIM cards we have for sale will only activate your device on our nationwide network. Any other MVNO using CDMA towers will need to provide you their own compatible card. As always, be careful when buying through eBay or another online outlet to make sure the card you order will work with both the device you own and the network you use for service.

3. How do I activate my SIM Card?

For Best Cellular customers, we have a step-by-step activation portal on our homepage that helps you activate. All you have to do is select whether you"re bringing your own device or buying a new one, and we"ll find the right coverage for you. Then we activate the SIM card you need and ship it directly to you. If you buy a sim card online from another carrier, you will need to check their options for activation. Most of the time, you can activate a SIM card online or over-the-phone and finish the programming and setup later. Once you receive your card, simply insert it into your device and follow the instructions provided by your carrier.

4. Can you switch phones with the same SIM card?

Many people wonder if you can take a SIM card out of one phone and put it into another device. While this is certainly possible, it may not be the correct way to change the active device on your account. As we mentioned above, you can typically switch an active card on a CDMA, GSM-T, or GSM-A network to another device. It"s simply a matter of confirming the ESN compatibility with your carrier and placing the SIM card into the new device. Again, you may need to cut the card or use an adapter to get the proper fit for the SIM card tray. The one outlier is any line active on a PCS network since there are so many cards used for their service. You can reuse the card, but first, you want to ensure that it will work with the new device. You can always check our Sprint UICC Database or contact your service provider for details.

5. Are SIM cards all the same?

As we"ve already discussed, the answer to this is No - All SIM cards are not the same. You will need to make sure the SIM card you want is usable for your network first (specific to your MVNO). Then, determine whether it is compatible with your device. Finally, if needed, either cut the card or use an adapter to make it fit your phone.

6. Do I need a SIM card?

If you"ve read this far, you might be wondering why your phone needs a SIM card. For previous-generation devices, made to work up through the 3G network broadcast technology, SIM cards were not always necessary. This includes what most refer to as a "flip-phone." Only GSM-A and GSM-T carriers required a card for activation and usage. However, since the advent of 4G and onward, almost all devices need to use a SIM card to activate on any of the networks. If you buy a phone online and it does not come with a card, you will need to purchase one in order to use your service. So yes, 9 times out of 10 you want to get a SIM card for your device.

7. Do SIM cards have an expiration date?

This question comes up a lot for prepaid customers. Let"s say you bought a temporary plan as a backup phone, but you never actually used it. Does it expire? If so, when? Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to this question, but we"ll cover what we can here. Airtime expiry, the amount of time before the credit on a prepaid SIM card expires, is different from the actual card expiring. The airtime expiry depends on your carrier, but as with Best Cellular, airtime typically expires 30 days from the purchase date regardless of usage. However, if you buy a prepaid SIM card with a scratch-off code for airtime, the expiration varies but is usually 60 to 330 days after the purchase. Of course, this date depends on whether you actually activate the airtime or not. As for the SIM card itself, most MVNOs have to upload it to their carrier database (provisioning the card number). This ensures that someone else cannot steal and activate the same SIM number (ICCID) through another carrier. In answer to the original question, the SIM card itself does not expire. However, depending on whether it was tied to a phone number yet or had airtime applied, those might expire. As always, check with your cellular service provider for exact details.

8. Can I store files or photos on my SIM card?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Most people asking about file or photo storage are in need of an SD Card, not a SIM card. SD cards come in sizes ranging from 2GB up to a prototype at 1TB, with larger formats releasing every year. They are also rated by class type, with Class 10 being the fastest for reading and write speed. As far as SIM cards go, they can offer the simple storage option of exporting your contacts. Many older devices only showed this option for saving contacts; however, now there are multiple online backup options, Bluetooth transfer, and exporting to an SD card to save your contact list. The only other data stored on the SIM card is technical information used by the network to confirm and establish a connection between your device and your carrier. It is cryptographically secured, in effect useless to anyone other than a cellular carrier with an active and assigned account.

9. Can you reactivate a SIM card?

Like many of the other answers, this one is a qualified Yes. It depends on the carrier, as we"ll explain below. For a table with all of the differences, check out our SIM Card Reusability page.

• CDMA SIM Cards: You can reactivate the card if it is no longer assigned to an MDN (Mobile Directory Number - your phone number). You may have to wait 52 days before the card is cleared for re-use. Check with your carrier for details.


• PCS SIM Cards: Since the device and not the phone number programs to the SIM card on activation, you can reactivate them immediately. Of course, the PCS SIM card must be compatible with the new device in order to work.


• GSM-A SIM Cards: These cards are carrier-specific and "burn" after activation. This means if you switch devices or phone numbers you will need a new one.


• GSM-T SIM Cards: Like the GSM-A cards, these are not eligible for reactivation. Once you activate a GSM-T SIM card, it will also "burn."

10. How do you unblock a SIM card?

Certain carriers use what they call a PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code to block specific SIM cards. They usually trigger when a customer enters the incorrect PIN for their SIM card 3 or more times in a row. In order to unblock a SIM card, you need to contact your carrier and request the unblock or the PUK code. You will not be able to find your specific PUK code online. Be careful when entering this code as well, since the incorrect entry can permanently block your SIM card. This issue is typically restricted to GSM networks (T-Mobile and AT&T MVNO"s).

11. How secure is my SIM card?

Your SIM Card is very secure. As mentioned earlier, they can be blocked with a PUK code and only the carrier or the original owner would be able to unblock it. If someone steals your SIM card, simply inform your carrier and they will take care of it. One way scammers could take advantage of your SIM card or phone number is cloning the card. However, this requires them to physically have the original, unblocked SIM card.

We hope that we"ve answered your most pressing questions about SIM cards and their use. If you need any further help, feel free to search BestCellular.com using the box at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can use our Online Chat interface to talk to a live customer service representative. Are SIM cards all the same, buy a sim card online, buy sim card online, can you cut a standard SIM card, Do SIM cards have an expiration date, how to activate new phone, how to activate sim card online, new phone activation guide, sim card activation guide, unblock a SIM card

These Are The 11 Most Asked Questions About SIM Cards - Best Cellular

Best Cellular gets a lot of questions about SIM cards, so we have listed some information to assist customers through the process of buying a SIM Card. If you’re looking for tips on how to activate your sim card online or just need help buying a SIM Card, you have come to the right place! There are many things to consider when shopping for SIM Cards, but we hope these answers ease the process.

Find the answers to questions like these:

• Can you cut a standard SIM card?


• Do SIM cards have an expiration date?


• Are SIM cards all the same?


• How do you unblock a SIM card?


• …And more!

The Network of Your Phone

Before we go any further, we need to establish this vital information. Most of the answers below will be affected by this one thing. If you are on a plan directly with one of the big 4 in the US (Verizon/CDMA, Sprint/PCS, AT&T/GSM-A, T-Mobile/GSM-T), you probably already know who your carrier is. However, since there are over 240 MVNOs in the US (and counting), you may not be aware of which network your Prepaid cellular company is using for service. In order to find out, you can check the MVNO Database we created and verify the carrier for your coverage. If you are still unable to determine which network you are on, you can always call Best Cellular and we’d be glad to help you out! Almost all 4G-capable phones will need a SIM Card, but there are a few 4G phones which have internal SIM Cards. If your phone comes with a built-in SIM Card, you can skip straight to activating your phone. Keep in mind: Sprint currently has forty (40) different types of SIM Cards and most are device-specific. You can use our Sprint UICC Matrix SIM Card Tool to find out which Sprint SIM Card you need. By the way, in case you haven’t noticed yet – the correct term is “SIM card” not simply SIM (Subscriber Identification Module).

How Does a SIM Card work?

To put it simply, the SIM card in your device completes the loop between the carrier towers and your phone. The carrier programs and assigns it to either your phone number or device (depending on the network). The card tells the system that you are authorized to make and receive calls. Without a SIM card, your device will only be able to make emergency (911) calls.

1. Can you cut a standard SIM card to a micro SIM card?

The short answer – yes, but it depends. Most GSM devices require mini-SIM Cards (2FF) while CDMA phones typically use Micro (3FF) and Nano (4FF). You can cut GSM SIM Cards to fit your phone if you have a GSM device that needs a smaller size. Typically this won’t cause any issues. However, PCS SIM Cards (for Sprint networks) are device-specific. You must get the correct one out of forty (40) different types of PCS SIM Cards. Just because a SIM card form factor fits does not mean it will activate. Be sure to confirm compatibility before ordering a SIM card online from anyone, Best Cellular included. As far as CDMA SIM cards, they are universal for all CDMA-capable devices. The only issue you may run into would be the need for a SIM card adapter kit. These kits adapt a smaller SIM card to fit in a device’s SIM card tray that would otherwise be too large.

2. Can I buy a SIM Card online?

Why yes, of course – you can buy a SIM card online! All joking aside, buying the card you need has never been easier. Keep in mind, though, that only PCS SIM cards (used on a Sprint network) are compatible across MVNOs (Prepaid cellular companies). Any CDMA, GSM-A, or GSM-T SIM cards you buy online will only work on their branded network. For example, the BestCellular.com CDMA SIM cards we have for sale will only activate your device on our nationwide network. Any other MVNO using CDMA towers will need to provide you their own compatible card. As always, be careful when buying through eBay or another online outlet to make sure the card you order will work with both the device you own and the network you use for service.

3. How do I activate my SIM Card?

For Best Cellular customers, we have a step-by-step activation portal on our homepage that helps you activate. All you have to do is select whether you’re bringing your own device or buying a new one, and we’ll find the right coverage for you. Then we activate the SIM card you need and ship it directly to you. If you buy a sim card online from another carrier, you will need to check their options for activation. Most of the time, you can activate a SIM card online or over-the-phone and finish the programming and setup later. Once you receive your card, simply insert it into your device and follow the instructions provided by your carrier.

4. Can you switch phones with the same SIM card?

Many people wonder if you can take a SIM card out of one phone and put it into another device. While this is certainly possible, it may not be the correct way to change the active device on your account. As we mentioned above, you can typically switch an active card on a CDMA, GSM-T, or GSM-A network to another device. It’s simply a matter of confirming the ESN compatibility with your carrier and placing the SIM card into the new device. Again, you may need to cut the card or use an adapter to get the proper fit for the SIM card tray. The one outlier is any line active on a PCS network since there are so many cards used for their service. You can reuse the card, but first, you want to ensure that it will work with the new device. You can always check our Sprint UICC Database or contact your service provider for details.

5. Are SIM cards all the same?

As we’ve already discussed, the answer to this is No – All SIM cards are not the same. You will need to make sure the SIM card you want is usable for your network first (specific to your MVNO). Then, determine whether it is compatible with your device. Finally, if needed, either cut the card or use an adapter to make it fit your phone.

6. Do I need a SIM card?

If you’ve read this far, you might be wondering why your phone needs a SIM card. For previous-generation devices, made to work up through the 3G network broadcast technology, SIM cards were not always necessary. This includes what most refer to as a “flip-phone.” Only GSM-A and GSM-T carriers required a card for activation and usage. However, since the advent of 4G and onward, almost all devices need to use a SIM card to activate on any of the networks. If you buy a phone online and it does not come with a card, you will need to purchase one in order to use your service. So yes, 9 times out of 10 you want to get a SIM card for your device.

7. Do SIM cards have an expiration date?

This question comes up a lot for prepaid customers. Let’s say you bought a temporary plan as a backup phone, but you never actually used it. Does it expire? If so, when? Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to this question, but we’ll cover what we can here. Airtime expiry, the amount of time before the credit on a prepaid SIM card expires, is different from the actual card expiring. The airtime expiry depends on your carrier, but as with Best Cellular, airtime typically expires 30 days from the purchase date regardless of usage. However, if you buy a prepaid SIM card with a scratch-off code for airtime, the expiration varies but is usually 60 to 330 days after the purchase. Of course, this date depends on whether you actually activate the airtime or not. As for the SIM card itself, most MVNOs have to upload it to their carrier database (provisioning the card number). This ensures that someone else cannot steal and activate the same SIM number (ICCID) through another carrier. In answer to the original question, the SIM card itself does not expire. However, depending on whether it was tied to a phone number yet or had airtime applied, those might expire. As always, check with your cellular service provider for exact details.

8. Can I store files or photos on my SIM card?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Most people asking about file or photo storage are in need of an SD Card, not a SIM card. SD cards come in sizes ranging from 2GB up to a prototype at 1TB, with larger formats releasing every year. They are also rated by class type, with Class 10 being the fastest for reading and write speed. As far as SIM cards go, they can offer the simple storage option of exporting your contacts. Many older devices only showed this option for saving contacts; however, now there are multiple online backup options, Bluetooth transfer, and exporting to an SD card to save your contact list. The only other data stored on the SIM card is technical information used by the network to confirm and establish a connection between your device and your carrier. It is cryptographically secured, in effect useless to anyone other than a cellular carrier with an active and assigned account.

9. Can you reactivate a SIM card?

Like many of the other answers, this one is a qualified Yes. It depends on the carrier, as we’ll explain below. For a table with all of the differences, check out our SIM Card Reusability page.

• CDMA SIM Cards: You can reactivate the card if it is no longer assigned to an MDN (Mobile Directory Number – your phone number). You may have to wait 52 days before the card is cleared for re-use. Check with your carrier for details.


• PCS SIM Cards: Since the device and not the phone number programs to the SIM card on activation, you can reactivate them immediately. Of course, the PCS SIM card must be compatible with the new device in order to work.


• GSM-A SIM Cards: These cards are carrier-specific and “burn” after activation. This means if you switch devices or phone numbers you will need a new one.


• GSM-T SIM Cards: Like the GSM-A cards, these are not eligible for reactivation. Once you activate a GSM-T SIM card, it will also “burn.”

10. How do you unblock a SIM card?

Certain carriers use what they call a PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code to block specific SIM cards. They usually trigger when a customer enters the incorrect PIN for their SIM card 3 or more times in a row. In order to unblock a SIM card, you need to contact your carrier and request the unblock or the PUK code. You will not be able to find your specific PUK code online. Be careful when entering this code as well, since the incorrect entry can permanently block your SIM card. This issue is typically restricted to GSM networks (T-Mobile and AT&T MVNO’s).

11. How secure is my SIM card?

Your SIM Card is very secure. As mentioned earlier, they can be blocked with a PUK code and only the carrier or the original owner would be able to unblock it. If someone steals your SIM card, simply inform your carrier and they will take care of it. One way scammers could take advantage of your SIM card or phone number is cloning the card. However, this requires them to physically have the original, unblocked SIM card.

We hope that we’ve answered your most pressing questions about SIM cards and their use. If you need any further help, feel free to search BestCellular.com using the box at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can use our Online Chat interface to talk to a live customer service representative. Are SIM cards all the same, buy a sim card online, buy sim card online, can you cut a standard SIM card, Do SIM cards have an expiration date, how to activate new phone, how to activate sim card online, new phone activation guide, sim card activation guide, unblock a SIM card

What is the difference between Mobile Data and WiFi?

As a prepaid wireless company, we often get the questions about the difference between mobile data and WiFi. We"ll discuss the distinctions below. After evaluating the pros and cons, you can decide which type of data access is best for your needs.

What is Mobile Data?

Mobile Data uses your device"s built-in cellular antenna to transmit and receive data through cellular service. This allows smartphones to connect to the internet, even when they aren"t around WiFi internet service. Ok, but what does that actually mean? Mobile data access and experience will depend on several factors:  your cellular coverage, network congestion, and the speed and amount of mobile data available on your plan. If you want to save data on your monthly cell phone plan, there are many ways to do that as well - saving you money at the same time.

Cellular Coverage

Depending on your carrier, your coverage may vary a lot. This is because cellular mobile data is carried by the cellular signal from your local tower. Many things in the area will affect that signal. Trees, tall buildings, and other landscape variables can absorb or deflect the transmitted signal. This will change the amount and strength of your mobile data signal.

Mobile Data Network Congestion

During certain times of the day, your local tower may receive much more traffic. This is usually due to scheduled shifts like the end of the school day, sporting events, and people gathering for holidays. When the network experiences a surge in traffic, everyone using the same tower (or cell) merges into the same queue for data. Typically data speed slows across the board in such cases.

The Speed of Your Cell Phone Data Plan

Many carriers today use throttling to cut down on network load. Usually, the specifics can be found buried deep in your cellular service agreement. (In case you"re wondering, Best Cellular does not throttle Mobile Data on any of our plans, but we do not offer streaming data services.) This may be a set data speed limit right out of the gate, or it could be reduced after a certain amount of data is used. Be sure to ask whether your data is throttled before signing on to a plan that sounds "too good to be true!"

Amount of Mobile Data on Your Plan

When cellular providers set up their plans, they will go for one of two options. These are throttling and data caps. As we mentioned, throttling means that your mobile data speed will be limited either from the start or after a certain amount of data usage has been reached. Data caps are limits on the amount of data available on a given plan. However, although many carriers advertise "unlimited data" plans, no such thing truly exists. They will always have a behind-the-scenes data cap for customers who decide to abuse the system. Also note, due to the recent repeal of the Net Neutrality agreement, ISPs and cellular service carriers have much more say in how they provide data to the end user. Again, always double-check the fine print before signing any contracts or leasing agreements.

3G vs 4G vs LTE

As of 2018, cellular providers in the US are still using 3G, 4G, and LTE for mobile data transmission. These are the third, fourth, and next-gen versions of the cellular technology, respectively. 3G speeds and coverage range are far outpaced by the 4th-gen tech, particularly on a service like Best Cellular CDMA. (The company providing the LTE signal bought up all of the leftover bandwidth available after the switch from analog to digital television broadcasts. Remember those days?) Depending on your phone"s antenna and your carrier"s tech, you may have access to the faster data speed and range.

What is WiFi?

Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for "wireless fidelity." Although this sounds fancy, it"s really a play on the old-fashioned term "Hi-Fi" which referenced stereo system audio quality. It has nothing to do with the technology of wireless data transmission. The Wi-Fi Alliance approves devices which are fully WiFi compatible with a "WiFi Certified" logo. Just like mobile data, there are also multiple variables to keep in mind with this technology.

WiFi Coverage and Range

Much like mobile data, the strength and distance of a Wi-Fi signal diminish based on surroundings. A wireless router, which transmits the WiFi signal, typically broadcasts throughout personal homes or businesses. Stronger antennae are available but usage is not as common. The signal itself will carry through walls, but distance drops off in comparison to cellular data. However, if you are in range the coverage is excellent.

Network Congestion on Wi-Fi

The only time wireless connection suffers is when there are many devices using the same router at once. Since the wireless routers are converting a landline internet connection, they can be extremely reliable.

WiFi Internet Speed

WiFi is normally much faster than mobile data. The only speed bottleneck will be the amount of bandwidth available on the landline internet connection. Thankfully, most of these connections are broadband or even fiber technology so they are blazing fast.

Amount of Data on WiFi

A landline internet connection typically does not have data caps. Customers using them via WiFi don"t need to worry about overages, even on a cellphone or tablet.

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

A Mobile Hotspot (or a phone acting as a hotspot) uses cellular data to transmit mobile data as a Wi-Fi signal. Laptops, tablets, TVs and other internet-enabled devices can connect easily. Hotspot devices can serve useful for travelers, but keep in mind that all of the restrictions mentioned for mobile data above still apply. A mobile hotspot converts mobile data from the cellular carrier into a local WiFi signal. Since this splits the bandwidth between multiple devices, many carriers either do not allow hotspot capability or charge an extra fee for usage.

Data vs. WiFi - What is better?

When comparing the choices of Data vs WiFi one of the most obvious things to mention is value. Data plans from your cellular carrier give you a set amount of data (or "unlimited" and throttled mobile data) while for the same price or cheaper you can get a WiFi connection. Additionally, many restaurants and retail shops now offer WiFi for free! Most of the time, WiFi is cheaper, more reliable, and faster for anything you need to do online. The only major benefit to Mobile Data is portability for access in areas without a landline internet connection.

What is the difference between Mobile Data and WiFi? - Best Cellular

As a prepaid wireless company, we often get the questions about the difference between mobile data and WiFi. We’ll discuss the distinctions below. After evaluating the pros and cons, you can decide which type of data access is best for your needs.

What is Mobile Data?

Mobile Data uses your device’s built-in cellular antenna to transmit and receive data through cellular service. This allows smartphones to connect to the internet, even when they aren’t around WiFi internet service. Ok, but what does that actually mean? Mobile data access and experience will depend on several factors:  your cellular coverage, network congestion, and the speed and amount of mobile data available on your plan. If you want to save data on your monthly cell phone plan, there are many ways to do that as well – saving you money at the same time.

Cellular Coverage

Depending on your carrier, your coverage may vary a lot. This is because cellular mobile data is carried by the cellular signal from your local tower. Many things in the area will affect that signal. Trees, tall buildings, and other landscape variables can absorb or deflect the transmitted signal. This will change the amount and strength of your mobile data signal.

Mobile Data Network Congestion

During certain times of the day, your local tower may receive much more traffic. This is usually due to scheduled shifts like the end of the school day, sporting events, and people gathering for holidays. When the network experiences a surge in traffic, everyone using the same tower (or cell) merges into the same queue for data. Typically data speed slows across the board in such cases.

The Speed of Your Cell Phone Data Plan

Many carriers today use throttling to cut down on network load. Usually, the specifics can be found buried deep in your cellular service agreement. (In case you’re wondering, Best Cellular does not throttle Mobile Data on any of our plans, but we do not offer streaming data services.) This may be a set data speed limit right out of the gate, or it could be reduced after a certain amount of data is used. Be sure to ask whether your data is throttled before signing on to a plan that sounds “too good to be true!”

Amount of Mobile Data on Your Plan

When cellular providers set up their plans, they will go for one of two options. These are throttling and data caps. As we mentioned, throttling means that your mobile data speed will be limited either from the start or after a certain amount of data usage has been reached. Data caps are limits on the amount of data available on a given plan. However, although many carriers advertise “unlimited data” plans, no such thing truly exists. They will always have a behind-the-scenes data cap for customers who decide to abuse the system. Also note, due to the recent repeal of the Net Neutrality agreement, ISPs and cellular service carriers have much more say in how they provide data to the end user. Again, always double-check the fine print before signing any contracts or leasing agreements.

3G vs 4G vs LTE

As of 2018, cellular providers in the US are still using 3G, 4G, and LTE for mobile data transmission. These are the third, fourth, and next-gen versions of the cellular technology, respectively. 3G speeds and coverage range are far outpaced by the 4th-gen tech, particularly on a service like Best Cellular CDMA. (The company providing the LTE signal bought up all of the leftover bandwidth available after the switch from analog to digital television broadcasts. Remember those days?) Depending on your phone’s antenna and your carrier’s tech, you may have access to the faster data speed and range.

What is WiFi?

Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for “wireless fidelity.” Although this sounds fancy, it’s really a play on the old-fashioned term “Hi-Fi” which referenced stereo system audio quality. It has nothing to do with the technology of wireless data transmission. The Wi-Fi Alliance approves devices which are fully WiFi compatible with a “WiFi Certified” logo. Just like mobile data, there are also multiple variables to keep in mind with this technology.

WiFi Coverage and Range

Much like mobile data, the strength and distance of a Wi-Fi signal diminish based on surroundings. A wireless router, which transmits the WiFi signal, typically broadcasts throughout personal homes or businesses. Stronger antennae are available but usage is not as common. The signal itself will carry through walls, but distance drops off in comparison to cellular data. However, if you are in range the coverage is excellent.

Network Congestion on Wi-Fi

The only time wireless connection suffers is when there are many devices using the same router at once. Since the wireless routers are converting a landline internet connection, they can be extremely reliable.

WiFi Internet Speed

WiFi is normally much faster than mobile data. The only speed bottleneck will be the amount of bandwidth available on the landline internet connection. Thankfully, most of these connections are broadband or even fiber technology so they are blazing fast.

Amount of Data on WiFi

A landline internet connection typically does not have data caps. Customers using them via WiFi don’t need to worry about overages, even on a cellphone or tablet.

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

A Mobile Hotspot (or a phone acting as a hotspot) uses cellular data to transmit mobile data as a Wi-Fi signal. Laptops, tablets, TVs and other internet-enabled devices can connect easily. Hotspot devices can serve useful for travelers, but keep in mind that all of the restrictions mentioned for mobile data above still apply. A mobile hotspot converts mobile data from the cellular carrier into a local WiFi signal. Since this splits the bandwidth between multiple devices, many carriers either do not allow hotspot capability or charge an extra fee for usage.

Data vs. WiFi – What is better?

When comparing the choices of Data vs WiFi one of the most obvious things to mention is value. Data plans from your cellular carrier give you a set amount of data (or “unlimited” and throttled mobile data) while for the same price or cheaper you can get a WiFi connection. Additionally, many restaurants and retail shops now offer WiFi for free! Most of the time, WiFi is cheaper, more reliable, and faster for anything you need to do online. The only major benefit to Mobile Data is portability for access in areas without a landline internet connection.

The Best Cellular Coverage for Eldora, IA 50627

About Eldora (Iowa, 50627)

In 1853, a small little area became the beginning of a much larger future for a city named Eldora. Originally, the city got its name from a grieving mother whose infant daughter named Eldora passed away. In Spanish, Eldora means, “the gilded.”

On July 1, 1895, the city of Eldora incorporated. Since then, the residents have continued their journey to build the city to its fullest. The United States Census Bureau states that the town is 4.33 square miles of solid land. As far as cellular service goes, the biggest issue in and around Eldora due to the landscape of this area is poor phone reception.

The summers are hot and humid, and the winters are blistering cold at times. The Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River run adjacent to Eldora providing the 2,734 residents plenty of family-friendly outdoor fun. A few things the city is known for are the State Training School for male juvenile delinquents. This program has had fantastic success in helping these young men change their lives. What the city is most famous for, is the movie “Twister.” In 1996, scenes from the film such as the climactic ending scene took place in the now famous Follett house. The home still exists and is now a private home.

Eldora, IA sounds like a fantastic place to live. However, Best Cellular certainly understands what it’s like to be frustrated over the loss of signal. Before we discuss what the Best Cellular Service in Eldora, IA 50627 is, we want you to be assured that we have an unbiased opinion on any of the cellular providers. That’s because we offer service for all four of them!

Best Cellular Coverage for Eldora, IA 50627

After doing thorough research, our team is happy to let you know that the “Big Red” CDMA service and the “Blue” service both work well in Eldora, IA. Our team here at Best Cellular provides stellar service for both of these providers with NO loss of tower reception. We typically recommend Best Cellular CDMA coverage since it’s the best nationwide.

We can do this due to having services on every tower across the U.S. That’s right! No matter where you travel throughout the states, our service stays connected at all times. You never have to worry about losing service again.

If you are tired of paying high prices for poor service, it’s time to switch to the fastest growing cell company in America. Making the switch is simple. All you have to do is go to our website, choose the right SIM card for your phone, and you are on your way to having the quality service you deserve.

Once your card arrives in the mail, go to our easy to navigate website and activate your service right there. It’s that simple! You can also keep your phone and your existing phone number. Make sure your current bill is up to date and that you have all your info handy to port your number over to Best Cellular.

With our company, you never have to worry about contracts, credit checks or hidden fees. We want you to enjoy your cell service, not stress over it. If you need a phone or want an update to a different one, we offer great deals on all our phones and accessories. You can find all our offers on our website.

If you need help with ordering, activating, or choosing the right phone for you, feel free to contact our customer service. We are always eager to help our clients. Take the step today to make the switch to the fastest-growing cell phone company in America, Best Cellular.

The Best Cellular Coverage for Eldora, IA 50627

About Eldora (Iowa, 50627)

In 1853, a small little area became the beginning of a much larger future for a city named Eldora. Originally, the city got its name from a grieving mother whose infant daughter named Eldora passed away. In Spanish, Eldora means, “the gilded.”

On July 1, 1895, the city of Eldora incorporated. Since then, the residents have continued their journey to build the city to its fullest. The United States Census Bureau states that the town is 4.33 square miles of solid land. As far as cellular service goes, the biggest issue in and around Eldora due to the landscape of this area is poor phone reception.

The summers are hot and humid, and the winters are blistering cold at times. The Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River run adjacent to Eldora providing the 2,734 residents plenty of family-friendly outdoor fun. A few things the city is known for are the State Training School for male juvenile delinquents. This program has had fantastic success in helping these young men change their lives. What the city is most famous for, is the movie “Twister.” In 1996, scenes from the film such as the climactic ending scene took place in the now famous Follett house. The home still exists and is now a private home.

Eldora, IA sounds like a fantastic place to live. However, Best Cellular certainly understands what it"s like to be frustrated over the loss of signal. Before we discuss what the Best Cellular Service in Eldora, IA 50627 is, we want you to be assured that we have an unbiased opinion on any of the cellular providers. That"s because we offer service for all four of them!

Best Cellular Coverage for Eldora, IA 50627

After doing thorough research, our team is happy to let you know that the “Big Red” CDMA service and the “Blue” service both work well in Eldora, IA. Our team here at Best Cellular provides stellar service for both of these providers with NO loss of tower reception. We typically recommend Best Cellular CDMA coverage since it"s the best nationwide.

We can do this due to having services on every tower across the U.S. That’s right! No matter where you travel throughout the states, our service stays connected at all times. You never have to worry about losing service again.

If you are tired of paying high prices for poor service, it"s time to switch to the fastest growing cell company in America. Making the switch is simple. All you have to do is go to our website, choose the right SIM card for your phone, and you are on your way to having the quality service you deserve.

Once your card arrives in the mail, go to our easy to navigate website and activate your service right there. It’s that simple! You can also keep your phone and your existing phone number. Make sure your current bill is up to date and that you have all your info handy to port your number over to Best Cellular.

With our company, you never have to worry about contracts, credit checks or hidden fees. We want you to enjoy your cell service, not stress over it. If you need a phone or want an update to a different one, we offer great deals on all our phones and accessories. You can find all our offers on our website.

If you need help with ordering, activating, or choosing the right phone for you, feel free to contact our customer service. We are always eager to help our clients. Take the step today to make the switch to the fastest-growing cell phone company in America, Best Cellular. Best Cellular Coverage for Eldora, Eldora, IA 50627

Sprint Prepaid Account Number, Password & Contact Info by Austin Abbott

This is a concise overview page for Sprint Prepaid. How do you get the information you need to port your phone number out of Sprint Prepaid? You can use the information below to get your Sprint Prepaid account number and password.

Sprint Prepaid Contact Info

Customer Service:
Hours:

• Sales:


• Dealer Support: 1-855-639-4644


• Fraud:


• Insurance:


• Porting Department:


• Tech Support:

Carrier(s) used by Sprint Prepaid

• (CDMA): NO


• (GSM-A): NO


• (GSM-T): NO


• (PCS): Sprint


• (Other): NO

Sprint Prepaid Porting Instructions

How do you find your Sprint Prepaid account number? These steps are provided by Sprint themselves:

1. Login to the Sprint website with the username and password you created when you signed up for service.


2. Click on the "My Sprint" button.


3. Choose the "View Bill" option.


4. Your account number should display at the top right side of the screen.

If you can"t access your online information, here"s another method:

• Your Sprint Prepaid Account number is 9-digits long. You can find it on your paper bill or statement at the top. If you do not have access to your previous records, you need to call one of the Sprint Prepaid contact numbers above.

Either way, once you get your account information here"s how you identify your Sprint Prepaid PIN:

• This number will be the passcode Sprint Prepaid customer service requires when you call. You can set up or change your Sprint Prepaid PIN on your online account. Otherwise, you can call Sprint if you do not have access to your online account.

Notes: Sprint Prepaid is owned and operated by Sprint directly, just like their other MVNOs Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA.

Please contact Best Cellular customer service if you need help or can"t find what you"re looking for in our list of United States mobile virtual network operators and wireless communications service providers.

Sprint Prepaid Account Number, Password & Contact Info

This is a concise overview page for Sprint Prepaid. How do you get the information you need to port your phone number out of Sprint Prepaid? You can use the information below to get your Sprint Prepaid account number and password.

Sprint Prepaid Contact Info

Customer Service:
Hours:

• Sales:


• Dealer Support: 1-855-639-4644


• Fraud:


• Insurance:


• Porting Department:


• Tech Support:

Carrier(s) used by Sprint Prepaid

• (CDMA): NO


• (GSM-A): NO


• (GSM-T): NO


• (PCS): Sprint


• (Other): NO

Sprint Prepaid Porting Instructions

How do you find your Sprint Prepaid account number? These steps are provided by Sprint themselves:

1. Login to the Sprint website with the username and password you created when you signed up for service.


2. Click on the “My Sprint” button.


3. Choose the “View Bill” option.


4. Your account number should display at the top right side of the screen.

If you can’t access your online information, here’s another method:

• Your Sprint Prepaid Account number is 9-digits long. You can find it on your paper bill or statement at the top. If you do not have access to your previous records, you need to call one of the Sprint Prepaid contact numbers above.

Either way, once you get your account information here’s how you identify your Sprint Prepaid PIN:

• This number will be the passcode Sprint Prepaid customer service requires when you call. You can set up or change your Sprint Prepaid PIN on your online account. Otherwise, you can call Sprint if you do not have access to your online account.

Notes: Sprint Prepaid is owned and operated by Sprint directly, just like their other MVNOs Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA.

Please contact Best Cellular customer service if you need help or can’t find what you’re looking for in our list of United States mobile virtual network operators and wireless communications service providers.

ALERT: The Dangers of SnapMap - Best Cellular

It"s one thing to use social media to keep up with friends, but what if someone you don"t know can keep up with you (and your exact location) too?

SnapChat: Innocent Fun or A Stalker"s Paradise?

With more than 166 Million daily users globally, no one can deny the popularity of SnapChat. Originally intended as a platform for covert messaging, SnapChat was commonly associated with, "Sexting" or the act of sending nude photos back and forth. Users could easily share compromising photos with the confidence that they would be automatically removed after a certain period of time. The platform quickly grew from its small niche into a social media giant among younger users.

The app allows users to send photos with a time limit to view them. This makes it easier for users to send photos they normally wouldn"t send via regular text or facebook message. The app originally did not allow screenshots, but now it does. SnapChat later added the Snap Maps feature, which allowed users to associate a location with the photos they took. That"s where the story below comes in. Many people are unaware of the potential dangers of Snap Map, and we"d like to use this real-life story as a cautionary illustration.

Terrifying True Story

While eating dinner at a local restaurant, I overheard a very tense conversation between two waitresses about something scary that had happened. One of the bartenders was an attractive young woman. She had been housesitting for a guy who was out of the country on vacation. She was using Snapchat to share photos with friends to pass the time the night before. (Before we proceed, it"s worth mentioning this waitress said she DID NOT use Snap Map or have it enabled on her Snapchat account).

The homeowner came home a day early (while the waitress was still at work) to find three grown men were sitting on his couch. They were waiting for the waitress to return from work later that night. The owner thought these men were friends who were invited by the waitress so he asked them to leave. The owner called the waitress at work, understandably upset. That"s when he found out that these men followed the girl"s Snap Map to her location! She had been posting pictures and they broke into his house to wait for the girl to return home from work that night.

Snapchat Maps & The Dangers of Snapmap

1. This pretty young waitress did not know the three men who showed up and broke into the house she was watching! She was totally unaware that a small setting on her smartphone had left her vulnerable.


2. She did not invite these men to come visit her. All they had to do was trace her location through the tools provided in SnapChat.


3. These men (three of them) showed up late at night to wait for her. Were they there to talk? Probably not...

Internet privacy is often thrown aside in favor of the conveniences and fun our phones, tablets, and computers can provide. The sad part is, many do not consider the darker, dangerous side of these technologies until it"s too late. It"s not that technology is inherently evil, it"s just a matter of doing your research and using technology responsibly. Be sure to double-check the Terms of Service and the Privacy Settings on all of your social media apps and accounts.