Quote:
Originally Posted by nono1973
Not all of such devices works for every kind of sim card in different countries.
(...)
Yes,i do have one in Singapore,but i checked with the starhub tech guy and he tells me that i cannot use the one i have in Indonesia,nor can i use a Singtel sim card on a starhub device (i believe there is some control over rivalry companies,hehehe..).
|
That Starhub guy works for StarHub and therefore has no interest in explaining things in full detail. Everything is true, but that's not everything
Devices, including mobile wifi routers and cell phones, can be
locked, that is allowing usage only with SIM cards of specific operators.
This
may happen (but not necessarily) with "branded" phones and devices, that is phones with the operator logo printed on the cover. Such phones are usually commercialized by operators as part of a commercial offer (for example: data plan, a number of minutes or unlimited calls, top telephone, all included for a monthly fee for a minimum 12 months). It is understandable that the operator that supplies the phone included in a plan does not want to see the phone used with another operator.
HOWEVER, such phone locking is not hardware. It can be easily removed by a technician who knows what to do. Just bring the phone to a trusted place where they repair cell phones and they will unlock it in minutes for a small fee. Conversely, I am not sure you can do the same so easily with a mobile wifi router, but just because small shops may be not familiar with that kind of devices.
The solution is to buy
not-branded phones and mobile wifi routers, or at least not-locked devices. PLENTY of such devices on the market. Go to any electronics store and ask for a not-locked mobile wifi router.
I suggest to buy a 4G. It's more expensive than a 3G device, but the achievable data rate is much higher.
Mine is 4G made in China by ZTE, one of the biggest and most common brands on the market. It is branded indeed by a telecom operator of my country, but it is not locked.
With such a device, you will have NO problems with SIM cards of ANY operator in ANY country.
(Well, there could be exceptions, as it happened to me in France time ago. Therefore, your advice below...
Quote:
Originally Posted by nono1973
My best bet would be,ALWAYS check with the sim card vendor in any respective country and have the device tested on the spot.
|
...is the right thing to do. ALWAYS check with the vendor of the SIM card before buying.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by nono1973
What i am still seeking now in batam is,unlimited usage of data at a justifiable price. Thereafter new game in Batam will soon start,hehehe...  |
For me, 12 GB is a lot of traffic, unlimited to practical purposes, unless you want to see movies for hours on your laptop. A Telekom Indonesia Simpati 4G SIM card with 12 GB costed 100k (or 140k? I don't remember), that is about 10 SGD. Very cheap.
If one thinks that 12 GB is not enough because he wants to use the SIM card to watch blue movies in the room, then I have some bad news. All sex sites are censored by Indonesian operators:
Internet Positif blah blah blah.
You will not be able to access any site that has been classified as immoral.
The solution is a VPN, but this is way more complex than using a mobile wifi router...