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Cellular Phones/3G SIM card wanting to buy a phone that uses GSM
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Question
Hi, I am wanting to buy the Chinese KA08 Mini, and I've been reading that it is
not compatible with 3G SIM cards because it doesn't have the 3G technology.
However, I have also read that it does work except for certain functions, but no
one has said which functions? Could you help me decide whether or not it would
be wise to purchase this phone? Thank you!
A 3G SIM card is backwards compatible, which means that it will work in a phone that is not 3G capable. It has the ability to work on the 3G network. If the phone you are looking to buy doesn't work with a 3G SIM card, it is because there is something in the phone that doesn't allow it to read a 3G SIM card properly. There aren't any US phones like this. If you put a 3G SIM into any unlocked GSM phone from any US carrier, it will work. This particular device is odd and I will strongly recommend against buying it. I would not buy a Chinese phone regardless of price or what I think it would do. I strongly recommend that if you are an AT&T subscriber, that if you want a device that has a touch screen, allows downloading of applications and is a great device, but an iPhone. Don't buy a Chinese imposter. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN
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DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
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