Using mobile in USA

janejustjane

I was in USA and Canada earlier this year, but was unable to phone the UK from my mobile phone. It was turned on to roaming. I have a VirginVM668 with a Lebara sim card. I have not had problems phoning the UK from Asia or Europe. Apparently they have a different system of mobile coverage there. Would newer phone work? I don't want or need a "smartphone".

Atasas

Yes, Google up mobile network frequencies. If traveling for more than couple of days- very best solution to visit nearest Walmart and get a local phone, with SIM and credit for $49.99.

hollie.weimeraner

Atasas wrote: »

Yes, Google up mobile network frequencies. If traveling for more than couple of days- very best solution to visit nearest Walmart and get a local phone, with SIM and credit for $49.99.

Or just buy a 3 PAYG sim and take it with you. Free data as well

http://blog.three.co.uk/2013/12/04/feel-at-home-now-includes-the-us-of-a/

grumbler

hollie.weimeraner wrote: »

Or just buy a 3 PAYG sim and take it with you. Free data as well

http://blog.three.co.uk/2013/12/04/feel-at-home-now-includes-the-us-of-a/

Well, if the phone doesn't support US frequencies, no SIM can cure this.

http://www.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=United+States

And nothing is "free". It's just covered by a UK bundle that you have to buy.

That said, it's a mystery what "VirginVM668" is, and google can't help.

Atasas

http://www.walmart.com/browse/electronics/no-contract-phones-plans/3944_542371_1072335?cat_id=3944_542371_1072335
Even cheaper options, than $50.00

It's Motorola classic!
http://m.gsmarena.com/motorola_a668-902.php

grumbler

Well, it does have 1900 band, so theoretically can work at least on some US networks.

Atasas

http://www.walmart.com/ip/TracFone-LG-441G-Prepaid-Cell-Phone/44751496
WANT, WANT, WANT one myself!

Could be issue of (with) lebara MVNO's service?

mrcamp

What phone were you using, what about incoming calls, did that work? Pretty much any GSM phone sold these days will have the GSM bands (850/800/1800/1900) used around the world. As others have mentioned, it could well be the sim you were using.

grumbler

mrcamp wrote: »

Pretty much any GSM phone sold these days will have the GSM bands (850/800/1800/1900) used around the world.

Not true. Most basic UK phones don't have 850/1900 needed in US. E.g.

janejustjane

Thanks for the replies. The phone I was using is a Virgin VM 665, a few years old and probably discontinued now. I don't think the problem was with the sim as it has worked everywhere else apart from the US. I think I will get one from Walmark when I get there.