jma814
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: Apple SIM question OCT 2015

Here is a question that AT&T and APPLE Support could not answer. I have a new iPad Mini 4 that I ordered directly from Apple. It was naturally shipped with an APPLE SIM.

 

This SIM gave me the option of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Gigsky.  I called AT&T and added the new iPad Mini 4 to my shared data plan. This required that I give AT&T the number from my iPad. SO now, as expected, I am locked into AT&T and can not switch over to Sprint. T-Mobile, etc with THIS Apple Sim.

 

QUESTION: I am going to Italy later this month. Will my Apple SIM (Now dedicated to AT&T in the USA) allow me to access a network in Italy?

If the Apple SIM was still virgin, I would say definitely YES. But will it work in Italy not that it is locked to AT&T in the USA?

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Oct 14, 2015 2:18 PM

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jma814

Q: Apple SIM question OCT 2015

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  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 14, 2015 3:43 PM in response to jma814
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 3:43 PM in response to jma814

    Okay, if you say so. I've not seen this information, but since I don't have the Apple SIM, I won't continue. I'm just trying to understand this myself in case it comes up again. You've received information from AT&T that you are locked into them and cannot leave, is that correct? What if you leave, are they going to charge you an ETF? Yes, stevejobsfan0123 mentions that AT&T locks you and I know he generally knows what he is talking about, so I guess I'll just take what he says at face value. I don't use much cellular data with my iPad, and I certainly don't travel outside the US, so I'm guessing this is really not something I should be concerned with, but since I'm an AT&T customer, I like to know everything I can about their practices.

     

    Sorry, I wasn't trying to be argumentative about it, I just figured since I could just remove my iPad at anytime that you would be able to as well. Guess I'll do some searching for more information about how AT&T handles the Apple SIM.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:48 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:48 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    These two articles explain why I ask the question.

     

    http://gizmodo.com/at-t-is-locking-down-apples-universal-sim-but-its-not-1650430 298

     

    http://9to5mac.com/2015/06/30/gigsky-apple-sim-ipad-cellular/

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 14, 2015 4:00 PM in response to jma814
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 4:00 PM in response to jma814

    After looking at the first link you provided, it has a link to an Apple support document About Apple SIM on iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 or later - Apple Support that actually states the information about the AT&T SIM lock. It also states you can get another Apple SIM, as stevejobsfan0123 had stated before. Thank you for updating me on this. If I purchase one of the newer iPads in the future, I'll be aware, unless ATT changes their practices. But it does indicate that you are not locked into a plan, so that is still good.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 4:08 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 4:08 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    ChrisJ4203,

    I guess the part that confuses me comes from GigSky in the second article. It says; "GigSky explained. “iPad users can choose a GigSky data plan upon arrival right from their iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3 with Apple SIM installed, and easily connect to family and friends, stay in touch and share their travel.”

    But, I'll know later this month.

    Thanks again for the discussion

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 14, 2015 4:15 PM in response to jma814
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 4:15 PM in response to jma814

    You're welcome. Yes, it seems with the other carriers that support the Apple SIM, you will be able to switch between them, including that GigSky, which it says supports many countries. I believe the support document that I linked contains a link for the list of countries. If you have the chance at getting another Apple SIM, save it for your arrival there and then insert it and use it as you would a brand new iPad. Enjoy your travels and thank you for tolerating my desire to understand what was going on.

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