jma814

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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Q: Apple SIM question OCT 2015

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  • by sberman,

    sberman sberman Oct 14, 2015 2:51 PM in response to jma814
    Level 8 (39,622 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 2:51 PM in response to jma814

    I suggest you telephone AT&T Wireless support at (800) 331-0500.  This number is staffed 24x7.  I suspect the answer would be the same as if you had a cellular telephone with this SIM.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 2:54 PM in response to sberman
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 2:54 PM in response to sberman

    I called AT&T Wireless support before I posted. They did not know.

  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Oct 14, 2015 2:58 PM in response to jma814
    Level 8 (43,708 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 2:58 PM in response to jma814

    I would recommend buying an "Apple SIM Kit" from your local Apple Retail Store, to get a fresh one to use in Italy.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:08 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:08 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

    You're right, I might have to buy a second Apple Sim.  It kind of defeats the purpose of Apple's selling point..."And with Apple SIM, you can choose a plan quickly and easily in over 90 countries and territories."

  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Oct 14, 2015 3:10 PM in response to jma814
    Level 8 (43,708 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 3:10 PM in response to jma814

    Yes, it does, but AT&T has chosen to impose those restrictions, and I don't know of any other carrier that will tie the Apple SIM to them when you sign up.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 14, 2015 3:11 PM in response to jma814
    Level 9 (57,858 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 3:11 PM in response to jma814

    jma814 wrote:

     

    You're right, I might have to buy a second Apple Sim.  It kind of defeats the purpose of Apple's selling point..."And with Apple SIM, you can choose a plan quickly and easily in over 90 countries and territories."

    Not really. You did "choose a plan quickly and easily", it is just that you are reading into the statement that you can "change" quickly and easily. I don't' believe that to be the case.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:15 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:15 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    ChrisJ4203

    What about the last line in this Apple Advertisement in the iPad Mini 4 area.

    Apple SIM. More choices for staying connected.

    With Apple SIM installed in your iPad mini 4 with Wi-Fi + Cellular, you can purchase a cellular data plan right on your iPad. Whether you’re in the U.S. or traveling to more than 90 countries and territories supported by Apple SIM partners, you can easily choose a plan with no long-term commitment. Apple SIM gives you more flexibility and more choices for getting cellular data whenever you need it, for however long you need it. And when you return to the U.S., it’s easy to switch back to your local plan.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 14, 2015 3:21 PM in response to jma814
    Level 9 (57,858 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 3:21 PM in response to jma814

    So have you tried to choose a plan with another provider? It seems you should be able to switch back once you return to the US, I would think that it would still register to AT&T, but then I've not tried it. And I would think that we would need to hear from someone that has. If you go to another country that supports the Apple SIM, unless you hear from someone with experience, you would need to contact an Apple SIM partner. Since you have just added the device to your current data plan with AT&T, that does not constitute a commitment. You are just paying, like I am, an additional fee to add the device to my shared plan. I do not use the Apple SIM, but I have an AT&T SIM that allows me to use AT&T data from my shared plan. I pay an additional fee to have that device on my plan, it is not a contract. I can cancel it at any time.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:26 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:26 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Once I opted for AT&T in the USA, I can no longer change to Sprint, T-Mobile,Etc. But I knew that going in. I am leaving for Italy the end of this month and will try it there. However, I called AT&T and Apple Support and neither one could answer the question.

    I am hoping that when I land in Italy, the cellular data option will open up again. I was just hoping someone may already have the answer.

    AT&T sells an international plan which makes me think that their ability to LOCK THE SIM may extend to Italy.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:28 PM in response to jma814
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:28 PM in response to jma814

    I'll update this thread when I return with the answer. Thanks to all for your feedback. It is much appreciated.

  • by sberman,

    sberman sberman Oct 14, 2015 3:29 PM in response to jma814
    Level 8 (39,622 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:29 PM in response to jma814

    jma814 wrote:

     

    AT&T sells an international plan which makes me think that their ability to LOCK THE SIM may extend to Italy.

    Yes, I was going to suggest that as well.  Check AT&T's "Passport" plan.  I've used it with an iPhone (not an iPad, but I think it's similar).

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 14, 2015 3:33 PM in response to jma814
    Level 9 (57,858 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 14, 2015 3:33 PM in response to jma814

    But have you tried to change to Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.? It sounds as if since you have registered currently with AT&T you are locked. I'm not sure that is completely true. However, this is my interpretation of the situation, since I don't have the Apple SIM in my iPad Mini. Yes, AT&T sells and international plan, but then you are not trying to use an Italian carrier with that, you are just allowing it to roam with whomever AT&T's partner is. While I agree you are currently with AT&T, I don't believe you are locked to AT&T, unless this removes the ability for you to make a selection from the iPad. I guess what I should be asking you is, what makes you believe you are locked into an AT&T contract with the device?

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:33 PM in response to sberman
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:33 PM in response to sberman

    Yes, my iPhone and iPad are on the same plan that ChrisJ4203 described. And, yes, I always needed an AT&T Sim in my iPad mini 2 to make it work. But the iPad Mini 3 and 4 were the first to come out with the Apple Sim. You did not have to choose a network at the time of purchasing.

    sberman, I also purchased the Passport plan for my iPhone in Italy. Great savings.

    Things have changed a lot in the last year. I am trying to get my head around the SIM questions.

  • by jma814,

    jma814 jma814 Oct 14, 2015 3:36 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 3:36 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    ChrisJ4203, Yes, I tried but it is not even an option once I went with AT&T. I had read an article (I think sermon eluded to this) that Verizon does not even allow an Apple Sim and AT&T allows it but LOCKS you in. Spring and T-Mobile let you come in and out as you please.

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