using iPhone in the US

totoro_kid

Hi - I have an iPhone question.

I currently have an iPhone 4. I am moving to the states in a few months and I would like to use it over there with a US service provider. I'd like to buy a US sim, get a prepaid plan and work away. Does anybody know if this is possible?

Thanks for the help!

PaddyFagan

Yes, it's possible, but you need to pick the provider carefully - also carriers in the US tend to focus on different regions, so you may have a bit of asking around to do when you get there.

The key problem is that many US carriers us a different 3G implementation (called LTE) which needs a different iPhone, so you're irish (non-LTE) iPhone needs a carrier who doesn't use LTE.

This apple article gives an overview of providers and who uses LTE - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1937

Paddy

PS from memory, your iPhone will work for calls, but 3G will only work with a non-LTE US carrier

totoro_kid

Thanks a million. I'll have at that article and see whats available. Once I can make calls I'll be happy enough. I can use wifi for everything else.

guil

PaddyFagan wrote: »

Yes, it's possible, but you need to pick the provider carefully - also carriers in the US tend to focus on different regions, so you may have a bit of asking around to do when you get there.

The key problem is that many US carriers us a different 3G implementation (called LTE) which needs a different iPhone, so you're irish (non-LTE) iPhone needs a carrier who doesn't use LTE.

This apple article gives an overview of providers and who uses LTE - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1937

Paddy

PS from memory, your iPhone will work for calls, but 3G will only work with a non-LTE US carrier

LTE is a different network and separate to 3G as far as I know

iDann

You can use any GSM (sim cards) network over there, such as AT&T, T-mobile and other MVNOs,just make sure your iPhone is unlocked.
You can't use Verizon as they use CDMA (special chip inside already instead of sim card).

There prepay networks over there are much different to ours and I'm sure there quite more expensive. There's a network called straightalk that has great deals on prepay over there have a look at that.

guil

I think a lot of them charge to receive calls and texts as well

kellsred

I'm going over on holiday for 2 weeks.
Is there any providers that would be any good for data? Or would it be too much hassle?