topic Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA in Mobile Services

EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:41:26 GMT

Hello,

Landed in New York 4 hours ago. No service message from touchdown. Have tried both manual and automatic network selection. EE PAYG SIM long-time customer. Phone is 4G, model is ALCATEL 3082X. What should I do? How does a manual reboot work? Grateful for any urgent assistance.

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

bristolian — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:52:23 GMT

PAYG is auto-enabled for roaming one used in the UK first, have you previously used this phone abroad?

Instructions on enabling VoLTE (often required in the USA) & manual network search are on page-52 of the users guide - https://www.alcatelmobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P1V_3082X_UM_EU_EN_V1_20201020.pdf

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:47:26 GMT

This is my first time using this phone abroad. I will check out the link and feed back.

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:01:29 GMT

I've thoroughly been through the user guide. Option for '4G Calling' was ticked on my phone already, nothing stating 'VoLTE' was present. Troubleshooting suggests that I need to check with EE if my SIM Card is valid and if coverage is available. I am currently in Queens, NY. How can I get in touch with EE online? The other option - trying again in another location - I've done several times now.

2. @bristolian I really appreciate your time and assistance. Thank you.

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:23:11 GMT

@bristolian I've just seen on EE's website (unable to copy link, search EE 4G Callling in Google) that 4G Calling is not supported abroad, only 3G/2G. I've checked coverage for where I am. It's only 5G and 4G. If I buy a US phone, unlocked, will my SIM Card definitely work?

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

bristolian — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:37:59 GMT

There's no need to tag in every reply, I get email notifications of all replies 😉

Take a read of https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Mobile-Services/EE-4G-Calling-USA-Working-or-not/td-p/1241838 on the subject of VoLTE in the US.

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:08:16 GMT

Thank you for confirming that 4G Calling should be available. I keep getting the message 'Network Selection Failed' when trying to connect. When I select manual selection, I can see a list of networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) but it won't let me connect. Is it my phone? Is there anything I can do, like a manual reboot? And how would that work? Sorry for all the questions but I'm at a loss as to what to do.

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Leanne_T — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:33:40 GMT

Hi @Middlesaxon

Was the SIM card working OK in the UK?

Are you able to try the SIM card in any other phone to see if a network shows?

Leanne 🙂

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 22:14:10 GMT

Hi @Leanne_T ,

I've used my current SIM for over 3 years in the UK and it's been fine.

I'm on a solo winter hiking trip so the only way for me to try my SIM in another phone is to buy one. Can I buy any phone for it to work or do I need to request that it's unlocked?

Kevin

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Christopher_G — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:09:14 GMT

The test phone would need to be compatible with the same network bands that we use on EE, @Middlesaxon. It would also need to be a phone that isn't locked to another network provider.

If you've used your SIM in the UK to make a call or send a text message, it should be set up for roaming.

Are you able to try changing the Preferred Network Type? Tap Settings > Connections > Preferred Network Type. Make sure that 4G/3G/2G Auto is selected.

Chris

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:50:10 GMT

Hi @Christopher_G , thanks for your reply.

4G/3G/2G Auto was the default setting. I've fiddled around with it and put it back to that now so I don't think that's the issue.

I will look to buy a phone according to your specification - 4G/3G and unlocked - asap. Will feed back soon.

Thanks again to you and all posters.

Re: EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

Middlesaxon — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:18:09 GMT

I've decided to mark this answer as the solution, even though I haven't actually bought a test phone. Having already ploughed £70 onto my PAYG credit balance to make sure it would stretch at the £1.20/min rate for calls and in light of the £70 plus price for unlocked mobile phones here, it's just not worth the expense, especially since I don't actually know for sure what's wrong. I double checked everything before travelling so I'm hugely disappointed. But it is what it is. Furthermore, I haven't needed to use my phone thus far because my bank has not queried any of my transactions and most of the hotels offer local calls for free. Let's hope things stay that way!