EE PAYG SIM No service message on arrival in USA

[Middlesaxon]

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.

[bristolian]

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 

[Middlesaxon]

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

[Middlesaxon]

1. 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.

[Middlesaxon]

@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?

[bristolian]

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.

[Middlesaxon]

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.

[Leanne_T]

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 🙂

[Middlesaxon]

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 

[Christopher_G · Accepted solution]

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