Is there a difference in data speed between ATT sim card and Unlocked sim card?

Skelaz · October 3rd, 2012, 10:58 PM

I'm planning on buying an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S3 (Quad-core) and was wondering if there was any difference in data speed between the AT&T sim card and the Unlocked sim card because the only way you can get the AT&T sim card is if you have a AT&T GS3 (Dual-core) which has 4G LTE capabilities in which the unlocked GS3 does not.

Will these two differences in data network affect the overall data speed of ST? If so by how much? Or is it just the same no matter if the phone has LTE or not?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Raw Dodge · October 3rd, 2012, 11:02 PM

Why would you want a quad core phone if it doesn't work with lte? I got a feeling your going to have to just try it and see if it gets 3g and phone, hopefully it will.

oldnoob2 · October 4th, 2012, 11:35 AM

There is no "unlocked" network, ST resells AT&T and T-Mobile on the byod sim program. When you choose unlocked they send whichever one they want based on coverage in your local zip code. I would recommend choosing your preferred carrier instead of going unlocked and letting them choose for you.

sounreal · October 4th, 2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldnoob2

There is no "unlocked" network, ST resells AT&T and T-Mobile on the byod sim program. When you choose unlocked they send whichever one they want based on coverage in your local zip code. I would recommend choosing your preferred carrier instead of going unlocked and letting them choose for you.

Proof?

oldnoob2 · October 5th, 2012, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sounreal

Proof?

Not sure what you're asking for here. Since it's a SIM program it has to be GSM, and since ST offers a nationwide service it has to be on national carriers. There are only two national GSM carriers in this country, AT&T and T-Mobile.

If the phone is carrier locked only a SIM card for that carrier will work. If it is unlocked then either card will work, but 3G/4G data is not guaranteed unless it is capable of the proper 3G/4G frequencies for that carrier.

If you go to buy a SIM card on ST's site it will ask you for your zip code and display whichever card it thinks will work best in that zip. If your phone doesn't have the right HSPA frequencies then you will have slow data. That's why I say choose your carrier instead of letting them choose for you.

If you want official ST policy I guess you could email ST.CorpResolutionTeam@straighttalk.com and ask them.

sounreal · October 5th, 2012, 08:04 PM

To me buying a unlocked sim card should mean you can go between At&t and T-Mobile anytime. But I see what you mean now that I think about it. Technically it would not work.

gale65 · October 20th, 2012, 02:41 AM

When I ordered my sim I was able to choose the AT&T sim.