eBay T-Mobile SIM cards

[ggking7]

I see many $60 T-Mobile SIM cards going on eBay for around $10. Would I be able to keep buying these as they run out of credit instead of topping up? Changing phone numbers is no problem because I will be forwarding to whichever phone number I have via grandcentral.com.

[snaimon]

Yes. HOWEVER, one cannot count on the stream of inexpensive new SIMs to continue. They often have SHORT or shorter expiration dates than TRUE brand new prepaid SIMs. So you can't REALLY buy these in advance. There ARE Ebay risks, lost in mail, etc.

PERSONALLY, I would not do that, but I have heard others who do.

Stan

[ggking7]

Shouldn't they expire a certain amount of time after activation, not after manufacture?

eBay is safe with a reputable seller and payment by PayPal or credit card.

I suppose I could buy my first SIM from eBay and continue if it works out.

[Bossman]

I believe snaimon thought you were refering to preactivated ones. Yes. unactivated sims obviously do not have an expiration date until after activated.

Originally Posted by ggking7

Shouldn't they expire a certain amount of time after activation, not after manufacture?

eBay is safe with a reputable seller and payment by PayPal or credit card.

I suppose I could buy my first SIM from eBay and continue if it works out.

[snaimon]

Originally Posted by Bossman

I believe snaimon thought you were refering to preactivated ones. Yes. unactivated sims obviously do not have an expiration date until after activated.

Indeed. Most of the $60 cards I see are already ACTIVATED. I believe that is how the dealers make their money. Also, I see they are sending 2 SIM cards, with $30 each. Active minutes expire in March and the card become DEAD 3 months later unless a refill is applied.

Read the description very carefully and know what you are buying. Caveat emptor -- let the buyer beware.

I have bought several cards from Ebay and have had good luck. I turned them all into GOLD REWARDS cards, however.

Stan

[ggking7]

You're right. Reading the auction more carefully:

"YOU WILL RECEIVE 2SIMCARDS"

"Sim Card expires June 10, 2008 if no refill is made only the minutes expire second week of March if no refill is made"

So the 300 minutes are only good for a little over a month from now. I suppose $16 (including shipping) for 300 minutes that will last a month is still a good deal. If you used them all in that time it would be $0.053/minute.

Another option is to refill each card in the amount of $10 which would extend them both by 90 days. That would be 360 minutes for up to 4 months for a total of $36 which comes to $0.10/minute.

On the other end would be refilling both for $100 each which would extend them both by 1 year. That would be 2600 minutes for up to 13 months for a total of $216 which comes to $0.083/minute.

This is all better than paying Sprint at least $50 month for 300 minutes that don't roll over which comes to $0.167/minute.

I can't think of any problem with this except for the possibility of a bunch of random people calling me on a previously activated number. Can I set a phone to block all calls except from my Grand Central forwarding number I wonder?

[Motel75]

Originally Posted by ggking7

I can't think of any problem with this except for the possibility of a bunch of random people calling me on a previously activated number. Can I set a phone to block all calls except from my Grand Central forwarding number I wonder?

"Previously activated" doesn't mean it's someone's old number. It just means the dealer has activated the card, and has usually placed a call or two to test it. Anyway, if you don't like the number you get, you can always change it.

The SIMs on eBay used to be an important source back when TMO didn't offer SIMs by themselves. (My main number started off as an eBay SIM, and I've had a couple more since then for visitors, or to use with an older phone -- without any problems, I should add.) Even now that TMO sell SIMs, the eBay ones are usually more generous with the minutes and can be mailed overseas, so they're good for tourists.

[ggking7]

So I can change the number I get with any SIM card by calling customer service? They'll just issue a different number?

[Bossman]

Yep! Just call them (18777782106 it's also a free call from the phone) and tell them what city/areacode you want. If a number is available they will give it to you and text it to your phone. You can change your number up to 2 times a year.

Originally Posted by ggking7

So I can change the number I get with any SIM card by calling customer service? They'll just issue a different number?

[GadgetKen]

Another alternative to T-Mobile is the T-Mobile MVNO called Tuyo. Bought my card from an ebay dealer.
Pros: Cheaper IDT international long distance than direct T-Mobile, can use balance as calling card from regular phone when in non-coverage area, only $10 needed every 3 months to keep active, flat rate plan of 10 cents/minute with 10 cent connect charge, and a connecta2 access number for people to reach you toll free from Mexico and Latin America (I don't use all these features). Also has both English and Spanish prompts and customer service.
Cons: Only works on native 1900 Mhz T-Mobile network(fine for my watch phone since it doesn't cover 800 Mhz anyway); won't roam on other networks in US, Canada and Mexico like a regular T-Mo card can. Weak web browsing capabilities limited to their small Tuyo webstore. Also Tuyo refill cards less common so best to refill over the phone or web if not near a dealer.