Using my HTC 3G phone on 3 in Ireland

dakang

Hello,

I am looking to get a mobile here in Ireland as I am still on my UK mobile!

Due to being a heavy data user and roamer I have decided to go for 3 in Ireland as my provider.

The problem is that their handsets are all straight mobiles whereas I require something a bit more PDA-like with a QWERTY keyboard for emails/text input. I don't care for mp3's or a 5mp camera or even FM radio - just something with a keyboard!

Therefore seeing as 3 don't offer anything close - I'd like to use my current handset which is a HTC Kaiser/Tytn II (a.ka. XDA Stellar/MDA Vario III). This has GPS and 3G built-in and in unlocked so would be perfect for the 3 network.

Problem is that I can't get a 3 Ireland SIM anywhere. The helpful shop assistant said you HAVE to buy a phone to get a SIM. :eek:

This surely can't be correct as practically everywhere else in the EU one can buy SIMs to their hearts content. Hell - I can even buy a 3 UK sim for 10 bucks but 3 Ireland SIMS are nowhere to be found..... any ideas?

Surely I don't need to buy the cheapest phone on 3, keep the SIM but sell the phone again?!

Any advice would be appreciated!

.dakang

macronot

3 Ireland do not sell separate sims cards.

Things to check/consider.

3 Ireland T&C do not advise you to use a non 3 phone. (But it is possible).

http://www.three.ie/pdf/07298%20Small%20Print.v5.pdf wrote:

5.3
Each SIM may only be used in Handsets which are
enabled for 3 Services and are authorised by us for
Connection to the 3 network. Any attempt to use
the SIM in other Handsets may result in serious
damage to the Handset and may prevent you
from being able to use it, including the making of
emergency calls. In these instances, we are not
responsible for any such damage
or usage problems.

Can you get a second hand sims?

Can you transfer a 3 UK sims to Ireland?

Buy a cheap (free) phone and use the sims from that.

leahcim

3 Ireland T&C do not allow you to use a non 3 phone. (But it is possible).

This must be new. When I got my three sim a year ago this was not the case. I use a windows mobile device so I was very careful reading their T&C before signing it. I was extra cautious as I know there is this clause in the UK T&C for some of their packages. I asked in the shop and they said the only problem with using a non three phone is that they will not offer customer support for connectivity problems using the non three device.

BTW I had to buy a three phone to get the sim. I dont mind though as it is handy having a smaller phone for going out on the town. I'd find it pretty uncomfortable having a big smartphone in my pocket and if it was on my belt I would be worried somebody would nick it in a busy pub (easy job for a pick pocket).

ianblyth

i got one from ebay a few months ago.. paid about 20 euro. you can get them by themselves... saw a few on www.adverts.ie also...

tytn II kaiser.. works great on three..

dakang

Thanks guys.

I suppose you do have a point about getting the cheaper phone for going around town, might not be a bad idea after all...

That statement from 3, their T+Cs....that's just revenue protection, there is certainly no technical reason why certain handsets wouldn't work.

Besides - if they offered a PDA, I'd take it and give my current handset to my bro...but they dont!

skearon

dakang wrote: »

Thanks guys.

I suppose you do have a point about getting the cheaper phone for going around town, might not be a bad idea after all...

That statement from 3, their T+Cs....that's just revenue protection, there is certainly no technical reason why certain handsets wouldn't work.

Besides - if they offered a PDA, I'd take it and give my current handset to my bro...but they dont!

Are you going for pay monthly or 3pay?

The Motorola V3XX and Nokia 6151 are free even on their lowest €19 per month tarrif

dakang

was thinking contract but according to their website you can't roam for the first 3 months. thing is i'm back and forth to the UK quite a bit and one of the main reasons for going with 3 was that I wouldn't pay for incoming calls from irish buddies while in the UK.... hmmm... i need to see if they'll allow incoming only...

jee... my head hurts! :rolleyes:

Dysman

Hey dakang

I would be carefull about using 3 like this, I'm speaking from expierence here and I have had nothing but trouble, all was ok for the first 3 weeks but then it went sideways. I bought a 3 package (free phone) to get the sim and put the sim into a Toshiba G900, I was able to use the settings from the 3 phone to get the G900 connected to the internet through the 3 netwrks, I tested the speeds with mate's 3 USB BB modem and they were pretty much the same. Since then I have had to revert to pulling the 3 sim out of the G900 and putting it back into the 3 phone because the hassle I was having in recieving and makeing calls. I have been on to 3 tech support every couple of weeks since last Nov, the sim has been changed, the phone has been sent for repair and now they want me to send it for repair again. I think the real problem is that 3 roam on the Vodafone network where they do not have coverge of their own and I seem to live and work in between the two, if you are located in the greater population then you might be of. Hit me back if you want the internet settings from the G900