Tutor
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6 Messages
Moving a prepaid SIM from phone to AirCard
I have a prepaid phone account, with the $25/mo plan, unlimited texting, and a data plan. I like it.
I have occasional need to make data connection on a Windows CE.NET field data collector, by way of a Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 (a PC Card device commonly used in older generation laptops).
I would like to know if it is possible to move my SIM card from my prepaid phone to the AirCard.
In fact, I have already tried it. Upon insertion of the SIM card into the AirCard, I receive an error message something to the effect of "SIM card not found".
I called and spoke with an AT&T rep today. She concluded that I wanted to "tether" and that I would have to make a monthly post-paid contract, at $80/mo minimum. This is far too expensive for the limited use I have, and I would not choose this. However, I am not sure that what I am trying to do is "tethering".
Can anyone point a way forward for me? I'd really like to get this to work. Thanks.
Accepted Solution
Official Solution
dmapr
ACE - Expert
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6.6K Messages
11 years ago
Unfortunately, what you want to do is not a supported use of a regular prepaid account. While it is not true that you need a contract for "tethering" (which you're right, technically is not what you're trying to do) you do need a different setup. It is available on a prepaid basis in the form of Dataconnect Pass, but it isn't all that cheap.
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big-al-1
Tutor
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6 Messages
11 years ago
I'm leaning at this point towards getting a dedicated SIM card for this purpose, rather than having to swap card from my phone to my device. TMobile offers a prepaid option that supports the use of an aircard for $2 to $3 per day. Which is perfect for my occasional use.
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big-al-1
Tutor
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6 Messages
11 years ago
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dmapr
ACE - Expert
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6.6K Messages
11 years ago
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dmapr
ACE - Expert
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6.6K Messages
11 years ago
I would agree that a "pay when used" is the best approach. Unfortunately, AT&T's cheapest dataconnect offering is a $15, 100MB one-day package so if you have T-Mobile coverage where you need it it sounds like an easy winner.
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