New Member
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3 Messages
Bell phone cant use an ATT SIM
Hi
My wife and I were travelling in the US and wanted to use ATT SIMs in our dual SIM phones, which are registered with Bell Canada. Thew phones are unlocked. My wife was able to get an ATT SIM i9n her iPhone. I have a Pixel 5 (with an IMEI number) and the ATT rep said my phone was unable to use an ATT SIM because Bell uses CDMA.
I have now talked to Bell. Bell in fact uses GSM, not CDMA. My phone is unlocked. So why was I unable to use an ATT SIM?
Although we are now back in Canada, I would like to be able to use an ATT SIM trhe next time we are back in the US
Accepted Solution
sandblaster
ACE - Expert
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64.6K Messages
1 year ago
What technology Bell uses is irrelevant. The only issue is whether the pixel 5 is compatible with ATT’s network and on ATT’s list of supported phones. Your wife’s iPhone is definitely on the list, not sure if your pixel is or not. Just FYI, whoever told you Bell is GSM I’m sure is wrong. GSM is 2G and I doubt Bell still has a 2G network running anywhere.
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Accepted Solution
ATTHelp
Community Support
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221.4K Messages
1 year ago
Hi wcaragata, let's share some info on how you can use your device on our AT&T Network!
What sandblaster stated is true, your device will need to be compatible on our Network for service to work. Check out the unlocked devices that are compatible on the AT&T network, the Google Pixel 5a (G1F8F) & Pixel 5 (GD1YQ) are listed as compatible.
If your device model number is on the list, we recommend updating your device software to get the latest features and device protections for your device. This will also help troubleshoot your device. You'll also need to get a SIM Card for bringing your own device for Postpaid customers or learn more about using your own device with AT&T Prepaid, for our Prepaid customers.
Let us know if this helps! Thank you for posting on the AT&T Community Forums!
Rhoda, AT&T Community Specialist
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Accepted Solution
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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111K Messages
1 year ago
Each carrier has an IMEI check
https://www.att.com/buy/byod/identify?devicetype=phone
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wcaragata
New Member
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3 Messages
1 year ago
Thanks. It does seem that my Pixel 5 model is not compatible with ATT, or any US network provider for that matter. My Pixel 5 is the "Global" model. Seems the US uses a network protocol unique to the US.
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wcaragata
New Member
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3 Messages
1 year ago
There is something I dont understand. I can't use my phone with a US SIM card because it's not the right model. BUT, I can use the same phone in the US using my Bell Canada SIM. So it's using the same networks with a Bell SIM that it cannot access using a US SIM. How does that happen?
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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221.4K Messages
1 year ago
Hey there, wcaragata!
The reason your phone containing a Bell Canada SIM card works in the U.S. is that Bell has agreements with trusted partners, giving you access to a vast wireless coverage area in the U.S., including extensive 3G coverage.
When roaming, your phone will automatically connect to one of our partner networks. When you return to Canada, your phone will reconnect to the Bell network.
We hope this info helps!
Lar, AT&T Community Specialist
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