"Our micro SIM is a re-plug able SIM that can be used as micro or standard size" - ReadySim. This means you can use the SIM in any device that doesn't require a nano -SIM (iPhone 5, 5s, MotoX, etc). Althougn they don't offer a nano-SIM yet, they do say [on their support page] "Official Nano SIMs are not yet available however if you order a SIM through our official Amazon store, you can send us a message through you Amazon account and request that we cut the SIM for your before shipping. "
Using the service
To use the
service, you simply insert it into an unlocked GSM phone and text a ZIP code to
7850. The service then responds with your phone number (located in the ZIP you
provided), and the expiration date of your service.
If you buy a
plan with data, you have one additional step where you configure the APN for
data access on your phone. It takes 30 seconds on most Android and iphones. All
info is included in the SIM package.
You can find the APN configuration instructions here.
All plans
offer unlimited talk within the US, unlimited international text messaging, and
voicemail. Because there is no cash balance or top-up system, international
outgoing calls are not permitted but all incoming calls are accepted.
When I tested the
Roam Mobility SIM service for Canadians travelling to the US, one of my major complaints
was the fact that there was no way for me to monitor my data usage. For the
Roam Mobility service, I had to email their support team who typically
responded with my usage within a couple of hours. There is no way to monitor data usage with the ReadySIM service yet. They actually confirm this on their support page:
"There is currently no way to monitor your data usage, but we are working on a fix for that. "
I recommend downloading Onavo Count and monitoring your usage that way.
The Network
Like the
Roam Mobility service, their ReadySim offering uses T-Mobile’s nationwide GSM
network which supports HSPA+ at up to 21 MB down. This is where you may have a
slight issue through. T-Mobile has started adding 1900MHz HSPA+ service to its
network in key locations but it isn’t available everywhere. Unless your device supports the AWS bands,
you may hit areas where the only data speeds you’ll get are EDGE (which is very
very slow at 80-120kpbs).
With an AWS compatible phone, I have been able to get
8-10MB down speeds with the T-Mobile network.
About
privacy
Although
ReadySIM is a no-contract and no-registration service, they must still follow
US laws. If the Edward Snowden leaks have thought us anything, it is that
everything is logged. Remember that ReadySim still keeps meta-data about every
SIM used on their network (destination/source of calls, duration, frequency,
sites visited when using data, etc). With the right court paperwork, law enforcement
can subpoena this information.
The above is
applicable to all US carriers and ReadySim actually affords you additional
privacy [compared to other carriers] by not requiring registration.
Verdict
As a
Canadian, I still stick to their Roam Mobility US roaming service for Canadians
but recommend that international travelers [to the USA] seriously consider this
service. It is easy to use, very price competitive and it’s easy to keep a
couple of SIM stored and ready for last minute travel.
I have looked at most of the pre-paid offerings for travelers to the US and this is the only I recommend.
You can check their website for more information here.