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Re: Phone [Re: BeachKitten] #213643
01/11/2020 07:37 PM
01/11/2020 07:37 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell Offline
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SXMWendell  Offline
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One thing youmight yo keep in mind. Your not in the US any more. So any internet connection goes througj a local carrier. Phone connection s too.

Wendrll

SXM Sponsors
Re: Phone [Re: BeachKitten] #213645
01/11/2020 07:51 PM
01/11/2020 07:51 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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Thanks for the info BeachKitten. Does the phone just need to work with one of those three frequencies (700/800 or 900 mhz)? Or does it need to list all three?

Re: Phone [Re: CaribLee] #213647
01/11/2020 08:01 PM
01/11/2020 08:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Maryland/DC Metro
Just one.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Phone [Re: BeachKitten] #213652
01/11/2020 08:48 PM
01/11/2020 08:48 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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Thanks.

Re: Phone [Re: CaribLee] #213665
01/12/2020 07:47 AM
01/12/2020 07:47 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Quote
Do I need to worry about sim card size? Many sim cards now are sold with adaptors so they work in standard, micro and nano sizes.


The Chippie SIM card I bought at UTS (and I am pretty sure it would be the same no matter where purchased) had all 3 sizes on the card. You just break out the size needed and you are good to go. They put the SIM card in the phone for me at UTS and made sure everything worked. Tech Hub would do the same as probably The Mailbox would also if the person working is knowledgeable.


J.D.
Re: Phone [Re: ruralcarrier] #213673
01/12/2020 09:26 AM
01/12/2020 09:26 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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Thanks. I thought that would be the case but wanted to make sure. Appreciate all the advice.

Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #213674
01/12/2020 09:50 AM
01/12/2020 09:50 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 685
Rhode Island
Bluesfan Offline
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Bluesfan  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 685
Rhode Island
I bought a DOGEE rehab phone on Amazon for about 65$. Worked fine in SXM with UTS card.

Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #213677
01/12/2020 10:02 AM
01/12/2020 10:02 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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Looking on Amazon, I can get the BLU Advance S5 HD – Unlocked Single Sim Smartphone, 16GB+1GB RAM -Black for 50 bucks. Unlocked and works on any GSM system. Among others, works on 4g LTE band 28 which corresponds to 700 MHz. Does anyone know why this phone would not work? Thanks in advance.

Re: Phone [Re: CaribLee] #213679
01/12/2020 10:24 AM
01/12/2020 10:24 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Here is the SIM card. You can see it is a multi sized card.

Attached Files 2020-01-12_092311.jpg

J.D.
Re: Phone [Re: CaribLee] #213680
01/12/2020 10:28 AM
01/12/2020 10:28 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Newtown, CT
Do you have an older phone at home that is not in use? Even my old iPhone 4 worked with the chipper sim. I just stopped using it when I got a newer iPhone and moved my sim to my 7. I bet If you ask friends and family they may have a phone kicking around

Re: Phone [Re: kim] #213696
01/12/2020 12:12 PM
01/12/2020 12:12 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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I have two hanging around! lol....and isn't it so funny how heavy and thick they are? Compared to our latest iPhones? shocked


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Phone [Re: BeachKitten] #213764
01/13/2020 08:29 AM
01/13/2020 08:29 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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Posts: 1,093
Good suggestion. I have several old phones lying around. Will see if I have one that still operates effectively.

Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #214235
01/15/2020 06:12 PM
01/15/2020 06:12 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
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SXMNorm  Offline
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St Louis, MO
Speaking as a "computer/phone dummy", I am taking my current phone (LG -x4) on my upcoming SXM trip. My carrier is Spectrum. I called them today and they said I can make calls on St Maarten for .$0.50/call . I intend to use my laptop for wifi communication on Island. I realize that wifi won't work in car.
Does this all sound correct or am I missing something?


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Phone [Re: SXMNorm] #214236
01/15/2020 06:14 PM
01/15/2020 06:14 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Norm--I don't know anything about Spectrum, but I suspect if they said $.50, they meant $.50 per MINUTE.


Carol Hill
Re: Phone [Re: SXMNorm] #214249
01/15/2020 07:58 PM
01/15/2020 07:58 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
I would call Spectrum back and see if you get the same answer.


J.D.
Re: Phone [Re: SXMNorm] #214255
01/15/2020 08:31 PM
01/15/2020 08:31 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Auburn, WA
Sounds to good to be true. I would call again and request that info in an email return to you or a text stating it's .50 a call.

Re: Phone [Re: SXMNorm] #214293
01/16/2020 07:21 AM
01/16/2020 07:21 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMNorm
Speaking as a "computer/phone dummy", I am taking my current phone (LG -x4) on my upcoming SXM trip. My carrier is Spectrum. I called them today and they said I can make calls on St Maarten for .$0.50/call . I intend to use my laptop for wifi communication on Island. I realize that wifi won't work in car.
Does this all sound correct or am I missing something?


I found this rate sheet for Spectrum. Not really sure how to read it but it looks like 7 cents per minute (which sounds too good to be true) but I would still contact Spectrum for clarification. If these are the rates, they appear to be pretty decent.

Spectrum Rate Sheet Scroll to Netherlands Antilles.

Or go to the link below and enter "Netherlands Antilles"

Spectrum International

It does appear one may have to call Spectrum to turn on the international option.

Spectrum FAQ


J.D.
Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #214298
01/16/2020 08:21 AM
01/16/2020 08:21 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
From that rate sheet calls made "while visiting" St. Maarten are 25 cents a minute with 10 cents/text and 25 cents per MB data. So all your texts and emails you normally get at home on that phone you will pay for

Re: Phone [Re: boucharda] #214299
01/16/2020 08:23 AM
01/16/2020 08:23 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
But, it appears rates drop with the Feb. billing statement. Not sure when Norm is going to be on the island.


J.D.
Re: Phone [Re: ruralcarrier] #214300
01/16/2020 08:24 AM
01/16/2020 08:24 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
Good point...and they are SIGNIFICANT drops in prices

Re: Phone [Re: ruralcarrier] #214311
01/16/2020 10:22 AM
01/16/2020 10:22 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
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SXMNorm  Offline
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St Louis, MO
1/23-2/11, JD. I did call Spectrum back yesterday. Got the 7 cent a minute call price. Will call again to confirm everything mentioned here including International call connection. Thanks for all the help.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #214325
01/16/2020 11:51 AM
01/16/2020 11:51 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Newtown, CT
I just looked at my most recent Verizon bill. Calls I made to SXM from the US on “Wi-Fi” were billed as 5 minutes and the cost was 7.96. Pretty steep. I do know if I had called from my Spectrum home
Phone it would have been much less. But when on the island calling back to the US, when on Wi-Fi there was no charge. It’s a business account so I can’t see “live” but when I bill out it will show me what the cost was calling on Wi-Fi while in SXM to locations in SXM.

Re: Phone [Re: boucharda] #214330
01/16/2020 12:06 PM
01/16/2020 12:06 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Yep. pretty good deal if it is as it appears?


J.D.
Re: Phone [Re: kim] #214354
01/16/2020 04:43 PM
01/16/2020 04:43 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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The_Lurker  Offline
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Connecticut
Originally Posted by kim
I just looked at my most recent Verizon bill. Calls I made to SXM from the US on “Wi-Fi” were billed as 5 minutes and the cost was 7.96. Pretty steep. I do know if I had called from my Spectrum home
Phone it would have been much less. But when on the island calling back to the US, when on Wi-Fi there was no charge. It’s a business account so I can’t see “live” but when I bill out it will show me what the cost was calling on Wi-Fi while in SXM to locations in SXM.


Kim, I don't know why you were charged on a WIFI call to SXM.

Re: Phone [Re: kim] #214356
01/16/2020 04:54 PM
01/16/2020 04:54 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 209
Maryland
S
ScottW Offline
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ScottW  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 209
Maryland
Kim- I use WIFI calling while in SXM because I need to make calls for work. It works great from our villa where the WIFI service is good.

When WIFI calling, the phone assumes your are in your home country. Therefore I can call home from SXM as if it is a local call and people in the US can call me.

I do NOT make any calls to local SXM places. They will be charged as if you are calling SXM from the US.

Last year, my brother in law did not realize this and used my phone to make several local calls. They were billed to me and weren't cheap.

Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #214359
01/16/2020 05:03 PM
01/16/2020 05:03 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Auburn, WA
I use WhatsApp for local calls on island. If the number your calling has WhatsApp on their phone it will show up in your contacts.

Re: Phone [Re: The_Lurker] #214369
01/16/2020 07:05 PM
01/16/2020 07:05 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
Quote

Kim, I don't know why you were charged on a WIFI call to SXM.


Wifi calling, as mentioned, is no cost to the USA and no cost for callers to you from the USA. If I called the Peli Deli from SBR it would be an international call. If I call California from SBR there would be no charge

I have received (in SXM) maybe 5 calls from contacts in the USA this week...no issues EXCEPT you will not have access to voicemail. It will show a missed call and you can call them back

Re: Phone [Re: SXMScubaman] #214391
01/16/2020 10:30 PM
01/16/2020 10:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell Offline
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SXMWendell  Offline
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Again. I use whatsapp. no charges locally in SXM or to the States. Also my phone is Republic Wireless which is WIFI based with Sprint backup for non WIFI connection here in the States $22 a month. BUT when I am out of the country AND at a WIFI connection the phone works as I was in the US. Calls to my local number come to me where ever I am. I can call out to any US number. Out of the country numbers won't work. But then whatsapp solves that problem.

there is no extra phone to buy. No extra chip to buy. No additional billing

Wendell

Re: Phone [Re: SXMWendell] #214395
01/17/2020 12:10 AM
01/17/2020 12:10 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Auburn, WA
Yep. WhatsApp is a great app.

Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #214407
01/17/2020 08:10 AM
01/17/2020 08:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
YUp...whatsapp is great IF the person you are calling also has the app

..........wifi calling works great to anyone and does not need an app on either end...just a wifi signal

..........Verizon Travel Pass i(or similar) is worth getting to use in cases where your HAVE to make a call....$10/24 hour period if used

..........the Spectrum plan sounds decent if it is as presented

Re: Phone [Re: boucharda] #214421
01/17/2020 09:49 AM
01/17/2020 09:49 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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The_Lurker  Offline
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Connecticut
Originally Posted by boucharda
Quote

Kim, I don't know why you were charged on a WIFI call to SXM.


Wifi calling, as mentioned, is no cost to the USA and no cost for callers to you from the USA. If I called the Peli Deli from SBR it would be an international call. If I call California from SBR there would be no charge

I have received (in SXM) maybe 5 calls from contacts in the USA this week...no issues EXCEPT you will not have access to voicemail. It will show a missed call and you can call them back


Kim said that she was billed on WIFI calls to SXM from the states......

Re: Phone [Re: bigkahona] #214444
01/17/2020 11:30 AM
01/17/2020 11:30 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
Quote

Kim said that she was billed on WIFI calls to SXM from the states......


Quote
If I called the Peli Deli from SBR it would be an international call
SXM is not in the USA thus there is a charge...call the Peli Deli from the USA ...charge....call anywhere in the USA FROM SXM ...no charge...call the US cell phone of a friend staying in SXM...no charge

Last edited by boucharda; 01/17/2020 11:34 AM.
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