Can you connect a SIM card?

zora said:

I am trying to figure out what can connect to a Chromebook and what can't. I have most of it figured out. How about SIM cards, can you connect them with the Chromebook?

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The ones sold in the US come equipped with Verizon CDMA/EVDO modem, so while there is a SIM card slot, it's not operational.

Your experience may vary in other parts of the world.

legalalien said:

The ones sold in the US come equipped with Verizon CDMA/EVDO modem, so while there is a SIM card slot, it's not operational.

Your experience may vary in other parts of the world.

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Yes but the chip is also GSM which is world wide. Which means when the Alex ships world wide then it will be fully unlocked. There is guide at a different forum on how to get it working in the Beta Channel and Dev Channel.

Jason said:

Yes but the chip is also GSM which is world wide. Which means when the Alex ships world wide then it will be fully unlocked. There is guide at a different forum on how to get it working in the Beta Channel and Dev Channel.

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Aha. Thanks for pointing out that the modem is actually the same. Here's an official how-to on using GSM/UMTS hardware: Using mobile broadband abroad - Chrome OS Help

I should try this with my 'unlimited' T-Mobile plan and not worry about 100MB limit.

legalalien said:

Aha. Thanks for pointing out that the modem is actually the same. Here's an official how-to on using GSM/UMTS hardware: Using mobile broadband abroad - Chrome OS Help

I should try this with my 'unlimited' T-Mobile plan and not worry about 100MB limit.

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Ok, switching to T-Mobile and back was quite painless, and data connection worked without any extra configuration. However, since the Gobi modem used in Chromebooks does not support T-Mobile US 3G frequencies, I was limited to EDGE - not a particularly satisfying experience. So I switched back, but it's good to know that there's always a backup available.

legalalien said:

Ok, switching to T-Mobile and back was quite painless, and data connection worked without any extra configuration. However, since the Gobi modem used in Chromebooks does not support T-Mobile US 3G frequencies, I was limited to EDGE - not a particularly satisfying experience. So I switched back, but it's good to know that there's always a backup available.

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I agree since my experience with EDGE has never been the best so far. I was wondering if the Chromebooks have started being sold outside of the US. I think it might be sometime before it gets to other parts of the world.

tbull
I received my Samsung 5 3G yesterday in UK and have so far been using it only on WiFi but I understand that there is an arrangement with the network operator 3 for SIM cards that you use when needed. Have not looked into it yet but will do soon enough. All operators in UK use GSM standard so no issue on GSM vs CDMA here and also that is case in Europe.

I'm using a Samsung 5 3G (which I got from the USA) here in Canada and the 3G modem works perfectly with the Telus and Rogers networks in GSM mode. I did change the system to disable Verizon network to a generic UMTS network

lucboucim said:

I'm using a Samsung 5 3G (which I got from the USA) here in Canada and the 3G modem works perfectly with the Telus and Rogers networks in GSM mode. I did change the system to disable Verizon network to a generic UMTS network

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I'm in the same boat as you are, however I have a Bell SIM card. It should work as it uses the same frequencies as Telus GSM, but I've had no luck.

My Samsung 5 is very adamant on setting up a Verizon CDMA connection. What steps did you do to change switch to a generic UMTS network?

adamm said:

I'm in the same boat as you are, however I have a Bell SIM card. It should work as it uses the same frequencies as Telus GSM, but I've had no luck.

My Samsung 5 is very adamant on setting up a Verizon CDMA connection. What steps did you do to change switch to a generic UMTS network?

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Use this procedure: Using mobile broadband abroad - Chrome OS Help

Please help

lucboucim said:

I'm using a Samsung 5 3G (which I got from the USA) here in Canada and the 3G modem works perfectly with the Telus and Rogers networks in GSM mode. I did change the system to disable Verizon network to a generic UMTS network

Click to expand...

Telus user here in BC. Got a US model Samsung Chromebook (XE303C12-H01US) with 3G, and can't get past the Verizon sign up prompt. Can you please let me know how to bypass/delete this so I can get on with Telus?

FYI, have already set my APN in terminal services, pointed the APN to my MMCMNC. Is there anything else once I get rid of the Verizon activation?

Thanks