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cell phone SIM cards

There are some threads on cell phones in colombia already, but I want to know who has had success buying a prepaid sim card for a cheap rate and with who. Also I have a tri-band (850, 1800, 1900) t616, anyone know what the coverage is like in Medellin?

All of the other threads seem to branch off into conversations about voip. voip doesnt work on the metro!

By jmmyers on Aug 4, 2004, 10:59 in Friendly Talkzone.

pointofview says on Aug 4, 2004, 11:18:

Prepaid Sim Cards I have never seen information in Colombia about prepaid sim cards but I would guess the costs would be prohibitive. The Sony-Ericsson T610 version of phone is certainly used in Medellin. If you get there and can find what you are looking for simply buy a inexpessive prepaid phone from Ola (if they have started selling again) or Comcel which I recall both use GMS technology. I use VOIP from Metro, my car or any location (no problem) using my cell phone or any phone in Medellin through call bridging devices. I think Bell South uses TDMA or whatever it's called. I recall going to Comcel and getting a SIM CARD for my own cell phone so that would work for you just buying prepaid cards. Best to use an "unlocked" phone or get your unlocked before the trip. You will find good quality service on any of these providers.

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jmmyers says on Aug 4, 2004, 11:40:

Comcel actually sells the t616, so I'm sure it would at least work. I didn't see anything on their website (or Ola's) about sim cards by themselves.

And in order to use a voip bridge from your cell phone, I assume your cell phone has to work in the first place. It probably wouldn't make sense to use one to call locally, either.

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pointofview says on Aug 4, 2004, 11:50:

JMMeyers Remember unless the phone is "unlocked" it will have the service provider's software on it which may make it not workable on another providers system. Comcel will sell the Sim Card separately to the best of my knowledge but you will have to go through the whole process of pictures and ID so bring a couple passport sized pictures with you when you go to their office.

Yes the cell phone has to work but I can make all international calls on VOIP romotely. Works great !! I use VOIP and VOIP in conjuction with calling cards to make LD calls elsewhere in Colombia as it's cheaper but not local calls which can be made through the PSTN.

A cheap source of Cell phones is in Panama as their sales tax is much lower. I used to buy the prepaid phone use the free calling cards while I was in Panama and then just change the SIM CARD when I returned to USA or Colombia.

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jmmyers says on Aug 4, 2004, 12:10:

cingular doesn't lock the t616, don't know about other phones they sell.

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