vB Easy Archive - Can you have two T-Mobile SIM cards with same number?

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Can you have two T-Mobile SIM cards with same number?
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Posted by: NewYork

Hello all,

I have been also reading this forum for some time now and let me take this opportunity to thank all the contributers, it certainly is a very informative forum.

My question is regarding SIM cards and T-Mobile in the US. I have 2 cell phones that I am using interchangibly. (P800 and T68), T68 mostly during the weekends when I need a phone that would not take too much space in my jean pocket, etc.

So, I have been swapping my SIM card each time I swapped phones which can get a bit inconvient from time to time as I am sure most of you would agree.

Well, having all that in mind and also knowing that it is possible for some European carries, I called T-Mobile and asked them if they can send me another SIM card. They said that this is not possible.

My question to you guys is:
1) Does any forum member have 2 SIM cards with same number from T-Mobile US?
2) Would it be technically possible in the US GSM system to have two cards that are both activated? (i.e., I can always "lose" my current card and get a new one from T-Mobile, but would both be active?)

Many thanks in advance.

Posted by: XPMILLINIUM

this will answer all your questions!!!

NO!

Posted by: ComedicIntent

But you can get one of those family plans where both phones are charged to the same account. It would be 2 different sims, but the billing would all be under one account. The only problem would be being stuck with two incoming phones numbers... You could set it to forward to the phone you're currently using, but that could end up being a pain in the *** as well. Sim switching is still pretty easy in comparison though.
-C.I.

Posted by: XPMILLINIUM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NewYork

2) Would it be technically possible in the US GSM system to have two cards that are both activated? (i.e., I can always "lose" my current card and get a new one from T-Mobile, but would both be active?)

Many thanks in advance. [/QUO

whene you lose your sim-card, your service provider cancel that card (the network wont recognise the SC any more) and assign a new simcard to your phone number, this why they call it a sim card (subscriber identity module).

Posted by: NewYork

Guys thanks for the responses. (even though they were not what I was hoping to hear :-) )

Cheers

Posted by: novi

sure you can have 2 ( or more ) sim cards w the same number.
get a " sim doctor " and duplicate your original one. you might be able to copy up to 7 different numbers on one sim ( special card which is included in the package ) you can not however operate both phones w the same number at the same time!
price for a sim doctor in taiwan around 70 us for soft and hardware.

Posted by: whtrbt7

It is possible to have 2 SIM cards with the same phone number. People are correct when they say that you can't log 2 phones at the same time (it's a space/time continuum thing). This doesn't help you since you want to use 2 phones interchangeably. You can however forward calls from one phone to another to make it seem like you have 1 number. If you "lose" your old SIM card and get a replacement, the old one will normally be deactivated since the serial numbers are different for every single card.

Posted by: noc

I have the same exact issue as the original poster and would like to duplicate my SIM. Can you point us to a dealer in the U.S. or a website where I can get SIM Doctor?

Posted by: astrics

I am getting rid of my landline. Hopwever, I have an excellent Siemens Gigaset system that I still want to use. So I intend to use a Nokia 6190 (I know, I know, but it only works with them) and a cloned sim. I will hook the nokia up with a cellsocket and put away. Then when someone calls, all phones in the house will ring. Or you can pick up any phone in the house and make a call.

So, needless to say, I want to get a Sim doctor as well......

Posted by: astrics

Before the thread gets forgotten in the archives......

Posted by: fbakirdan

Ok guys this is what I came up with concerning this topic but not sure if it will workmaybe someone out there can let us know if this will work...

http://www.gsmsquare.com/sim-doctor.htm

I would love to be able to use my T68i when I go out on the town and my P800 during the day, work and business trips. I went to Vegas last week and I kept having to switch out the sim every night when I went out at night. The T68i is just easier to through into your pocket. Not a lot of fun..... As the P800 tends to draw a bigger crowd

Posted by: MV4

Newyork
Yes it is possible to have two sim cards with the same number but not at the same time.
Using the sim card copier, or "doctor" is possible, I did it , but I had to ordered from europe ( Poland), about 135 dollars. It came with a SIM card that can store up to 8 numbers.
it takes about 8 hours to decode the info of the card and about few minutews to write into the buck up.
Now all I have to do, is I keep the back up on my t68i, and the original on the p800, all I have to do is to turn it on, but again I can only use one phone at a time, but it is rather practical to have the 68 when going out , etc.
try it I dont think you will be dissapointed.
good luck
kevin

Posted by: NewYork

Kevin,

Thanks for the reply.

I was wondering if there are any shops around who happen to have these SIM doctors where I could get my SIM cloned for a fee. That would be a lot more convenient than having have to purchase this thing from overseas.

Posted by: MV4

No that I know.
You may find someone4 willing to do this, but then you have to send to them your sim, plus to trust them enough there are not going to duplicate it more than once.
good luck.
kevin
I I 1

Posted by: astrics

Good point about the concern about sending it out.

I will post here if it works.

I just wish the sim doctor was usb......

Posted by: NewYork

I also agree with Kevin on sending out, but I think I would be OK if it was done in a store in front of me. (also since both cards won't work on the network at the same time, we'd know if they would make another copy and try to use it.

astics - did you just order one of these SIM doctors, if yes where from?

Thanks

Posted by: astrics

Not yet, but I will next week. Have to resolve my HBH-15 problem first.

Posted by: astrics

Not yet, but I will next week. Have to resolve my HBH-15 problem first.

Based on the previous posts, it takes up to 8 hours to crack the sim, long time to wait in a store....

Posted by: jeffharris

Yes, please, someone help us where to order this SIM Doctor, that actually has it ... http://www.gsmsquare.com/sim-doctor.htm does not offer a valid purchase link.

Posted by: MV4

Hi,
I ordered mine from TechGSM- mobile accessories in poland
phone +48 503 597 440
website
http://www.techgsm.com
http://www.techgsm.com/techgsm1_2.p...im,cloning.html

1 sim master 3 card cloning for $126.42 usd plus $6.80 for registered priority airmail, 3-7 dayS
total was $133.22 USD.

The transaction was swift and clean no problems.

kevin

Posted by: Omikron

Wow guys, this may drive you nuts, but I guess I just got lucky. I was having problems with my first T68i from Amazon.com so I called them and told them that I needed an exchagne. When the sent me the new phone, I was suprised to see yet ANOTHER T-Mobile SIM in there. To my suprise yet again, they both worked! Albiet not that the same time, but both cards were activated and interchangable!!

Now to get another phone.......

Posted by: astrics

Does anyone know what would happen if both are turned on. Would it turn up immediately in the system that two phones had the same number, or would it only show up if both talk on the phone at the same time, or would it only be investigated if there were complaints.

BTW, I am mostly interested in T-Mobile as that is my carrier.

Posted by: astrics

I tried ordering the sim doctor, but it is gone. Does anyone know another place I can get one?

Posted by: MV4

Hi,
there is no problem when both phones are on at the same time, you can nly use one anyways, when a call comes in one of the two will receive the call, I think it has to do with better reception.
funny enough my panasonic gd55 seems to pick up the call faster than the p800.

sorry I dont know of any other places.

kevin
here is the link

http://www.techgsm.com/techgsm1_2.p...,Devices. html
I think the price they are showing must be a mistake.
check with them

Posted by: MV4

here is another link
http://www.endoacustica.com/sim_card_reader.htm

Posted by: astrics

I will keep the forum updated on my attempt on giving up my landline completely.

My trial invloves using a CellSocket and a Nokia 5190 which will have a cloned sim from my P800.
When I am home, I will turn on the Nokia and place it in the Cellsocket. Then I can use my Siemens Gigaset and the 8 handset that I have throughout the house. This way I have the convenience at home without having a landline.

Interestingly, I am able to keep my DSL without having a telephone line. At least that is what they tell. I guess I will find out at the end of the month when they finally cut off the landline.

NOW, what they need to invent is this:

A bluetooth solution to the above scenario. I would have the P800, and when I come home, a bluetooth device similar to the CellSocket, would sniff out that I am home, and direct all calls to the Gigaset (or any other landline based telephone system). Then just by my presence at home, all phones would ring if a cell phone call came in.

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE YET.

Until then, my solution will have to work.

Posted by: SciMan

Quote:

Originally posted by astrics
NOW, what they need to invent is this:

A bluetooth solution... I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE YET.

It probably will be in the future, but like everything, its a matter of demand, cost, and return on investment. I'm also starting to accept that very few people (except us, of course) are interested in BT.

Posted by: teride

I copied this from the techgsm.com web site

INFORMATION
This SIM Card Back-UP device doesn't support newest SIM Card that uses COMP128V2 algoryth to code KI key (like all UK cards for example).

Is there a way to tell what kind of SIM card I have?

Thanks,
Teri

Posted by: StevenT

Slightly off topic, but I'm curious...

You mentioned that you can end your landline phone service, BUT maintain DSL service. How is that possible?

I live in Michigan, and when I attempted that, I was told that there was no way to dissassociate the two services. In order to maintain my DSL service, I have to maintain the line, which means having phone service. Best I could do was to get the cheapest phone/calling package Ameritech has, which still runs me around $20-25 month.

If you do find a way to accomplish this, I would like to know how.

Thanks

Posted by: astrics

In order to have DSL without having telephone service, one has two options (I think)
1. I had local telephone service through BellSouth. I laso have Bellsouth ADSL. However, earlier this month I cancelled the local telephone service. I then called the ADSL service number and told them I would like to have it billed to my credit card in the future as I had cancelled my local telephone service. I asked them it was possible to have DSL without having any local telephone service. They said yes. I told them that no other DSL provider said that this was possible. They said it was because Bellsouth owns the lines and the others leased them from BellSouth and then needed a billable telephonenumber. BellSouth apparantly does not need this. However, my local service does not get disconnected until April 30, so it might not work, even though they said so.

2. This option requires a neighbor with DSL that you can tap into, either through wiring or wireless. If to far from your neighbor, use an antenna booster such as linksys. This is what I am going to use as a backup if option one fails. Actually, I might do this anyway later as I want to save money. By haring, your monthly cost is only $20-25.

Anyone with other suggestions.

Posted by: jules

Quote:

Originally posted by teride
I copied this from the techgsm.com web site

INFORMATION
This SIM Card Back-UP device doesn't support newest SIM Card that uses COMP128V2 algoryth to code KI key (like all UK cards for example).

Is there a way to tell what kind of SIM card I have?

Thanks,
Teri

Yes, I'd like to know the answer to this as well.
I have ordered one of these SIM Copiers and I'm just HOPING it will work with a Fido SIM.

Posted by: da_enlightener

@ jules

keep us updated! i wanna know if it works with fido....if it does......i might get one.....

Posted by: jules

My Sim Master Clone has not arrived yet, but this is the reply I got from tech support:

Hello

If that simcard is forcing new menu in phone - additional menu like email or something like it
that mean that cannot be cloned.
If it is not adding to phone any new menu - it will be easy to clone it.

Best Regards

Jakub Kurtiak

Posted by: jules

Follow up:

The Fido card copied perfectly and I can use it in my backup phone but I could not copy my Rogers pay you go card (it's a regular Rogers SIM)
Since I don't have a monthly plan with Rogers, I don't know if it won't work with Rogers at all or just the paygo accounts, but at least it works with the account I really wanted.

BTW..OT...I have spare styli if anyone needs them....3 for $15 CAD

Posted by: astrics

OK, .... Where to begin.....?
FIRST, It did not work to disconnect local service and keep DSL. Learned that the hard way. The day of disconnection came, and DSL was lost. A quick phone call to Bellsouth, and a got my number and dialtone back. My DSL then worked perfectly. However, 2 hours later DSL was gone. The gave me hassle upon hassle and ended up having to order a new account, with new hardware etc. Took 4 days until I got service back. Sucked *ss, b ut I have it back now. The worst part is that I lost my bridged connection and have now PPPoE instead. They refuse to give me a bridged connection.

TWO, because of these problems, my trial of copying SIMs has not been fulfilled. However, Jules, would you be interested in selling the Sim doctor?

I still inted to get the setup to use as a free long distance setup as I have a two-line phonesystem at home that easily connects to the CellSocket.

Will keep you guys updated of the progress.

Posted by: whtrbt7

T-mobile cloning is a little tough. My original SIM card stopped at the 6th Key code and I needed to reactivate another SIM card. I will try again as soon as the new SIM card is activated. Hopefully everything will go smoothly with the second SIM card.

Posted by: teride

Has anybody tried ATT cloning?

Posted by: whtrbt7

Successful T-mobile clone:
I have finally done it. I successfully cloned the T-mobile SIM. Luckily, I was able to obtain a replacement SIM for the one that got destroyed in the cloning process. I think that the success of the cloning depends on the SIM that is being cloned. My newer T-mobile SIM got totally destroyed when I cloned it originally. Unfortunately, the process is extremely lengthy. Both my S300 and P800 were able to be on at the same time. I also tried it with my T68 and everything worked well. The phone with the stronger signal will recieve the call first.

Posted by: rudedog

whtrbt7
Would it be possible for you to list the equipment you used to clone your sim.

I just received my new "backup phone" and do not wish to do the sim flip flop thing.

I have an older voicestream sim card on Tmobile.

If you have any links and suggestions I would appreciate the info.

Thanks again.

Posted by: astrics

Well, I finally got the sim clone -- A Sim Master from www.ucables.com

I ordered it with 5 additional sims, aside from the one it came with.

The setup is quite simple and easy to use, but I had to go to their website in order to get a clear definition of how to read the codes that were given upon extraction.

The first sim I tried to clone, a 6 month old EONS card was fried.
The second, an old Omnipoint card copied without a problem, altugh it took about 6 hours.
The third, which was a replacement of the first one I tried, was fried again, thus letting me know that new T-Mobile sims can not be cloned, at least using this method (I am use it will work in the future)

So the work around for this will be a trip to the flee market to get older sims, that I will ask a T-mobile rep to transfer my account to, so I can clone it afterwards. I am sure they will be a little suspiciousm but I am sure $20 will do the trick.

Now..... I read that someone had both phones on at the same time. Has anyone had any problems doing that.

I do not dare to do that yet, although I want to use a cell socket with an external antenna mounted on the roof and have a Nokia 5190 permanently on in it connected to my Siemens 8 phone cordless system. As the reception of all phones suck at my house, the theory is that once I get inside, the Nokia would pick up the signal, rather than my P800.

The problem will just be when I get back outside, the signal must be transferred back to th P800

Any ideas anyone?

Posted by: MV4

I have used the two phones on at the same time and no problem, only one will ring, the one with better reception. sometimes I forget to turn off the p800 when I go out and I received no calls on the GD55, so when I look at the phone I see several missed calls and messages, which is ok. I actually like it, I don't get as many interruptions when I am out dinning or just having fun.
kevin

Posted by: astrics

Is that Davie, Florida?

Also, you are on T-Mo, right?

Posted by: ROBUST

I fried my 1 year old T-mobile sim with Sim-Max III USB....

Reactivated a new sim....

Fried it again....

Should I try again??

Posted by: philippe2k

Hi,

I also ordered the sim master 3 but had a lot of difficulties cloning card. First I heard some people are using different software to clone the card. Could you please tell me which software you used and the parameter you used ?
I managed to get the ki or a t mobile card, new one using simscan but it fried my card.

Posted by: Matai

Quote:

Originally posted by ROBUST
I fried my 1 year old T-mobile sim with Sim-Max III USB....

Reactivated a new sim....

Fried it again....

Should I try again??

Can anyone tell me how the Sim Max multi-number Sim works with the P800? How does the multi-number menu for switching between numbers integrate into the P800's Symbian/UIQ operating system? Has anyone tried a Sim Max multi-number SIm with a P800?

Posted by: MV4

Matai

I am sorry about your troubles. i dont have any more specific info.
I instaslled the software, copied the sim, i took about 8 hours, then copied back to a new sim from t mobile that i bought at t mobile store. and voila.
it worked, i did not have any trouble, so i dont have to much expirence troubleshotting.
good luck
kevin

Posted by: MV4

astrics
yes it is davie florida, and t mobile
kevin

Posted by: ZeroHackeR

Hi guys

It works well in singapore! Also very cheap...
I paid only s$120 (us $70)...

Sim Max

Posted by: Matai

Where did you buy yours from?

Posted by: ZeroHackeR

I bought it from Yahoo! Auction (Singapore).
The Simcard is cool, can store up to 12 numbers!

Posted by: Matai

Do you have a USB or serial cable? I bought mine directly from NowGSM (a serial version) and I use it with a serial to USB converter for my Sony Vaio as it has no serial port but it does not seem to work. The software just says it does not detect the card reader.