Simyo carrier / Germany

[miku_leeks]

Hi there,

I've been contemplating FOREVER whether or not to get myself a keitai, and now I'm finally getting scared that the flip phones will die out and I feel I have to get one before they're not produced anymore <.<

I've read a lot in this sub-forum, but as I'm a total tech-noob I'm still unsure about some things....

I'm thinking of getting myself an unlocked docomo (can't decide which model yet), probably from kyoto exports.

But what makes me nervous is that it seems that it still depends on the carrier whether you can really use a keitai outside of Japan. At least that was my impression from reading here, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong! I'm currently using a prepaid simyo simcard - so my question is: Does anyone have any experience with simyo and keitais, especially in Germany?

I'm really uncomfortable with the thought that I might have bad luck and simyo is one of those carriers that just won't work with a keitai. I'm not talking about internet/mms, just the simple calling and sms features.


Thanks for any info that you might have!

[cheeseus]

Call your carrier (simyo) and ask them what frequencies they work on, then see if the Docomo keitai you fancy has them.

The quick look I had at their website makes me think they're not a real operator, rather they are the sub-brand of some other carrier or are the type of carrier that buy the right to roam on other carriers' frequencies. If so, basically, this means that you can use all available frequencies. And most importantly, Docomo support all European frequencies so your should have no problem.

Make sure the Docomo phone you buy is unlocked at a Docomo shop in Japan.

[miku_leeks]

Thanks for the fast reply!

Call your carrier (simyo) and ask them what frequencies they work on, then see if the Docomo keitai you fancy has them.*
By frequency you mean the MHz data?

For example, from the SH-03D data sheet (just an example, I fancy a lot of phones -_-'):

2G Network : GSM GPRS EDGE 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
3G Network :*UMTS*HSDPA 800, 850, 1700, 2100 MHz

The quick look I had at their website makes me think they're not a real operator, rather they are the sub-brand of some other carrier or are the type of carrier that buy the right to roam on other carriers' frequencies.
Their wiki entry says they use the E-plus network. Why didn't I check that before I posted...
If so, basically, this means that you can use all available frequencies. And most importantly, Docomo support all European frequencies so your should have no problem.
That would be great! Is it too early to think about which straps to attach to the phone? XD I should probably choose a phone first...

Make sure the Docomo phone you buy is unlocked at a Docomo shop in Japan.
Kyo ex is reliable, I suppose? As he has been recommended here and his ebay feedback is flawless.

Thanks, cheeseus!

[cheeseus]

Thanks for the fast reply!

Call your carrier (simyo) and ask them what frequencies they work on, then see if the Docomo keitai you fancy has them.*
By frequency you mean the MHz data?

Yes.

For example, from the SH-03D data sheet (just an example, I fancy a lot of phones -_-'):

2G Network : GSM GPRS EDGE 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
3G Network :*UMTS*HSDPA 800, 850, 1700, 2100 MHz

Yes. 2100 Mhz and 900 Mhz are supported all over Europe for 3G and 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz are very widely used for GSM.

The quick look I had at their website makes me think they're not a real operator, rather they are the sub-brand of some other carrier or are the type of carrier that buy the right to roam on other carriers' frequencies.
Their wiki entry says they use the E-plus network. Why didn't I check that before I posted...
If so, basically, this means that you can use all available frequencies. And most importantly, Docomo support all European frequencies so your should have no problem.
That would be great! Is it too early to think about which straps to attach to the phone? XD I should probably choose a phone first...

Yes, pick a phone first.

Make sure the Docomo phone you buy is unlocked at a Docomo shop in Japan.
Kyo ex is reliable, I suppose? As he has been recommended here and his ebay feedback is flawless.

Thanks, cheeseus!

I guess he is. Never bought from him personally, but others have, they seem happy.

[miku_leeks]

The simyo support service gave me a link which says they use the 1800 frequency and are based on GSM (can't post the link as I don't have enough posts).

So just to make sure: any model that has "1800 MHz" in its specifications could be used here, provided it's unlocked? For example, the P-06C doesn't have it, so I should better strike that one from my list? Pity, since I'm already in love with the gold-coloured one <3

[cheeseus]

Well, if GSM only is enough for you, then I guess that's OK.

Please bear in mind that if you want to enjoy internet-based features, you must pick an Android keitai. Otherwise you'll only be able to use internet for browsing over Wi-Fi -- but you will not be able to install any applications/games as they are only available when on the Docomo network. The P-06C or a similar flip-keitai can only be used as a phone (calls/texts, no MMS), camera and music player, no GPS either as on this type of phones GPS is usually linked to carrier internet.

[miku_leeks]

GSM is absolutely enough for me. It's probably unusual nowadays, but I'm not looking for anything more than calls/text. Just the basics. Even a camera would be a luxury, compared to my current ****** phone! And since picking an Android would severely limit the choice of flip phones to choose from, I have already decided against Android. Sorry, I should have stated that more clearly in the beginning.
Thank you so much for your help, cheeseus, I feel quite assured now that I can get a keitai to work over here!

edit: censorship for such a mild expression? XD