Does GSM Unlocked Work with Straight Talk

GSM unlocked phones use sim cards meaning that if a user was to change phones, all they have to do is carry the sim card to the next device. Straight Talk, on the other hand, accommodates both the CDMA and GSM technologies by riding on Verizon, T-Mobile, AT and T, and Sprint. In essence, therefore, is that the unlocked GSM phones will work with the Straight Talk service.

The only problem that users may encounter when integrating their device with Straight Talk is band compatibility. Some devices don’t support the Straight Talk Bands, which then means that even if the device is unlocked the phone might not necessarily function with Straight Talk. There is also the IMEI problem; if Straight Talk, doesn’t recognize your phone’s IMEI but supports the radio bands, then SIM activation won’t proceed.

And apart from the unlocked GSM phones; the AT and T compatible phones, the Sprint compatible phones, the T-Mobile compatible phones, and the CDMA technology compatible phones can all use the Straight talk service.

Straight Talks Keep Your Own Phone Program

The Straight Talk Keep Your Own Phone program allows the service users to keep their current number and network, and on top of it all, they also get to save up to $45 every month. The bring your own phone program entails a three-step process, which easily gets users on board the Straight Talk service.

The first step would be to ensure that the phone is compatible with Straight Talk, so on the service providers website, a user will be required to provide their IME, MEID, or ESM number. After compatibility confirmation a user will be required to purchase a SIM card, or get an access code and then subscribe to a plan.

The next step is device activation which can either be done online or by calling Straight talk’s customer care. If you, therefore, opt for the online activation process, you will have to go to www.straighttalk.com/activate or reach out to customer care, at 1-877-430.

SIM card compatibility

As you bring your GSM unlocked phone to use in Straight Talks network, there is a 1% chance that your phone will not integrate with the service provider’s SIM card, even if you purchased it from the company. However, Straight Talk runs an open policy that allows individuals interested in their services, to bring their own phones, or keep their own phones, for as long it uses a SIM card.

The SIM compatibility problems normally affects the international phones thus have a problem integrating with Straight Talk, if they are unable to connect to the 850 or 1900 MHz frequencies. Other types of phones that can be brought to the Network are the CDMA phones, but which operate under the 4G LTE network. The latter use SIM cards but will require an additional registration process before they can integrate and work on Straight Talk’s network.

Straight Talk refill plans

Micro Sim Availability and Compatibility 

While having an unlocked GSM phone is a direct invitation to use Straight Talk services, there arise occasions, where the GSM unlocked phone might be using a micro SIM card. The above technology is still new but gaining good traction among cell phone users, as it can integrate with the different networks.

The problem, therefore, lies in the availability of the Micro Sim Card; Straight Talk products can be found either at Walmart or directly from Straight Talk’s website, but there are occasions that the micro-SIM card is never available, in such a case, the owner of the unlocked GSM phone can purchase the standard-sized SIM card, and then using a SIM card cutter, reduce its size to a Micro-SIM.

Users must also remember that for as much as they will get on board Straight Network with the cut SIM card, they will also be voiding their warranty.

Conclusion

A few things might hinder the successful integration of Straight Talk with a GSM unlocked phone, the first one being, failure by Straight Talk to recognize the phone’s IMEI. Another problem is with the bands, in which case the international bands, might fail to integrate with the 850 and 1900MHz frequencies. Overall, however, it is possible to bring a GSM unlocked phone to work with Straight Talk.

FAQ’s

1. Is it possible to activate any phone on Straight Talk?

Yes, provided it is compatible with Straight Talks Keep your phone program

2. How do I know if my phone is unlocked?

In the settings feature of your phone, you will go to mobile networks to see if other service providers or carrier names come up, if they do then your phone is unlocked.