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Carrier New sim card every year?

edhchoe

edhchoe

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Oct 28, 2011
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Is there any reason one should replace the sim card every year?
According to a cellphone salesperson, replacing the sim card yearly will be beneficial.
T Mobile charges $15 for a new sim card.
I don't know about ATT or VZ.

I have been using the same sim card for over 5 years and I don't see any reason why I should replace it.
 
I've been using the same SIM since 2014, from my 5s to my 6 to my 8 Plus. I see no reason why you would replace it unless you're switching carriers.
 
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I don’t see any benefit either. There is no point to replace the otherwise fully functional SIM card, even if the new card might support “extra perks” behind the scene.

One possible exception though is 5G, and a new SIM might be necessary at that point.
 
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edhchoe said:
Is there any reason one should replace the sim card every year?
According to a cellphone salesperson, replacing the sim card yearly will be beneficial.
T Mobile charges $15 for a new sim card.
I don't know about ATT or VZ.

I have been using the same sim card for over 5 years and I don't see any reason why I should replace it.
Click to expand...
The only times I replaced my SIM cards were to switch sizes (from mini/micro to nano, prior to the precut type), and to switch from 3G to 4G SIM. So no need to replace one on a yearly basis.
 
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edhchoe said:
Is there any reason one should replace the sim card every year?
According to a cellphone salesperson, replacing the sim card yearly will be beneficial.
T Mobile charges $15 for a new sim card.
I don't know about ATT or VZ.

I have been using the same sim card for over 5 years and I don't see any reason why I should replace it.
Click to expand...

Used to work for Tmob just tell them you get No SIM error, they’ll give for free over customer service via phone or messaging.
 
edhchoe said:
Is there any reason one should replace the sim card every year?
According to a cellphone salesperson, replacing the sim card yearly will be beneficial.
T Mobile charges $15 for a new sim card.
I don't know about ATT or VZ.

I have been using the same sim card for over 5 years and I don't see any reason why I should replace it.
Click to expand...
You were given bad information. No need to get a new one, unless you are having trouble.
 
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The carriers would love it if the SIM cards needed replacing. Money for them.

I avoid getting near them. I have been using the same SIM for at least 3 years.

Surprised that they do not charge an activation fee!
 
Newtons Apple said:
The carriers would love it if the SIM cards needed replacing. Money for them.

I avoid getting near them. I have been using the same SIM for at least 3 years.

Surprised that they do not charge an activation fee!
Click to expand...

I still want to know the reason why the sales person suggested to replace SIM cards every year. It doesn’t make any sense at all.
 
edhchoe said:
T Mobile charges $15 for a new sim card.
Click to expand...
Let's assume just for a moment that the salesperson is right and everyone else in this thread is wrong.

Why would you pay $15?

Need a new SIM?

Apple store, Costco, Target: Free

eBay: $1-5.

Given the above, why would you pay that? Why would you go there to buy a new SIM at all?
 
What a load of BS. Tells you all you need to know about their professional approach to training and customer service of that carrier .

SIM cards don’t contain any radio hardware or antennas. Changing them once a year has zero benefits to the consumer.
 
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My oldest SIM is a German one that dates from 2012 and I haven't worn out any of the bits yet (though it is used in an Android phone -- maybe that is the difference :) ) My current TMO one dates from my iPhone 6 (2014)
 
My understanding is that the iPhone only uses the SIM to identify itself to the carrier. So the only reason to replace it would be if you were losing a connection.
 
jay968 said:
Listen...if they get $15 every time they sell a SIM card WHO do you think he was talking about as far as benefitting is concerned?
Click to expand...

Plus any time the carrier can get you into their store there is a chance that they can talk you into an upgrade.

I avoid the stores at all costs. SIM cards are cheap on eBay.
 
Outside of switching carriers, I've only replaced my sim card once. When I was with AT&T the only time I replaced it when I was having issues with not receiving all messages in a group text. So replacing the sim was just more of a troubleshooting step (which didn't work). But otherwise, I've never changed my sim. Unless you are having service issues, no need to replace a sim card every year.
 
I have used the same T-Mobile SIM card since I switched over to them over two years ago. I never saw the need to switch SIM cards each year. In fact, I have two extra T-Mobile SIM cards in my drawer when I have updated devices.
 
T Mobile charges for new sim card every time I buy a new phone even though I use the same sim card from the old phone....
 
edhchoe said:
Is there any reason one should replace the sim card every year?
According to a cellphone salesperson, replacing the sim card yearly will be beneficial.
T Mobile charges $15 for a new sim card.
I don't know about ATT or VZ.

I have been using the same lte sim card for over 4 years and I don't see any reason why I should replace it.
Click to expand...
I’ve had the same lte sim for 5 yrs now. So no reason. Just trash the ends up in landfills that will be around for another 3 million yrs.
 
akash.nu said:
That’s odd. Why do you allow them to?!
Click to expand...
I just traded in my iPhone 7 for a XS and they didn't charge me $15 for "New SIM card fee". I used the same sim card. and there was a sim card in the box as well.
However, they charged me $20 Upgrade Fee.
 
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