Galaxy Core Prime, Sim Card Slot #2 Doesn't Support Thia's 4G Bandwidth

[Dillpickles98]

I got a Samsung Galaxy Core Prime about 6 mos ago. I now find I can not use sim card slot #2 for anything in Thailand. As slot #2 only supports 2G bandwidth. Now Thailand is all 4G. Of course I didn't believe the people at AIS, So I bought a sim card anyway, thinking, ok I'll take the gamble for 50 THB. Sure enough in slot one it show the new sim card number, but in slot #2 I am only able to call AIS, who said the same thing.

Was thinking since I need to be reached by Government agencies, and business in the U.S. I'd go ahead and buy a Skype number dedicated to sim #2 for U.S. calls. With this new knowledge that is not possible with the Core Prime.

Now as far as I can see my only alternatives are, buy a new phone with 4G bandwidth on both slots. Or buy a cheap phone, with a U.S. Skype number associated with that phone and number.

Any comments?

DP.

[casualbiker]

I would go for the dedicated phone. That way you know it's a business call and respond. A 3G phone would be OK for Skype. Not sure how Skype numbers work but I thought you had to have Skype running on the phone or computer.

[casualbiker]

Yup. Used through Skype. Unless you're talking about a different type of number!

[Dillpickles98]

Thanks for the replies, casualbiker. another phone is the cheapest way to go, but then burdened with it,. Slap the sim card in with my new second number, and buy the Skype subscription for it. Then it's another piece of furniture on my computer desk since Skype only works wifi, I have Skype on two other devices, one of which is almost always on. Then to remembering to keep it charged, switching phones everytime I need to call the states, and only knowing I received a Skype call once I'm in the house.

A working dual sim phone would alert me to a Skype call by message from the second number even if not signed in. Then I have the option to switch to that sim retrieve that message, or make the call, all with the same device.

I'm from the U.S. living here, retired 6 yrs. With no other alternative I think I'll shop for a dual sim 4G phone, the wife has an Appo (Thai smartphone) two sim numbers, both slots 4G, 3,900 THB. I paid 4,990 THB for the Samsung Core Prime, with 32G SD card, in addition to the cases etc. now worthless with a new phone.

I'll let you know what I find and tally up my loses, unless I can find a buyer for the Core Prime only 6 mos. old.

DP.

[casualbiker]

Umm Skype works on 3g-4g and Wi-Fi. Not sure what you mean by "it only works on WiFi" if you already have an existing phone that uses Skype and you have 3-4g Internet package, I'm not really sure why you need a different simcard. I'm pretty sure that the skype number will go to the Skype account not the sim as it just another way of using VoIP.

[Bench499d]

As @casualbiker says, normally you have to have the Skype app running on the phone and you can take calls when you are connected to WiFi or 3G/4G. You only need one SIM with data services.

It is possible to forward your Skype number to a mobile or landline but this will cost $$$. Again, you only need one SIM.

Your Skype subscription is tied to your account and can be used wherever you can sign into Skype. It is not connected to your mobile phone number / SIM.

[Dillpickles98]

Thanks for your input guys, did a little more research and found almost all dual sim card phones are of the 2G family for sim slot #2, which made the subject moot in my quest. So as it turns out the second AIS sim card I bought will be tucked away for some uncertain use.

Today bought a Skype number, of my choice of states, and set it up to forward calls to my Thai number, I don't have a data plan, pay as you go,my phone rings so seldom it scares me when it does. However I am rarely without a wifi connection. It's limitations I'll have to find a way to work around. The most important of which is it can not send sms, voice only, and one way, from caller to you. As that was pretty much my reason for wanting one. As you may know online accounts want to verify your phone, or email addr. by a code send to your phone. That's not possible with a Skype number.

In actuality I find little difference in Skype To Go, and having a Skype number, except the price. Skype To Go is free for up 30 numbers, my Skype number cost $52.25 for a year, and will recharge itself in a yr. of which the only control I have is to cancel the number. I have far less than 30 contacts in the U.S. only 8 of which are important.

So once again lessons paid for are best learned, in a yr. I'll see if it was worth the cost. My thoughts on dual sim slots working since the phone was so equipped, and how a Skype number is limited to my needs is a myth busted.

DP.

Edited April 21, 2016 by Dillpickles98

[casualbiker]

OK. I'm confused. You set it up to forward calls to your Thai number which means Skype will charge you for the diverted call.. To a Thai mobile number.. Expensive!

[Bench499d]

Also how is it one way if you are rarely without a WiFi connection, why not just have the Skype app on your phone?

Also, if an online account needs to send an SMS, give it your Thai mobile number?

Did you buy some Skype credit as well? Because the cost of forwarding calls from Skype number to Thai number is taken out of that.

Edited April 21, 2016 by Bench499d

[Dillpickles98]

Just as expensive as a Skype call to the U.S. from here in Thailand, about $0.02 cents a minute. The caller calls my U.S. CA number, and doesn't incur the U.S. charges for calling overseas, plus no difficulty in dialing a country code. Then a charge to my AIS prepay which has never been more than 20 THB.

Edited April 21, 2016 by Dillpickles98

[Bench499d]

Sorry I edited my last post, pressed send before finished.

[casualbiker]

Just as expensive as a Skype call to the U.S. from here in Thailand, about $0.02 cents a minute. The caller calls my U.S. CA number, and doesn't incur the U.S. charges for calling overseas, plus no difficulty in dialing a country code. Then a charge to my AIS prepay which has never been more than 20 THB.

I'm not sure but I just checked Skype and if using Skype credit it is 2.3 cents per minute from Thailand to USA. From USA to Thailand it is slightly more for mobile/cellphone @ 3cents min!

Those .3's can add up..lol.

4.9c connection fee applies as well.. Still cheap enough.

Edited April 21, 2016 by casualbiker

[Dillpickles98]

To continue Bench499d, It's one way for a Skype number, I can not use it to call out, only to receive, to call out then I must use my Skype account. On-line services in the U.S. are not able to access an overseas number being 11 digits, they only provide space for a 10 digit number.

casualbiker, that's all well and good, and I would gladly pay, only to receive a code, but not possible with a Skype number, had Skype in a live chat twice, they don't have sms capability with a bought number. If I could talk to a live person instead of an automated sys. they could give me the code.

To give one example: My Paypal account is tied to my U.S. residence for billing purposes, I can not complete my contact info to verify my phone number, because when I enter my Skype number they send a code which Skype doesnt support, and I cannot receive.

DP.

Edited April 21, 2016 by Dillpickles98