[Closed] Smartphones and mobile internet question???

Is it possible to take the SIM card from the mobile modem (dongle) and use it in a smartphone?

usually, yes. Its just like any other SIM you can buy from a mobile operator. Sometimes on the continent though they may be data specific, prepays.

If so, will a 2g phone suddenly become 3g by using a 3g SIM card

No, the 2g/3g thing is the radio technology in the phone. Sometimes a 2g SIM will mean you cant get 3g network access despite using a 3g phone so always aim to have the highest grade SIM for your phone.

The SIM card has a phone number so am I right in assuming that it will receive calls too?

Yes. And texts.

No, the 2g/3g thing is the radio technology in the phone. Sometimes a 2g SIM will mean you cant get 3g network access despite using a 3g phone so always aim to have the highest grade SIM for your phone.

Call me stupid, but I don't entirely understand this. (The 'No' bit I understood 😆 ) 😥

2g card + 3g phone = 2g service or maybe 3g
3g card + 2g phone = 2g, as the device is the limiting factor.

I'd argue the latter point - it could easily be a data-only tariff. The Blackberries we used to order in my last job were exactly that, you couldn't ring them.

For 3G, you require a 3G-capable phone [i]and[/i] a 3G-capable SIM (which is what Stoner said, I'm just trying to clarify).

I never knew whether it was the phone or the card which determined the 2g/3g thing.

And thanks. 😀

You [i]must[/i] have a 3G SIM in a 3G phone. When I first got an iPhone, a 3G version, I just stuck the SIM I'd been using for ages and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't pick up a 3G signal when the local masts were upgraded. A nice bloke in the local O2 store enlightened me and gave me a new SIM. It should say on the SIM if it's a 3G or not.

Mobile Modem card is 3g.
Blackberry 8520, I believe, is 2g.