Related
Briefly, I have had a few issues with my device. One was the inability to register my S/N on HTC's EU site. Several other reports of this have surfaced as well. That is being addressed through MobilePlanet's very helpful rep James. Glitch on HTC's database apparantly. The second, as Dan mentioned, is my phones total failure to see the 3G network. I now know why...
I spent almost an hour on with AT&T's data support and the guy said the reason was the failure of my devices IMEI# to register the devices hardware. There seems to be no hardware profile for the TyTnII ansd therefore it comes up as an "unknown device" in their provisioning system. I confirmed this on my visit to the store this afternoon as the rep there showed me the screen and sure enough, it comes up as unknown, and the setting for this selection is GSM, not UMTS which all of their 3G phones are set to. He said, your device "does not exist" in a valid profile as a UMTS device and therefore will never be able to see a 3G signal even if I was sitting under a 3G tower... He showed me his phone which is 3G capable and id did indeed have UMTS and a valid hardware profile.
So, looks like I am SOL for 3G unless MP can help. Not happy tonight... I am going to speak with MP again tomorrow or Monday, and see what they suggest, if this can't be solved, I may be returning my new baby. 3G was an important selling point 4 me as I do a lot of data xfers.
BTW, I'm in NorhtEast NJ within a known 3G area. area.
hummmmmmm??? granted i'm in dallas, but, i'm on AT&T and i just popped my 3G SIM (used for a 3125) into my Kaiser and i get 3G with no issues. i would have tried the ATT guy's SIM in your phone (and vice-versa) to validate the profile issue. you didn't mention this, but i assume you have a 3G SIM , correct? i'm interested to hear if other ATT users have had this problem....what about trying a new SIM or one from a friend that has 3G?
cortezzi said:
hummmmmmm??? granted i'm in dallas, but, i'm on AT&T and i just popped my 3G SIM (used for a 3125) into my Kaiser and i get 3G with no issues. i would have tried the ATT guy's SIM in your phone (and vice-versa) to validate the profile issue. you didn't mention this, but i assume you have a 3G SIM , correct? i'm interested to hear if other ATT users have had this problem....what about trying a new SIM or one from a friend that has 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that will work. Per AT&T data support, since mine is an unlocked unit with an IMEI# not in ATT's system, it will never be able to do 3G. Everyone that did get it to work just switched out their existing 3G capable sim to the new Kaiser. I came over from Verizon, so unless I buy a cheap 3G ATT phone, I'm out of luck.
Switching the sim for a new one did no good, same IMEI#, so no help.
Bill
I made the mistake of giving at&t my new IMEI# when I went from the 8525 to the Kaiser. Now my phone profile is set to GSM only since it is an unknown profile in there system. I will either have to buy a cheap 3G phone and use that SIM and IMEI# so there system thinks I have a 3G phone or return the Kaiser since I won't be able to get 3G. Right now it is not an issue since I don't live in a 3G area. hhhmmmmm
cortezzi said:
hummmmmmm??? granted i'm in dallas, but, i'm on AT&T and i just popped my 3G SIM (used for a 3125) into my Kaiser and i get 3G with no issues. i would have tried the ATT guy's SIM in your phone (and vice-versa) to validate the profile issue. you didn't mention this, but i assume you have a 3G SIM , correct? i'm interested to hear if other ATT users have had this problem....what about trying a new SIM or one from a friend that has 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need for 3G SIM card. Any card should work. I'm using old AT&T Blue SIM with no problems at all.
joedoe said:
There is no need for 3G SIM card. Any card should work. I'm using old AT&T Blue SIM with no problems at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True any card will work. Did your old phone have 3G on it already when you swapped it?
I call BS...
JB
Buzz313th said:
I call BS...
JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bill will test it tommorrow when he borrows a persons sim who has 3G. If it works then they are correct.
You got a pretty good load of BS from the AT&T guy. All you need is a 3G capable phone and the right provisioning to get access to the 3G network. Signing up for a MediaNet, MediaMax, or PDA plan should so it. YOu should NEVER give them your IMEI # unless it is an AT&T phone. Cuz at that point, if there are any issues that require deviations from their "scripted" support, they will say that's the issue. Unless you happen to get lucky and get a real technical support rep.
Just tell them you got an aftermarket unlocked Blackjack and you want the 19.99 MediaMax 200 plan. If they ask for an IMEI number, tell them that shouldn't matter. You can then make any changes to your plan online if you'd like. And that should get you access to the 3G network.
Thats the problem. Talked to several CSR and they won't change the provisions becauses we did give them our IMEI numbers already. They got us there but there are workarounds and lesson learned.
BillMNJ said:
Yes, that will work. Per AT&T data support, since mine is an unlocked unit with an IMEI# not in ATT's system, it will never be able to do 3G.
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Click to collapse
Not so -- my last two phones (Kaiser & Wizard) have been unlocked & not registered with AT&T, and I get 3G HSDPA. However, I don't have (and never have had) a data plan -- I pay $0.01 per KB for data a la carte.
I have a suggestion based on what i'm facing: try disabling the HSDPA in settings and reboot (it will ask you to reboot anyway) then see if you have 3G.
See this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=332839
BillMNJ said:
Yes, that will work. Per AT&T data support, since mine is an unlocked unit with an IMEI# not in ATT's system, it will never be able to do 3G. Everyone that did get it to work just switched out their existing 3G capable sim to the new Kaiser. I came over from Verizon, so unless I buy a cheap 3G ATT phone, I'm out of luck.
Switching the sim for a new one did no good, same IMEI#, so no help.
Bill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is total BS sounds to me you dont have the right settings on your phone. Did you use the Network wizard to set things up for you? that might be the problem if you did. I have AT-T and a brand new Kaiser direct from HTC and have no no no issues what so ever with 3G or HSDPA i also think i am getting a little a HSUPA here and there
FYI and a request for some assistance
I use quite few different phones and one day my account froze on me. I had been using a palm treo 650 because my kaiser was out of battery.
when i reinserted the sim into my kaiser days later phone worked but no data no sms worked again. in any att phone all shapes and sizes. I thought it was from the treo because i used the data no problem.
its a company acccount need password to talk to csr at att.
after researching and seeing this thread I retracted my steps
the only other thing i have done is reported an imei on my account for a tilt i needed to unlock for a friend before there was an unlocker.
I believe the imei on file controls my provisions.
Provisions
the only solution to no data on phone that was working is provisioning a pit stop to a service center.
Is it possible to create a solution or is it totally a carrier fix at this point? Is there any other way to adjust provisions with out a walk in or call?
FYI
to change a reported imei number simply call 1-(916)-843-4685 and have them update your device to what ever imei you want them to have.
Note once they update the system make all your changes for rates online the only info att has is what is provided at point of sale or givin by the client
this is just some info to add
I live in Canada and have a Fido SIM card. When Rogers and Fido merged, the old Fido network ID (302-370) was made defunct so that the only GSM network available is the Rogers one (302-720).
As I am a Fido customer, it means that my Kaiser believes that it is always roaming as 302-370 is my home network and I can't use the roaming-based data rules to manage my data charges when I'm truly roaming.
Is there a way to add 302-720 as a "home network" as far as the Kaiser is concerned? Is this defined in the registry or in the ROM?
I am currently using the stock HTC ROM.
Thanks.
Its defined on the Sim card, just call Rogers and tell them what happened, and Im sure that they'll send you a new card with 302-720 as a home network.
Otherwise, I dont wanna be a Canadian Idiot! (LOL at Wierd Al for his song...)
Eh?
I've been in touch with both the regular customer service people and their "network people". They are either unable or unwilling to make that change for me. It is possible that they use the SIM's home network as a key to decide which back-end database they reference. Although they merged the two GSM networks, they still operate as two separate companies (apart from the price collusion, of course).
Yesterday, I even bought a new latest-generation SIM card to replace my ancient one thinking that it may fix the problem. No luck - it still uses the Fido network id.
So, as the SIM card is stuck the way it is, I need a way to override my Kaiser's opinion that the Rogers network is a roaming one.
I have a really similar problem, plus another one which might be related.
I am in the UK and on the "Three" network, they are mainly a 3G network and i'm not sure but they might not have 'any' 2G transmitters. So when I have 3G coverage there is no roaming icon and everything works fine.
If however I am in a 2G area and using their roaming partner (not sure who yet, possibly Orange) the GPRS will not work unless I go in and tell the phone to search for a network automatically then make a connection straight away. It says there is GPRS signal and connects but I can't actually transfer any data. The GSM standard phone calls and TXT messages work fine without doing that.
If anyone does have an answer on how to add additional home networks I would be gratefull to know too.
I have the same problem with Fido; however, when I put my SIM into a Samsung Jack flashed with Fido ROM, the roaming problem is gone. The Samsung Jack was from Rogers. This leads me to believe that the roaming is somehow set by the ROM.
I don't believe there is anyway you are going to be able to make the Rogers network not think you are a Rogers customer through a registry hack.
Maybe you can find a work around by using those dialing rules?
And the only real fix is to bite the bullet and switch over to a Rogers contract.
Switching over to Rogers will resolve the roaming issue and will finally be rid of the text from 18 for voicemail; however, I don't want to lose my old City Fido plan.
i also face same problem any solution guy's ?
I am on the old $39.99 ATT plan the one that does not have 3G and my with an old “blue” SIM card. I have been using Sony S710a for the past two years which in fact worked fine. A week ago I have obtained ATT Tilt (HTC 8925), unlocked it so that it would read my card and started using it.
Here is the problem that I can’t solve>
Sometimes my phone loses service, completely, and I cannot reconnect to ATT Service. I have tried to find a pattern but so far I am clueless of what might be causing it.
According to my observation:
1. It has been happening in certain neighborhoods.
2. When I do find service and connect to it shows E and then switches to 3G
3. When my phone starts to show 3G it loses connection.
This phenomenon happens only from time to time. Other times I have 3G icon and everythign is fine. I have tried T-mobile card in it and there is no problem. It connects to T-mobile service and has all bars. Thereafter I have put my card into an unlocked Nokia 6300 and my ATT connection works fine. The only thing I can blame is 3G.
Please if anyone knows what this, why its happening and how I can avoid this issue let me know. Thank you.
it looks like I have got a solution...
Im not sure yet, but so far I have installed an application that supposed to keep me away from [3G]. The application that I have installed is Bandswitch. So far it only shows [E] . I have to travel to those areas where I had no service to be sure that this program works. Ill keep you updated on this issue.
go get a new sim card. ATT and Cingular towers were different so some older sim cards have trouble connecting to some towers. its only something like 15 bucks.
when i went to the ATT storeto get my tilt, even though i already had a 64k sim they still upgraded the sim (for free seince i was about to pay 400 bucks).
Its your sim card
The old sim cards don't have enough memory. Get a new one with the 3g logo on it. You should probably upgrade your service too. Or you'll get a big surprise when your bill comes.
I have the same problem here in germany with the O2 3G Network... My phone has a GPRS Connection and when the 3G Icon appears there is a total loss of connection for like 10 seconds and its back to GPRS again... End of the story (like i assumed and wrote to O2 ;P) my SIM Card is too old, new one on the way Should work for you as well, like all the other posters before me claimed
Edit: Oh and it didn't cost me one buck, all inclusive service because i didn't lose or broke my SIM Card. When it is too old to be able to allow you to use your full contract properties, i guess they pretty much have to send you a new new SIM card for free. At least here it works this way
Thank you...
The problem is that I dont have a contract and the only way for them to upgrade my sim to 3G is when i sign up. Curently I have 1000 min, nights and weekends from 7pm, free mobile to mobile, free long distance and free incoming SMS. Its highly unlikely that any one of you would give that up and pay more money for less minutes and less services. Right? Thank you. at this point i think im fine with what I have got, in addition to not needing 3G at all. by the way, i think that this program Bandswitch is doing a good job keeping me of 3G. Thank you.
Yarikd said:
The problem is that I dont have a contract and the only way for them to upgrade my sim to 3G is when i sign up.
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Click to collapse
I never had to 'upgrade' my sim to 3G, nor sign a new contract. I just took my old GSM SE phone in to ask about service, and they asked if I would like a sim swap to the latest.. Sure, done.
Now works fine with the Kaiser, and never did any form of 3G 'upgrade'.
NuShrike said:
I never had to 'upgrade' my sim to 3G, nor sign a new contract. I just took my old GSM SE phone in to ask about service, and they asked if I would like a sim swap to the latest.. Sure, done.
Now works fine with the Kaiser, and never did any form of 3G 'upgrade'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you part of the old ATT Blue network? Cingular actually started giving out 3g cards in early 2006 in my area. I got one with my 8125 where they FIRST came out. So it's possible if you've gotten a phone since then and now that your card is already 3g...
Nate731 said:
Were you part of the old ATT Blue network? Cingular actually started giving out 3g cards in early 2006 in my area. I got one with my 8125 where they FIRST came out. So it's possible if you've gotten a phone since then and now that your card is already 3g...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I think it may be important to be on the 'orange network' because 3G never existed for the old at&t wireless 'blue'.
I was always part Cingular, and did go through the free-sim upgrade, but got another one when I just walked in after that.
Well I'm in malaysia, Using Maxis 3G network. I also having problem same symptoms like you guys. What do i realize sometime it give my device freeze for sometime. But the freeze just like for few second. And what do i realize when 3G appear our phone signal become weak. From full bar drop to 2 or 1 bar.
Did u guys having this issue too?
My simcard is 128k if im not mistake.
See this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=335074
Most likely the same problem. RMA ahead.
Try this on your phone settings (dialer --> menu --> options) on the network tab is network selection set to automatic? i was experimenting with my phone to see if i could get a better signal and set it to manual and choose my network but when im no a 3G connection its called 3G T-mobile and when not its just called T-mobile and on the manual list its just called T-Mobile so each time i got a 3G connection it would lose signal completely and start searching for i think T-mobile not 3G T-mobile the moment i set it back to Auto and soft-reset it worked fine again.
my phone did this at first, and all i had to do was get a new SIM. they didn't charge me a dime for it at the att store, but if they ask just tell them your phone won't connect and that it's a problem with your SIM
I have the same problem and have a new phone on the way. I already have a 3G sim card.
When you call, they'll probably make you hard reset your phone. Just a heads up.
I have the Diamond from the Rogers network in Canada. It is SIM unlocked and constantly flashed with a variety of different ROMs. I am on the Fido network in Canada, which was purchased by the Rogers network. Ever since Rogers bought Fido, every phone I put my SIM in shows roaming.
Fido has been no help in solving the roaming problem. I have gone through this and many forums and have not found a solution to this problem.
Many individuals have claimed that this is not possible and that it is defined by the network; however, I think the Windows Mobile OS can be tricked to thinking that it is on the home network, due to the following: I have a Samsung SGH-i616 originally from the Rogers network. I have SIM unlocked it and flashed it with the Fido Windows Mobile 6.1 ROM. This phone does not show that it is roaming. Everything works like it is on the home network for this phone.
I am willing to give US$100 to whoever could make a CAB or something that will trick the phone into thinking that it is not roaming. The fix should not just hide the roaming icon. It should make the phone work as if it was on a home network.
Who is willing to solve this problem and claim the fabulous reward???
Everyone that uses an HTC device with Fido suffers from this problem. I know that people on the Telfort network suffer from this roaming problem too. Surely, I am not the only one that has been severely annoyed by this right?
Dude, have a look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=503131&highlight=roaming see if that helps.
Thanks for the tip. Have looked into the thread before. Does not offer any help in defining a network as a home network.
If it helps in fixing my problem, all the files on my Samsung i616 (RILGSM.Dll files and such) are at their disposal.
try this (just throwing it out there)
hklm\software\microsoft\mds\cebits\roaming and set it to zero
i see some other registry settings but they do not look like they could be applicable.
Didn't have a registry entry there. Created a new dword called Roaming with value of 0. Rebooted my phone. Still the same. Roaming
Have you tried that other app No Data mentioned in that previous post?
Tried the No Data app. Does not trick phone into thinking it is not roaming. It disables data when roaming. Since my phone thinks it is roaming all the time, it successfully turns off data in my home network.
hameedx said:
I have the Diamond from the Rogers network in Canada. It is SIM unlocked and constantly flashed with a variety of different ROMs. I am on the Fido network in Canada, which was purchased by the Rogers network. Ever since Rogers bought Fido, every phone I put my SIM in shows roaming.
Fido has been no help in solving the roaming problem. I have gone through this and many forums and have not found a solution to this problem.
Many individuals have claimed that this is not possible and that it is defined by the network; however, I think the Windows Mobile OS can be tricked to thinking that it is on the home network, due to the following: I have a Samsung SGH-i616 originally from the Rogers network. I have SIM unlocked it and flashed it with the Fido Windows Mobile 6.1 update. This phone does not show that it is roaming. Everything works like it is on the home network for this phone.
I am willing to give US$100 to whoever could make a CAB or something that will trick the phone into thinking that it is not roaming. The fix should not just hide the roaming icon. It should make the phone work as if it was on a home network.
Who is willing to solve this problem and claim the fabulous reward???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would you like to pay ?
WU or Paypall !!!
If you are able to solve my problem, I will pay you in any method you prefer. PayPal or Western Union is fine by me. Heck, I'll even put dollar bills in an envelope and post it to you if you prefer
A friend of mine is suffering from the same problem and is willing to give $25 to have the problem solved. So the reward is now $125.
If anyone else is having this problem, please put forward your pledge so that an enterprising developer can fix this issue and claim the large bounty.
I was looking for the EXACT same thing and I guess it means there's no solution?
Like you, I'm a Fido customer using a Rogers smartphone (Touch) and it always shows I'm roaming ... some programs can get around it, others cannot, and I get asked "Do you want to enable data connection when roaming? It may cost you." every time.
I'm also having the same problem. It's quite common in Norway, where a couple of big companies own the networks and the other providers "roam" in their network. Annoying.
Maybe you should contact Rogers to get a SIM card of them? Since Rogers bought Fido, so maybe you should get a Rogers card?
I am also having a roaming issue. I have nation wide coverage but when I get out of the state of Wisconsin, I start roaming. I get warnings about I am roaming and additional charges may apply when I open, send, or receive on email, internet, youtube, facebook ... pretty much anything data. I have an unlimited data plan so this shouldn't be an issue? I have nation wide coverage...
Gah! How to disable these warnings? Some adv. config / tweak program or registry edit?
Cybot12999 said:
Maybe you should contact Rogers to get a SIM card of them? Since Rogers bought Fido, so maybe you should get a Rogers card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't put a Rogers SIM on the Fido network. Will get a validation error.
Does anybody have any input on how to get this issue fixed. I am very close to canceling my contract with my carrier over this problem
Same Trouble here in Montreal with my Rogers Diamond Phone (unlocked) and SIM fido.
ALWAYS ROAMING Grrrr
And I can't setup e-mail correctly and no home network to!
KaNiMziE
I also have recently activated an HTC Diamond on Fido, and constantly have the roaming icon above. It doesn't really bother me at all, however, I am just concerned about actual roaming charged. Roaming should be defined by the cell towers, correct? So, even though it displays a roaming icon, I am not really roaming at home, and therefore, will not be charged. Could anyone confirm?
I have a T-Mo tab/T-Mo contracted service (for another year) running OC Hermes (which totally rocks!).
Problem is, I want to use my Tab as my phone (light phone use, but I need it to ring and answer it when I need it, hence I have to lose T-Mo/modem switch. I need 3G data - who doesn't? Use is in Domestic US with Europe for a month out of the year - seems simple enough.
I have a depricated VZ Winmo 6.5 device with my "real" number, and found a 3rd party SIM (Tru) that will let you port your number, and provide "reasonable" cost US Domestic and European Voice and Data roaming, so I can get voice/data service and keep my number.
Now I just need to figure out which Tab to buy:
Can the AT&T Tab be customized to work with voice and 3G data simultaneously without modem/switching, and if so, on which SIM/Network(s) in the US other than AT&T?
If I were to replace my T-Mo Unit, should I buy the AT&T or the European Tab?
Will either get this done? Thanks all in advance for any help.
- Cathy
would also like to know the answer to this...
T-mobile tab with t-mobile sim:
Voice, sms, mms, and EDGE data **or** 3g data only.
Flash any rom besides stock to get the dialer capability. Use the Rotohammer modem switch to go between these options. If you are on the 3g mode the phone won't ring, your caller will get the same thing as if they called you when your phone was turned off. You have to delete a system folder to enable web browsing.
At&t tab with at&t sim:
Voice, sms, mms, 3g data, no switch necessary.
Flash any rom besides stock to get the dialer capability. No system files to tinker with.
#####At&t tab with at&t sim is the easiest, best option for a complete phone and data experience.
Thank you @Rangercaptain!
@Rangercapain, you are a gentleman and a scholar!
I thought AT&T did both now, but the info on the boards conflicts, some because it is dated before you fine folks figured this all out, and some because newer users haven't flashed a custom ROM, but I wanted to be sure before sinking another $350 into a dead-end with the telephony.
I was contemplating the SGSII but at $700 US and without Alter's incredible ROM for everything else, it wasn't going to work, and I really don't want two devices.
I realize T-Mo is on the funky 1700 band here so I knew non-T-Mo SIMs were likely only going to get me 2G, but I wasn't sure about AT&T.
If I go with the AT&T Tab, do you know if the 3rd party SIMs like SimpleMobile or Tru Mobile will also do both 3G and voice? AT&T rapes you like everyone else US domestic on Euro Roaming Data ($15/mb is insanity), and I was foolishly hopiing for a SIM that I could use here and in Europe without re-mortaging the house!
Can I determine this definitively by confirming the GSM bands specified by the SIM reseller?
Thank you thank you thank you
My at&t voice, unlimited text, and 2 gigs of data is $35 per month. Like you said, don't use the pay as you go, because that is crazy. Have you seen the Walmart phone/data pay as you go - Straight Talk I think. I will check it out and post back here.
SimpleMobile is exactly the same as T-mobile, so not good with at&t tab or euro tab. I haven't heard of TruMobile. Just google "trumobile frequencies". You want to see 1900/900 or 1900/850.
Straight Talk is a no-go. They sell phones, not sim cards.
rangercaptain said:
T-mobile tab with t-mobile sim:
At&t tab with at&t sim:
Voice, sms, mms, 3g data, no switch necessary.
Flash any rom besides stock to get the dialer capability. No system files to tinker with.
#####At&t tab with at&t sim is the easiest, best option for a complete phone and data experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have a minimum data plan requirement? have an ATT iphone4 with the $15 200MB data plan. can i just put my iphone simcard on the GalTab? will i get the dreaded text messages from BIG BROTHER? or will it suffice? or will i be asked to upgrade to a higher data plan?
TIA
jeraldyne
tanjeraldyne said:
does it have a minimum data plan requirement? have an ATT iphone4 with the $15 200MB data plan. can i just put my iphone simcard on the GalTab? will i get the dreaded text messages from BIG BROTHER? or will it suffice? or will i be asked to upgrade to a higher data plan?
TIA
jeraldyne
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can put that sim in your tab, and you won't get the dreaded message. They are after unlimited iphone plans. But you will BURN through 200mb in about 20 minutes. Study your at&t bill, then add 1gig for $15, or 2gigs for $25 (my plan).
Tru Mobile is at&t compatable, but the data works out to $350 per gigabyte.
Global SIMs
@Rangercaptain -
You are right about the data cost, but overseas, that is a "bargain" compared to roaming rates even on AT&T. They have a fixed data rate for "business" customers that is pretty competitive ($30/month 500mb in the US, $60 if you are in the UK or AUS, and they are adding 20 more countries in 2012). I may try them for a little while (till I return in late September) since I can always go to AT&T later (there is no contract) if I want to.
Did AT&T let you get a SIM for the tab that does both voice and data without any gripes? Maybe I can just go AT&T, port my number over, and get a MaxRoam for overseas.
I have been researching this like crazy, and at .80 Euro/MB they are about the cheapest I could find for "global" roaming, but they are one of those pay-go cos that eat your balance if you don't use it.
We are in 11 countries (a cruise) and there is no feasible way to buy a SIM in every port, or all I will have seen at the end of this odyssey will have been a ton of Vodaphone stores .
Thank you so much again!
I bought the tab at a retail store and told them I didn't want any contract. A few days later I added a 2 gig per month data and voice plan to a family plan. I told them it was for an android phone I had at home. They gave me the sim and I went out, and put it in the tab, and whammo! So sweet, 3g and voice.
When you are overseas there are so many pay as you go options, but yes, it could involve a lot of phone shops. No way to buy vodafone or orange sim and pay the roaming? And I'm guessing the cruise ship and hotels will have wifi for free. There are methods to make voice calls when you are on awifi connection, called skype.