I want to buy a 4G « dumb phone »

[Pvkom26]

Hello, 

I am very interested in the idea of purchasing what some people call a « dumb phone » - a basic phone with no access to the internet. I used to think that this is not possible to buy in Canada, but I found quite a few options on AliExpress - cheap, no-name brand phones that are very much reminiscent of the ones I had as a kid.

My personal reasons for this are out of scope of this post, but I am wondering if there are any good solutions on how to go about it with my Public Mobile eSIM? Would it be possible to transform it into a physical SIM (I don’t mind paying $5 for that)? Would it be possible to transform it back into eSIM later and then after some time once again into that same physical SIM? I hope my questions make sense - I’m looking for ways where I could switch back and forth between the dumb phone and my iPhone (maybe once every two weeks).

What do you guys think? is that possible?

My plan B is to just get a new number. Will use that dumb phone on some months of the year, while ignoring Public Mobile service. As long as it’s not three months in a row, I should be fine.

EDIT: I want to clarify what I meant by 4G in the title. 2G and 3G networks are being shut down in Canada as of this year. The phone I’m looking to buy will use 4G network for calls and text but won’t have access to internet functionality.

[Pvkom26]

Thanks a lot, guys! Not the kind of answers I was hoping for, but you saved me time and money; I really appreciate it

[hairbag1 · Accepted solution]

---

@Pvkom26 wrote:

Thank you, that helps a lot!

So the only way to talk outside of 2G and 3G is the VoLTE thing? Are all carriers in Canada offering  VoLTE with the same kind of restrictions? 

---

As of today...sounds like most carriers have restrictive VoLTE lists. 

[Pvkom26]

Thank you, that helps a lot!

So the only way to talk outside of 2G and 3G is the VoLTE thing? Are all carriers in Canada offering  VoLTE with the same kind of restrictions? 

[hTideGnow]

hi @Pvkom26 stay away from those AliExpress phone. Those are designed for Asia market and they don't have the 4G bands we have here and almost certain it won't work on PM's VoLTE 

buy the TCL Flip that Bell and Telus selling, it will compatible with PM network 

[umnikke8]

In short, that plan won't really work.

Yes, afaik you can switch SIMs as often as you want, but you'll have to buy a new one each time, although maybe free if you stick to only eSIMs.

For the imported phones, you'll need to research very carefully to find one that is compatible and fully supported by the network. I think most, if not all, of the phones probably won't be on the VoLTE whitelist, so 4G calling is out and it won't be usable for long.

[hairbag1]

@Pvkom26 

bear in mind...if you need talkabilty; you should only consider cellphones that have VoLTE capable AND VoLTE activated by Public Mobile. The list isn't as long as you'd expect.  Here's some info with a cellphone cheaker at the bottom...

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte

added...I'd hold off on buying from Aliblabla...most (if not all) their cellphnes will not be VoLTE recognised by PM. Stick with a used but newer domestic brand..ie: iPhone 8 or higher. You can get deals on gently used iphones and androids from Mobile Klinik if there's once in your area.