Roaming in Maui

[martik777]

I need 15 days of access.  Looked at Airalo for data but would like text/calls too. I see an add-on for text for only 10 days but there's a warning about access:

"Important: As of February 22nd, 2022, United States (U.S.) carriers have started turning down certain 3G/HSPA networks. As a result, customers using U.S. roaming add-ons will be impacted by differences in coverage or service quality (including 9-1-1 calls) when roaming in the U.S."

Does this mean it might not work in Hawaii?

[hTideGnow]

Hi @martik777 TextNow is one of the better one already 

But keep in mind, some free wifi, like those in malls or restaurants, might block VoIP app so it  could be a problem with the free WiFi and not thr app.   But hotel wifi usually do not block VoIP app.  Or use local prepaid data.

You can also try Fongo.  But Fongo is more buggy than TextNow

[martik777]

Last time I used textfree or textnow the VOIP was unusable. Any others better?

[dust2dust]

@darlicious- I didn't buy data this time.

[darlicious]

@dust2dust 

Interesting as far as I understood data speed while Roaming is whatever the roaming partner offers as they cannot throttle (or unthrottle)data speeds to each partner's data speed offered to their customers. Why not try an unscientific test? I will be out in about in an hour. Choose a video (song) to play on youtube. Give me your choice and I will play the same song (give me the link) and we can compare data usage.

[dust2dust]

@darlicious- Not sure what the problem is for me in the other thread. The other thread had a mention of full speed 4G LTE.

Let's see if it can go here.

On the last day of roaming data yesterday I did some speedtests. About 3mbps. The speedtest always wanted to use a Telus server in Vancouver. I tried finding and using a Maui one but things still insisted on Vancouver. Or Shaw in Vancouver of all things.

I think it has to do with the APN and the originating provider. Or the ip address assigned. I tried making a T-Mobile APN but it wouldn't save or be selectable. I wasn't going to hack around too much as this is the spouse phone. Maybe a VPN might have had different results but then there'd be the VPN lag.

[darlicious]

@martik777 

The only concern with US Roaming is voice calling as pm uses the 3G network for calling however voice calls will also work on T-Mobile's 2G network where there is coverage. Currently @dust2dust is in Maui and has been testing the US Roaming options there for the community and has had very good coverage for all services offered by pm. You can read more about US Roaming in the link below and @dust2dust 's observations near the end of that thread.

https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/Get-Support/US-Roaming-Add-ons-Decommissioning-of-US-...

[Yummy]

Will it work will depend on your luck. You can get US add-on and if it does not work ask for refund.

I would more rely on voip apps than on US add-on for calls/SMS.

[BKNS27]

@martik777 

Airalo operates on eSIM so depending if your phone works on eSIM.

Not sure what frequency Airalo operates on.

[dust2dust]

I'm currently in north-west Maui. It all works perfectly fine here. T-Mobile only (as anywhere). Obviously as with any carrier there may be blank spots of coverage here and there. The add-ons are only 10 days though. Re-buying is messy. Come back here and ask about it if you need more.

[Outdoorsman]

@martik777 hi if you are using Airalo for data then download a texting app like textnow for your texting and calling needs 

[HALIMACS]

It's supposed to work, @martik777 

When there, be sure to use T-Mobile as the preferred network provider.

To be certain, consider purchasing a local pre-paid SIM card on a 30-day plan.   Much better data components and reliable calling.

[Quigley]

@martik777 

Yes that's right it might work depending where you are. It could be spotty.

You'll be way better off getting a cheap local sim card and plan that includes calling and texting.    You can also use a VoIP app when on wifi, as a backup up plan.