weak signal, only receiving text, no voice connections at all

[angryoldcuss]

Everything was fine, for years. Over the last year signal has gotten weaker, and now it has become worse. Even if I go outside and go some place high up to get 5 bars, it fails to connect for voice. It just keeps dialing and dialing until it times out. Cannot connect to voicemail. I notifies me when I get one recorded. But I cannot connect to listen to it.

And this web site is worse than awful. It just keeps sending me around in circles. If this doesn't improve I will be going elsewhere. I have no choice. I live alone and am 69 years old, and I *need* my phone to work.

[angryoldcuss]

What is involved in 'activating' a *new* sim?

I was hoping to avoid that buy finding a phone that will accept the SIM from my old phone.

[angryoldcuss]

Thanks for your input. I think there are at least 3 sizes of physical SIMS as well as the new digital SIM. The reason I'm paying attention to the size is precisely is because I hope to find one that *can* use my existing SIM card. I'm hoping to avoid any complications of trying to get a new SIM to work. I happen to have the 12mm x 15mm physical SIM, so if anyone can recommend a good dumb phone that uses that size of SIM I would welcome the input. I also would like it to be a new phone because I don't like buying used electronics of any kind.

[hairbag1]

---

@angryoldcuss wrote:

Thanks. I'm trying to find one right now. The SIM cards come in a few flavours it seems. Trying to find a good one with the same size SIM card.

---

I don't think you need a new sim...just get a new ( or refurbished ) cellphone. Your old sim will likely work just fine. If there's a Mobile Klinik in your area, give them a call and ask about refurbished cellphones.

[hTideGnow]

hi @angryoldcuss all PM sim card are pretty much  the same 

Buy a PM physical sim card from Telus or Koodo or Mobile Klinik stores or via Amazon:

 Telus or Koodo or Mobile Klinik store https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/pick-up-SIM
Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/Public-prepaid-postpaid-Activate-Allinone/

[angryoldcuss]

Thanks. I'm trying to find one right now. The SIM cards come in a few flavours it seems. Trying to find a good one with the same size SIM card.

[hairbag1]

---

@angryoldcuss wrote:

Yes I have, please see above. I've been wanting a new one, but dread the headaches of getting the new one to work.

---

Once you get a newer cellphone, you just remove the PM sim from the old phone and install in new phone...that's it. The tough part will just be learning to navigate the new cellphone features, but your PM talk/text/data will work just fine. If you have any doubts....be aware that there's a room full of old guys here to help you figure things out.

[slusagm]

i meant if you open support ticket with PM, they might not be able to help much, they will ask you to upgrade your phone

[angryoldcuss]

What is PM support?

[slusagm]

get a ZTE Cymbal 2, cheap but reliable phone and works 

[slusagm]

with Galaxy SIII being so many years ago, the reception issue could be a phone problem instead of the network.  And I am certain PM support won't be able to do much.  Time for a new phone 🙂

[angryoldcuss]

That is exactly right. I don't run any apps (I'm fond of my privacy) and was hoping to get a "dumb phone". Do you know if they work with my existing SIM?

[hTideGnow]

hi @angryoldcuss 

S3 is a bit too old.  It is a 12 years old phone!!

if you use it as a smart phone, it probably not safe and you likely cannot install apps, and browser not able to access many sites

if you are not using it as a smartphone, probably better to spend $100 for a old style clam shell phone

[angryoldcuss]

Yes I have, please see above. I've been wanting a new one, but dread the headaches of getting the new one to work.

[angryoldcuss]

Yes, it is an old Galaxy S III, and is not on the list of instructions for resetting the network settings. Should this SIM work in another phone?

[hTideGnow]

hi @angryoldcuss 

what phone you have? could be a problem with 3G and VoLTE.  Maybe your phone is not on the VoLTE whitelist and you don't have good 3G coverage now where you are

try Reset Network Settings and see if that helps

or try your sim card in another phone

[hairbag1]

@angryoldcuss 

have you had the same cellphone for years too...maybe time to upgrade if it's an oldster.