Adafruit has stepped into the phone - business! Now, you can buy both a FONA and a SIM card in one place. With these Ting GSM SIM cards, transform your FONA project into a fully - functional cell phone just with your maker skills and a quick visit to their website. Ting is an alternative cell phone provider. They believe that the services of companies like Verizon or T - Mobile are too impersonal and complex. Ting works with almost all unlocked GSM devices, especially our FONAs. It's in 'open beta', so you can easily buy a SIM card, activate it, and start using it right away. It operates on the T - Mobile GSM network, which has no shutdown plans (unlike AT&T's GSM network that might end in 2017). This means you can use it for your IoT project or GSM phone for years. One of the best things about Ting is that you only pay for what you use. For example, if your FONA - enabled mailbox is set to call you when you get mail, but you don't receive any for a month, you won't be charged for the non - existent calls. We think it's ideal for IoT and DIY cellular projects, offering a great alternative to standard carriers. Currently, these SIM cards are only available to USA customers. They are unactivated, and you need to activate them with a credit card upon receipt (it's super easy, we did it in about 4 minutes). The SIM doesn't come with extra service or'minutes'. Once activated, you'll be billed for voice, data, and text messages at very reasonable rates. All billing is through Ting, and Adafruit only sells the SIM card. These cards are for single - number use. Once a phone number is associated with it, you can't change it. However, they are affordable, so they're a great option if you need multiple phone numbers. With the Ting online account dashboard and the official Ting app, you have full control over your account, usage, and bill.
Using your Ting GSM 2G SIM card is easy. First, make sure your device is an unlocked GSM device, especially if it's a FONA from Adafruit. Once you receive the SIM card, head to the Ting website. You'll need a credit card to activate it, and it should only take about 4 minutes. After activation, you can start using it for data, voice, and text on the T - Mobile GSM network. Remember, you only pay for what you use. So, if you're using it for a DIY project like a mailbox alert, and there's no activity, you won't be charged. These SIM cards are for single - number use. Once you associate a phone number with the card, it can't be changed. But since they're affordable, it's a good option if you need multiple numbers. To manage your account, use the Ting online account dashboard or the official Ting app. Check it regularly to keep track of your usage and bill. There's no need to worry about the network shutting down soon as it operates on the T - Mobile GSM network. Just keep your device in good condition and handle the SIM card carefully to ensure smooth service.
