Is my Galaxy S6 already unlocked to use a SIM in Iceland

[Jon777]

I am traveling to Iceland. When I asked to have my phone unlock code so I can purchase a SIM in Iceland, I was told you don't give unlocking codes. However your Device Unlocking Policy says:

"

• We do not lock our 4G LTE devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier.

"

What is correct? Can I use a third party prepaid SIM in Iceland to use my Samsung Galaxy S6. I have a regular plan with a two year contract. I believe that constitutes a "postpaid" plan.

[Ann154 · Accepted solution]

The phone is SIM unlocked from the factory. You should be able to use another carrier's SIM card in the phone. However you might not be fully compatible with the that carrier's network they use different frequencies then VZW.

[Acrillix]

The Samsung Galaxy S6 runs off of CDMA and GSM capability. I have listed and explained the compatibility below.

CDMA (CDMA is the acronym for Code Division Multiple Access. CDMA is a technology for digital transmission of radio signal that allows multiple frequencies to be used simultaneously):

4G LTE 700Mhz Capable

Band 13 - 700MHz

Band 3 - 1800MHz

Band 4 - 1700MHz

Band 7 - 2600MHz

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is a digital cellular standard based on narrowband Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) used primarily in Europe and some other countries. Primarily a TDMA cellular voice service, though data services are offered over GSM):

Dual Band 900/1800 Mhz

Quad Band 850/900/1800/1900 mHz

GSM 1800Mhz

GSM 1900Mhz

GSM 850Mhz

GSM 900Mhz

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a part of the International Telecommunications Union's IMT-2000 vision of a global family of third generation (3G) mobile communications systems. This version of 3G is a WCDMA technology being developed primarily by Europe's GSM community. UMTS is the planned 3G technology for GSM networks worldwide):

UMTS 1900Mhz

UMTS 2100Mhz

UMTS 850Mhz

UMTS 900Mhz

Now I know ^that probably makes no sense, but its OK because for Iceland you have the following:

Iceland:

Nova - Supports UMTS 900/2100

Siminn hf - Supports GSM 900/1800 UMTS 900/2100 LTE B3

Vodafone (Teymi) - Supports GSM 900/1800 UMTS 900/2100 LTE B3 B20

Siminn/Iceland Telecom LTE - Supports GSM 900/1800

International / Global 4G LTE Capable

International Travel

Ready for use in over 220 countries

Quad Band UMTS

So what does this mean?

Your phone will be able to use:

Nova (1 band)

Siminn hf (4 bands)

Vodafone Teymi (4 bands)

Siminn/Iceland Telecom LTE (2 bands)

So the more bands = the better chance of getting the best service. So, you should try to connect to Siminn hf and Vodafone Teymi while in Iceland.

To change carriers follow these instructions:

Settings>Mobile Networks>Data Roaming ACcess>Allow for all Trips; Mobile Networks>Network Mode>LTE/UMTS/GSM; Mobile Networks>Network Operators>Manual>Select Carrier

Hope this helped!

By the way yes your phone is unlocked, but the compatibility is the only issue you may experience if you do choose to use an International SIM Card.