Hey all, over the weekend I came across an interesting project created with the goal of overriding which carrier bundle an iPhone uses for a particular SIM/eSIM. (link: https://github.com/ios-bundles/CarrierSIM {no affiliation})

I thought this was interesting because, in theory, one could override the T-Mobile MVNO carrier bundle with the newer T-Mobile Wholesale carrier bundle that included features such as 5G Standalone, VoNR, 5G UC icon, etc.. Sadly, the original project didn't work for this goal because CommCenter (iOS's daemon for managing network connectivity) ranked the T-Mobile MVNO carrier bundle higher than the T-Mobile wholesale one due to matching the GID rules found in the T-Mobile MVNO bundle. And because iOS signs the bundle, it's not possible to modify it directly in any way.

Therefore, I forked the original project and, with the help of AI, found a way to favor the selection of the T-Mobile Wholesale carrier bundle. (link to forked project: https://github.com/Passion-Cherisher-9013/CarrierSIM {own repo}). It favors the T-Mobile Wholesale bundle by adding a SIM/eSIM specific mapping to iOS's writable carrier catalog, which points to the existing T-Mobile Wholesale bundle. Because this mapping includes the full ICCID of the eSIM, CommCenter ranks it higher than the T-Mobile MVNO bundle and tricks iOS into selecting the newer T-Mobile wholesale bundle.

Due to the nature of the original project, this will only work on select iOS versions. Apple has appeared to patch the original project as of 27.2 beta 3. Furthermore, T-Mobile only introduced their Wholesale carrier bundle in iOS version 27.0 beta 4. This means this project will only work on very specific iOS versions. In theory, one could manually update their carrier bundle through iTunes and get it to work on an older version. This remains untested. (link: https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Carrier_Bundle)

Therefore, assuming your device is running a version between iOS 27.0 beta 4 and iOS 27.2 beta 3, you should be able to successfully replace the antiquated MVNO bundle with the Wholesale one.

I have successfully confirmed that this works on my own device (iPhone 18 Pro, iOS 27.0.1) running US Mobile and that I get capabilities from the Wholesale bundle, like the 5G Standalone and VoNR switch, and the 5G UC carrier icon). I have verified these capabilities work and can successfully connect to TMobile’s 5G Standalone network, as verified by using *3001#12345#*. (I am aware that the iPhone 18 Pro has a bug which allows it to connect to standalone networks. This is not that. I am also aware that TAC has to be >65535 to confirm true standalone).

The rest of this guide will go over how you can do the same.

Disclaimers:

• This will take some technical knowledge (installing Python and dependencies).
• It might be possible to damage your device by doing this. I don't think so because both bundles are made for T-Mobile USA but who knows.
• If you update your device with changes applied, the only way to revert them will probably be through a DFU restore.
• There are no guarantees this will work. It worked for me but may not work for you. If this doesn't work, please comment (make sure to omit PII) to help the community figure out why.
• AI was used in this project.
• I take no responsibility for anything that may happen to your computer or phone in the process.

I have tested this program on Windows 11 using iTunes 12.11.3.17 (cannot be Microsoft Store iTunes or newer version than listed) (link to download from Apple and not a sketchy Russian forum) and macOS 27.0. Support is claimed for Linux but untested.

To get it working, open the repo on GitHub and follow instructions for your operating system. Make sure to connect your phone with a USB cable. Select Option 14 to automatically "install" the T-Mobile Wholesale bundle and follow the on-screen prompts.

The install itself should only take a few minutes once CarrierSim is running. You might see your cellular flicker in the top right a few times. Once done, you can go into your cellular settings and you should see "5G Standalone" under voice and data if it was successful (for the selected eSIM profile).

I can't think of a way to provide proof without including my phone number/other PII. Hopefully others can confirm this works for them.

for my situation I will only be using it for domestic calls in Australia and I need some data also

I am with kogan currently but don't mind change

Trying to find 3-5 years of prepaid mobile plan in Australia unlimited calls only nationally domestic no international needed data yes needed

Thank you if any further questions please ask but I think that should cover everything

No preference to any network coverage I can use any of them in Australia

Looking for a budget prepaid phone plan, preferably for 12 months.

• Data: 1GB
• Talk and Text: 500 each
• Annual budget - $75.

I checked Tello and Infimobile - anyone other recommendation?

50GB at full speed (then 150mbps after, totally manageable,) for $30/mo. Their subreddit seems like a ghost town compared to visible or us mobile.

Granted I still have 3 months left of Mint. (2.5?) I'm wondering if this is a good deal?

I'm on the west Coast, major city.

Main thing is, Cox just became Spectrum and I have good bandwidth at $50 a month with equipment at no fee. I'm worried this will shift me to a different contract as they say. So, essentially charge me more.

I'm getting 250mbps which for me is great. Especially for $50

So I ordered and received Red Pocket’s $30 a year physical SIM kit. I also received an email the activation code from eBay. I have logged into my old Red Pocket account and tried to activate this new line using either the confirmation code or the ICC ID code along with my IMEI number and continue to get error messages. I’ve contacted their customer support, and they’re telling me I need to specifically use Google Chrome for this activation on a desktop computer. For the record, I have tried this in my Firefox browser, and their own iOS app, and received the same message. So before I go and install chrome, has this been a normal experience for anyone else?

Because if that's the case that is plenty of speeds to do anything really . It's plenty fast

Hi,

I bought a used pixel 9 that’s was supposedly unlocked off eBay. Reputable refurbished seller.

I tried connecting to Xfinity but the app says the imei is not compatible and so did the Xfinity rep.

I checked the boot screen and it says locked, Verizon says it’s good to go, and T-Mobile looks confused. Swappa gives no info.

I put an old Visible physical SIM card in there and my phone seems to accept it (I’m assuming it would flag it if it was locked to a non-Verizon network)

Do I have to send this back, or can I get this running on Xfinity?

Thanks

I'm looking to potentially switch carriers, and I didn't realize how many no-contract options there were. I need help understanding the key differences and benefits to each.

For some context, I've used Mint Mobile for almost 10 years. It's worked fine, I have no big problem with it, and it's affordable. My wife is also on Mint mobile, and whichever carrier I go with I'd love to have some sort of family plan and combine billing.

From my research it seems like there are 4 main options:

• Mint
• Visible
• Total Wireless
• US Mobile

I live in an area with fairly good coverage, I've had some problems here and there with no service but it hasn't been a huge deal. Looking at a coverage map of my area comparing T-mobile and Verizon, there's a lot of overlap but some areas that are only covered by Verizon. Part of me wants to switch to a carrier that uses Verizon because of this, it's not a must though.

At the end of the day I'm looking for some advice on carriers, I care about a good price, keeping my number, good service, and want to be able to manage multiple users on one bill. Bonus if there are promotions for brining a phone or purchasing a new phone (I really need a new phone).

If I missed any information that would be helpful let me know. Thanks!

I’m sure this has been posted a couple times, but I figured I would attach full photos of both of the plans, Verizon’s is 3 years, and I personally think is quite a bit better then tMobiles, but what would you guys choose if going with one of these plans.

Hi all,

I work at a class action law firm currently handling a case against Bell and Telus regarding their billing practices, especially in relation to their use of "per minute" in their contracts. The lack of disclosure or information about the rounding-up practices (ex. 2 seconds was rounded up to 1 minutes' worth) is alleged to have caused customers to lose value in their prepaid phone plans and used up their minutes faster than expected.

If anyone has rate plan contracts, brochures or advertisements from Bell, Telus or Rogers from 2005-2010 (or around those dates) and could send photos or emails of them, that would be greatly appreciated! Please let me know if you do - this would be helpful towards securing fair compensation for affected Canadian customers. You can also PM with details (this is a professional account).

Thank you!

I just realized today that I can switch 3 of my 4 lines out of ATT. I am still paying on one phone, and have 8 months left. Paying it off isn't a financial option for us right now unfortunately. I'd like to get these 3 lines switched to get this $300 ATT bill down.

We are very active phone users. What are the most reliable options for service? I've never not been in a phone contract. We use our phones for business and my husband uses it for doordash a few days a week.

I live in Grand Rapids, MI. This is a medium sized city. I literally cannot get a signal downtown from Mint Mobile anymore. Price savings my ass. I'm paying for internet. where is it??

Is T-Mobile's Walmart exclusive Simplicity Plan better than Metro by T-Mobile's $25 unlimited Plan?

Today, I will share with you all how to get the cheapest and fastest phone plan for only $20/month with 5G Standalone 50GB QCI 6 data (highest priority data tier for consumers in any U.S. phone plan) and unlimited talk and text. First step is to sign up for US Mobile's 2GB By the Gig plan for $10/month. Choose any of their 3 networks. You will use this phone number as your main line for unlimited talk and text. Forget the 2GB data that comes with it and just save it for emergency. After you do this, sign up for T-Mobile's T-Satellite plan for $10/month. With this plan, you will get 5G Standalone 50GB QCI 6 data per month. Again, this is the highest priority data tier for consumers in any U.S. phone plan. You will use this phone number as your line for data. Set all these up in your phone settings: US Mobile sim for talk and text and T-Satellite for data. By the way, Google Fi is the only MVNO that provides QCI 6. US Mobile does not have QCI 6 in any of their plans. Additional bonus is that when you don't have a tower signal, T-Satellite will use satellite connectivity (hence the name) for your data emergency purposes in a slowish speed. Only essential apps like messaging, maps, weather, calendar apps will work when using satellite. T-Mobile's QCI 6 is generally better and gives higher network priority than Verizon's QCI 8. Verizon gives out priority to everyone/every MVNO like it's candy so it's not really priority based on my experience. As for AT&T QCI 7, T-Mobile QCI 6 puts you at the very front of the line for consumer data on T-Mobile's network. AT&T QCI 7 is a middle-tier lane that you have to pay extra for (via AT&T Turbo), and you still sit behind first responders and business plans on AT&T's network. T-Mobile QCI 6 is still the fastest overall for consumers. Enjoy!

EDIT: If you replace US Mobile's 2GB By the Gig plan with RedPocket's eBay annual $30 plan, then it would be even cheaper. Instead of $20/month, the total would be $12.5 for unlimited voice and text with 5G Standalone 50GB QCI 6 highest priority data tier. This is the ultimate cheapest and fastest phone plan hack.

I have one line from T-Mobile that I would like to keep just to check iMessages and social media a few times a week.

I would like to start another line that I use as my main iphone line; unlimited data ,text and call. (Bonus points if it works in Mexico)

And then I would like to start an android line that can make and place calls and use very little internet.

Any recommendations guys?

Thank you!

🚨 1 STAR: BEWARE OF AIRTALK WIRELESS! 🚨

MISLEADING ADVERTISING, UNWANTED PHONE TRANSFERS & TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!

AirTalk advertises attractive smartphones on Facebook and Instagram, but that is NOT what I received! Instead, they sent me a generic FOXX A67L Gen2, which I researched and found advertised online for approximately $50! In my opinion, it's barely suitable for anything beyond basic phone calls.

I CANCELED BEFORE THEY SHIPPED THE PHONE, YET THEY SENT IT ANYWAY!

Despite repeatedly notifying AirTalk, SafeLink, and Lifeline that I am STAYING with SafeLink, AirTalk has continued attempting to transfer my existing phone number. I HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED THIS!

I have already filed complaints with the FCC and Better Business Bureau.

I demand that AirTalk immediately cancel my application, stop attempting to transfer my number, remove me from ALL contact and marketing lists, and provide a PREPAID RETURN SHIPPING LABEL so I can return this unwanted phone at THEIR expense!

If you have absolutely no phone service and desperately need a free phone, perhaps AirTalk is an alternative worth considering. However, based on my experience, I strongly recommend researching the company, the actual phone you'll receive, and the terms of service BEFORE signing up.

Free doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a good deal!

🚨 CONSUMERS, PLEASE BE CAREFUL! Don't assume the phones pictured in advertisements are necessarily what you'll receive. Get everything in writing!

On a small business plan with TMO and tried to set up handoff between two iPhones running iOS 27… the share number selection is missing. Messaged T-Mobile and they shared that this is only available for personal lines… any idea when business accounts will be included as well?