It is a small postage stamp-sized chip that connects your phone to the wireless network – and assigns your phone number.

Accept a SIM Card (Mini, Micro or Nano): Without a SIM card (or “chip” as they are known here) your phone won’t work on any of the networks.

Sometimes they can be unlocked by a piece of software. Unlocked phones are generally sold new as such. This means that you can only use them with that specific carrier. In the US most phones that come with a plan are locked – or blocked. If it isn’t unlocked you won’t be able to connect to the network in Ecuador. Phones that will work internationally should be listed something like this: “US/International 3G compatibility via 850/900/1700/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA plus GPRS/EDGE capabilities.” Ecuador also uses the EDGE network – it seems that it defaults down if 3G isn’t available in a specific area. Just make sure that they use the 850 frequency.

It seems that phones that work with GSM will also work with 3G. Often the phones will be listed like this: “Unlocked quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies.” In the cities in Ecuador, you can get 3G connections. There are lots of frequencies used worldwide – but to work in Ecuador you just need the 850 frequency.

GSM 850 (or 3G 850) frequency. This is important so that the phone can use Ecuador’s cell infrastructure.How’s the Cell Phone Service in Ecuador? (3 Carriers).Ecuador’s Cell Plans or Planes Postpago.Ecuador’s Prepaid Cell Service or Planes Prepago.Can I “Unlock” My Cell Phone in Ecuador?.Cell Phone Importation is Banned in Ecuador.Are Cell Phones Really More Expensive in Ecuador?.3 Things Your Phone Must Have in Ecuador.

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