In order to use the phone parts of FONA you will need a SIM card. Luckily, there's a phone store in every town in America! You can get a pre-paid or post-paid SIM but we kinda like the pre-paid kind.

A 2G or 3G Mini SIM card is required to use the module. Nearly any cell phone shop can sell you a SIM card. Luckily, every SIM we've seen is 2G or 3G so you are good to go!

The FONA 800 and 808's use a 2G SIM only. Make sure you're using a SIM that can do 2G. In the USA, that's a T-Mobile or reseller

The FONA 3G can use either 2G or 3G. These modules will only work with AT&T in 3G mode. Unfortunately, AT&T is deprecating its 2G network, so you will only be able to use this module in 3G mode with AT&T.  If you want to use it with 2G, use T-Mobile

MicroSIMs won't fit - so make sure its a "Mini" SIM. Sometimes these are just called plain "SIM" cards since the huge-size SIMs are rarely used. Mini SIMs are 1" x 0.6" / 25mm x 15mm. these are by far the most common size.

Adafruit now sells the TING SIM card, a 2G+3G SIM that works great with all FONAs, and has a great billing system as well, where you only pay what you use!

You do not need to bring in or show your FONA to the Cell Phone store. Just tell them you need a Mini SIM for a cellphone and it's at home.

Some suggestions from FONA users!

This guide was first published on Aug 21, 2015. It was last updated on Aug 21, 2015.

This page (Obtaining a SIM) was last updated on Aug 21, 2015.

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