Roaming Data SIMs & Older Phones: What You Need to Know!

The Reason of Not Recommend for Phones Released Before 2021 or Priced Below RM1000

When traveling overseas, staying connected is always important, and many travelers option for GoGo Roaming data SIM cards as a convenient solution. However, we not recommend to the phones released before 2021 or those priced below RM1000. There are several important technical and practical reasons as below :

1. 3G Network Shutdown Worldwide

One of the biggest reasons older and budget smartphones struggle with international roaming is the widespread shutdown of 3G networks. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and parts of Europe, have already switched off their 3G services. Other regions are also gradually phasing out 3G in favor of 4G LTE and 5G networks.

Older phones, especially those released before 2021, were designed to rely heavily on 3G for voice and data services. If your phone only supports 3G or has limited 4G compatibility, it may not work properly in countries where 3G has been decommissioned. This could leave you without mobile data, even if you insert a roaming SIM card.

2. Limited Network Compatibility Due to Different Frequency Bands

Every country uses different frequency bands for mobile networks, and not all smartphones support the required bands. Premium smartphones from well-known brands like Apple and Samsung are designed with a wide range of global bands, allowing seamless network compatibility in most countries. However, older and budget-friendly phones often have limited band support.

For example, a phone sold in Malaysia may work perfectly with Malaysian network providers but may not support the frequency bands used in the United States or Japan. If your device does not support the right frequency, it will struggle to connect to 4G LTE networks abroad, rendering your roaming SIM card useless.

3. Poor Hardware Performance and Limited Software Updates

Phones priced below RM1000 often come with lower-end hardware, including older-generation modems that may not perform well on international networks. These budget models also tend to receive fewer software updates, which can lead to compatibility issues when trying to connect to newer network technologies overseas.

Many budget smartphones also lack essential features such as VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which are necessary for making calls in countries where 3G has been shut down. Without these features, even basic communication through roaming SIM cards may be problematic.

4. Higher Risk of Connectivity Issues and Slower Internet Speed

Even if an older or budget smartphone connects to a foreign network, it may not be able to utilize high-speed 4G or 5G data due to hardware limitations. This results in slower internet speeds, frequent disconnections, or even an inability to access mobile data at all. A roaming SIM card is only as good as the device it is used in, and a phone with weak hardware will not deliver a smooth experience.

Conclusion

In summary, phones manufactured before 2021 or priced below RM1000 are not recommended for use with roaming data SIM cards due to their reliance on outdated 3G networks, limited frequency band compatibility, and lack of support for modern network technologies. To ensure a seamless and reliable experience when traveling abroad, it is advisable to use a newer device that supports 4G/LTE and 5G networks, a wide range of frequency bands, and advanced features like VoLTE and carrier aggregation.

To ensure smooth and hassle-free connectivity, we recommend using a more recent mid-range or flagship phone with broad network support and up-to-date technology.