MrWeasley

Does anyone have an idea of the areas in France where there is only one type of service? We can get a phone with 900 on it for free (have to get sim card) or buy one with 1800 on it for fairly cheap. (we may find a deal for a 900-1800 yet).
Anyway we are going to Paris, the Loire valley near Tours, and Rouen (and places in between)
Thanks for any info.
Lewis

carcassone

Check out the following thread. There is some discussion about frequencies toward the end:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34508311

rkkwan

The problem isn't with area, but with which carrier you want to use. From what I'm reading, Bouygues uses a 1800 network, Orange (France Telecom) uses 900, while SFR a 900/1800. So, if you get a 900MHz phone, then don't get a Bouygues SIM card. If you get a 1800 phone, then don't get a Orange SIM.

Robert2533

Why not just forget the hassle and purchase a dual-mode or tri-mode phone that you can use with your current service provider, or switch to a service provider that can offer you service when you're in Europe and who will unlock the phone so that all you need to do is pick up a Sim card from SFR, Videophone, or MoviStar. We have been using T-Mobile for three years now with no problems and the international service has been well above average, but since we travel several times a year, we also have a rechargeable Spanish cell phone and pick up an SFR Sim card when needed.

xyz123

Second the advice...

Get a dual band (make sure it is 900/1800) or a tri band (this is the stick one, make sure it is not from either Cingular or AT&T WS as their phones have to put in 850 and so they knock out 900, American stupidity at work as usual)...BTW Orange FR uses both 900 and 1800 as does SFR.