"What Is A Dual SIM Cell Phone And How Do They Work?"
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Many Made-in-China Cell Phones take "dual SIM cards". But major wireless cell phone manufacturers like Samsung, Nokia and Motorola have
been slow to catch up. This is one reason why many people do not know much about
the possibilities of using two SIM cards at the same time in one mobile phone.
What is dual SIM?
Dual SIM means the phone can hold and use two SIM
cards in the same handset. Each SIM card has its own phone number and may be
from totally different networks. The phone keeps both SIMs - i.e. both numbers-
switched on at all times, so you can make and receive calls on either of the two
numbers.
How does dual SIM work?
The answer to this question all depends on the phone. Some types of unlocked
phone have two CPUs (central processing units, the part of the phone that does
the ‘thinking’) which allow them to make two calls at the
same time. You can receive signals for both numbers.
Not all dual SIM card phones have two CPUs and this can have two results for
consumers. If the phone has "call secretary" software, or your carrier has an
"online call secretary" service, then when another call
comes in, and you're busy, the incoming call will go to voicemail. If no such software or option
exists on your GSM dual mobile then the other caller will just be told that your
line is busy.
So can I take two phone calls at the same time on a dual SIM phone?
If your phone has two CPUs (check the description in Chinavasion's mobile
phones category) it means you can have two calls open at the same time. If
your phone only has one CPU, it means you can only call out or receive a call on
one phone number at a time.
Who really needs Dual SIM?
The most-commonly given reasons are for coverage,
economy and convenience.
- Coverage:
Some networks have weak signal in some areas, but switching to another cell
provider can solve the problem. Using two different networks can maximise
your chances of having a good signal everywhere.
- Economy:
Some deals with cell phone providers give you great calling-out rates, and
other networks give you other benefits like free call receiving, lots of
free SMS messages, etc. By using two different networks you can save money
by using the cheapest features of each deal.
- Convenience:
Many people have one phone number for work, and another for personal use,
particularly if their job provides a free mobile phone subscription. Even if
you pay for both SIMs, it can be nice to keep home and work totally
separate. It's also useful for anyone wanting to lead a "double
life", without having to open your phone constantly to switch SIMs!
Do both numbers in Dual SIM share the same memory?
Yes, Both numbers share the same contact list (if it is saved on your phone) and SMS
inbox, so finding contacts and messages is easy.
How does a dual SIM phone switch from one SIM card to another?
When you’re using a wireless cell phone with two SIM cards when making
calls is usually done by either pressing a button or making a menu selection. In
some cases, the cell phone handset will have different "pick up/ put
down" buttons for the two different SIM cards to enable quick choosing of
which SIM to use to dial out a number.
When your dual mobile is receiving calls then it’s simply "first
come first served" and the caller who gets in contact with you first talks to you
first, regardless of which SIM their details are on.
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