How to Use a Prepaid SIM With an AirCard
- 1). Purchase a prepaid SIM card. Make sure that the prepaid SIM includes unlimited data so you can make best use of your AirCard while traveling. Remember, you can only swap SIM cards if you have an AirCard that uses the GSM standard. In the United States, GSM service is offered by AT&T and T-Mobile, so you are covered if you use one of these two carriers.
- 2). Unplug your AirCard. If the AirCard is currently attached to a computer, end the data connection and unplug it.
- 3). Remove the SIM card. Depending on the type of AirCard you have, the SIM card may be obstructed by a cover that must be removed. The card is located in a small slot. The slot may be spring loaded, meaning the SIM card will pop out simply by pushing on it, or you may need to pull out the SIM card using your fingers.
- 4). Insert the prepaid SIM card. Slide the new SIM card into place by pushing it in. Ensure that the prepaid SIM card was activated when you purchased it. The SIM card will identify your AirCard with a different wireless network, so you may or may not have a signal with the prepaid SIM, depending on where you are physically located at the time of installation.
- 5). Plug in your AirCard. Plug the AirCard back into the computer and launch your preferred AirCard connection software. Verify that the prepaid SIM card has a signal. If you are in the country where the prepaid SIM card offers service, see if you can connect to the Internet. If you are outside of the prepaid carrier's service area, simply wait until you travel abroad to test the SIM card.
