Mine came today too, crazy how that works lol. It works fine 
I did have to setup the APN again, but the QR code on the mailer redirected me to the steps of what I needed. So very easy process.
I saw reviews about that free service. Are you not concerned with the constant tracking or heavy battery use?
From what I have read, the new sim is not the typical AT&T mvno sim. Instead, Textnow is now issuing their own sims with the ICCID starting with 8910676. APN numbers for MCC and MNC are now 314 and 730.
So, I suspect AT&T locked phones will not work with the new sim.
Initial reaction from those with the new sim is leaning more toward the side of disaster rather than being an improvement though individual experiences probably is dependent on their location and the device being used.
Not really, I have it on a secondary phone.
I've seen reports of people installing the Helium app on a device other than the device that they are using the free plan SIM in. They claim it works fine this way.
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I never got this, that sucks
I should try this sometime, when I have two phones again. Thanks
I would think the unlimited Free Maps Data would include running Android Auto/Car play. Those use quite a bit of data, so I guess that's a reason to get the SIM.
If I'm not mistaken, I think the unlimited apps are limited to like 1 GB or something... Unless if they change that
Oh, 350mb high speed then slows down until 1gb then stops. Meh. Helium 3 gb unrestricted data is better.
Do you know if helium gives you a real number or is it a VoIP? I probably still wouldn't give them a chance because of the whole privacy thing, but still I'm curious
"
Helium Mobile Service Overview
Helium Mobile offers a unique phone service that combines traditional cellular capabilities with modern technology.
Phone Number Type
- Real Cell Number: Helium Mobile provides users with a real cell phone number, allowing for standard voice calls and text messaging.
- VoIP Capabilities: While it primarily operates as a cellular service, users can also utilize VoIP applications for additional communication options.
Key Features
- Bring Your Own Device: Users can keep their existing phone and number, provided the device is unlocked.
- Free Plan Available: Helium Mobile offers a free plan that requires location sharing, which helps improve network coverage.
- Coverage: The service uses a combination of the nation’s largest 5G network and the Helium Network for extensive coverage.
Additional Information
- Tethering: Available on paid plans (Air and Infinity) but not on the free plan.
- Data Security: Helium Mobile prioritizes user data security, ensuring that voice and messaging data are not tracked.
Helium Mobile effectively combines the benefits of a traditional cell service with modern technology, making it a versatile option for users.
support.hellohelium.com
heliummobile.com
"
I set mine up 2 days ago;
I've tried it on 2 phones 1st a Moto which refused to have the app, then on an Alcatel which APPEARS to work, but...
After doing the app + activation I made a test call fine with wifi on, then with wifi off it failed, next...
I re-did the steps found here:
https://www.textnow.com/m/connect/step-6-set-your-apn.html
With zero improvement.
Then I opened chat in my browser with the account logged in & got this=>
"One of our agents will be here with you shortly."
25 or 30 minutes later a nameless agent came online, finally !!
Many steps from the agent later it finally worked for ONE cellular only call for the 1st time EVER !!
Finally, an hour of the chat wore me out & I quit it.
Does the cellular/data connection work reliably here for me ??
No.
To make any call without wifi it takes 5 or more attempts & at least 4 out of 5 give a 'network busy' error.
I conclude that the more things change - the more they stay the SAME !!!
For AT&T here, my gov phone works 100% & my partner's low cost US Mobile line is also 100% reliable.
Sadly - this sideways cellular via data thing mostly reminds me of the useless FP baloney which was a total waste of time & efforts for unreliable baloney.
One question about all that One.
Does that Alcatel phone work 100% with your govt phone AT&T SIM in it or with your partners USM AT&T SIM in it?
What I'm really asking is if the phone that has the TN SIM supports all or almost all the needed bands for AT&T?
Just trying to give it a fair shake in case compatibility is at issue here with the miserable performance you experienced.
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Hello Redrotors & thanks for your thoughtful reply.
All I can say presently is that the TN agent checked the model (Alcatel 5002l) &
Imei diligently & said it is fully compatible.
Without doing the testing you've wisely suggested it simply seems to me that with only 2-3 bars of signal our real cellular lines are fine, vs. this data based line which probably works far better for folks in urban areas with stronger signal strength.
I'm just glad that what we've got for cellular works well & as for TN, it can be just a stay-at-home with wifi on, which will make it a more usable phone for me.
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OK, my own testing for the data-based faux-cellular TN is now concluded.
Last night we were in the next state, in a more populated area that DEFINITELY has strong AT&T signal strength.
My tests all brought the same results:
- Absurdly long time at the 'connecting' screen;
- On the 3 out of 5 tries in several spots when it did connect the audio was bad;
- The called party could not make out any words.
- A banner came on saying 'poor data connection'.
So...I do value my wifi-only TN number at home & do get good uses from it - but;
By way of contrast it is a good thing the new/improved SIM & network came for free, 'cuz had I paid for it that would have been a waste of money.
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Some useful info in this post for anyone looking to revert to T-Mobile SIM from AT&T. I didn't realize it was an option until I saw this.
To activate the old T-Mo SIM card, follow these directions :
Go to the TextNow app, go to my account, scroll down to where it says deactivate TextNow SIM card, follow the directions to cancel. After the screen says sorry to see you go, force close the TextNow app in phone settings, go back into the TextNow app and at the top center of the screen, you'll see activate TextNow SIM. Put the T-Mo SIM in the phone and tap on activate TextNow SIM. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the SIM. After the phone says the SIM is activated, go back into the phone settings and force close the TextNow app once again. The old SIM should now be active.
Above from here, in general a lot of good information re getting the new AT&T SIM working properly
https://www.reddit.com/r/TextNow/comments/1n7wnym/for_anyone_having_issues_connecting_to_the
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Am I reading this correctly? I have an old SIM that I think deactivated when my number changed due to non-use. So, I would be able to reactivate that SIM using this process? Not sure I'd do that since I am happy with Helium as my second line, but good to know if that is true.
Suppose it couldn't hurt to try but I'm GUESSING that the reports of success are for people how only recently switched SIMs or 'recently' had them go inactive. Would be nice to know what recent equals but highly unlikely TN would give reliable info so we only have scant data points to go by.