Apple Watch eSIM Number Share on MVNO / Wholesale Providers?

dammit on 15/08/2023 - 12:49

I've been paying Telstra 70 bucks a month plus $5/mth fee to share my phone number with my cellular Apple Watch. I'm needing to change to an Optus or Voda provider (likely Optus), as I'm trialling a device that doesn't support Telstra network (long story, but it's the LightPhone II https://www.thelightphone.com/ if anyone is interested).

My plan is, I'll get a nano-sim (can't do an esim as the LP2 doesn't support it) - for my current iPhone; and setup the apple watch e-sim paired to this; then I'll pop the sim out and put it in the LightPhone II, but will also be able to use the apple watch in cellular mode independently of any phone if need be.

I was doing some research into the likes of Amaysim etc which now appear to offer eSims, but it seems none of these proviers offer Number Sharing. Does anyone know if this has changed, or am I stuck with directly Optus, or Vodafone?

Appreciate any insights! :)

Mobile eSIM

Comments

  • Thinkscape on 15/08/2023 - 13:27

    Subscribing.

    Gatekeeping. Last time I checked the big 3 network operators had complete monopoly over that and "forgot" to let MVNO access this capability.

    Apple lists the 3 on their website here: https://www.apple.com/au/watch/cellular/

    Similar story with 5G, where you might be paying top dollar with MVNO but they "don't have access to the whole network" or other excuse for your phone to not see 5G (even though it's the same network and towers etc.)

    • askbargain on 15/08/2023 - 20:35

      I wonder what it's like overseas.

  • jackary on 15/08/2023 - 20:49

    Looking on the LightPhone specs page, I can’t see why it won’t be compatible with Telstra? Seems to have all the necessary bands?

    Another example, it also says not compatible with TPG, but it is compatible with Vodafone. TPG literally own Vodafone. They use the same network…

    What am I missing here?

    • avoidfullprice on 15/08/2023 - 21:03

      You’re missing the part where the watch says something like

      Your Telstra account is not eligible to enable mobile data on your Apple Watch. Contact Telstra at 132 200 for more information.

    • dammit on 15/08/2023 - 22:18

      I emailed them to ask (Lightphone) and they said "Light Phone II will work with Optus and Vodafone but not with Telstra. Unfortunately, Telstra requires a lengthy and expensive certification process and we do not have the resources to pursue that."

      It uses the following 4G LTE Bands:
      B1, B3, B5, B7, B8, B20, B28

      It will work with the following carriers in your region:
      Optus, Vodafone

      Unfortunately, it is not compatible with the following carriers:
      TPG, Telstra

      Interesting, https://ausdroid.net/australian-mobile-network-frequencies/ when I look here https://ausdroid.net/australian-mobile-network-frequencies/, it says telstra is bands 1, 3, 7, 8 and 28, whereas optus is 1, 3, 7, 28, 40 (so missing 900mhz band 8 that Telstra has, maybe this is their main network backbone?). Or maybe it does work, but they aren't permitted to advertise it as it's not a certified Telstra device or something?!

      • dammit on 15/08/2023 - 22:21

        Someone on reddit posted 'Telstra doesn't work. Had a Telstra plan with mine and couldn't make calls' - so not sure what stops it from working on Telstra.

  • jv on 15/08/2023 - 21:41

    it's the LightPhone II

    How do you do 7-Eleven fuel locks on this

    • dammit on 15/08/2023 - 22:14

      Lol definitely don't have a 7-Eleven app soz

      • jv on 15/08/2023 - 22:15

        Oops

        I missed this:

        I've been paying Telstra 70 bucks a month

        I think you posted this on the wrong site.

  • Italkdigital on 15/08/2023 - 22:45

    Do you need to make calls from your Apple Watch?, well are you just happy to receive calls on your Apple Watch

    Remember all (well usually) postpaid plans, divertings calls to another mobile number is free as its charged from within plan i.e unlimited calls/sms, so have post paid for your iPhone and the cheapest possible eSim plan for your Apple watch, i think there are some prepaid eSim plans out there, so set your IPhone to divert calls if unanswered, unreachable etc, obviously you won't be able to use message bank

    You'll also have 2x mobile numbers 👍😁

  • Hirolol on 22/12/2023 - 13:16
    +1

    According to this they will start rolling out to mvno

    https://www.techguide.com.au/amp/news/mobiles-news/customers…

  • walshy1009 on 03/08/2024 - 13:58

    Reviving this thread. Looks like Telstra has recently announced their plans to expand number share to their MVNOs. No ETA by the looks of it though.

    https://www.telstrawholesale.com.au/wholesaleconnect/categor…

    • internet-stranger on 03/08/2024 - 15:27

      Yea. I saw that back in June.
      Everyday mobile (Woolworths) rep has said it’s in the works, haven’t heard anything from other NVMOs, and nothing if its coming to prepaid. May still be postpaid plans only :(

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