Thinkpads Forum

I'm curious as to the swapability of the preloaded AT&T or Verizon WWAN setups. I'm planning on moving to Europe for a few years and would not use either the AT&T or Verizon service before I go.

If I get either one built in, can I insert a SIM from a provider in Europe once I get there or is the system locked to either Verizon or AT&T (like some mobile phones)? How hard is it to swap out the SIM card?

Thanks!

The AT&T WWAN is initially locked to AT&T. If you unlock it, for example through dc unlocker, you can use any SIM card. The SIM card holder is under the same cover as the memory cards, which is held in place by two philips head screws.

Verizon WWAN will not work in Europe, as it uses a different technology.

The new incarnation of Lenovo's "Vodafone edition" of the Sierra Wireless MC8775 (FRU #42T0931) is not locked, and can be used with any SIM card. (The original cards were locked, but the new ones are not; alas, the same FRU# is used for both "flavors"!)