Quote:
Originally Posted by Daveoc64
Something people may find interesting.
I live in the UK (which is not scheduled to switch off 2G and 3G connectivity in full for many years yet), and have the following Kindle devices with cellular connectivity:
- Kindle 2 International (with AT&T SIM)
- Kindle DX Graphite International (with AT&T SIM)
- Kindle Keyboard (with Vodafone Netherlands SIM)
All of these devices still connect OK to the cellular network - I checked a few days ago. All three are able to download books.
The international devices have an AT&T SIM in them, and can roam onto most of the UK networks - this provides both 2G and 3G connectivity.
The Kindle Keyboard was sold specifically for the European market, and has a European SIM. This only roams on the Vodafone UK network, and the older Kindles (pre 10th gen) only support Vodafone UK's 2G frequencies (not 3G). |
Europe 2G is only GSM. GSM was very rare in USA which used an incompatible inferior 2G. Most Europe GSM will outlive 3G. The GSM had originally only 14.4k or 28.8k modem emulation data but later added EDGE, which is a similar speed to basic 3G, but more reliable. The DXG international mostly gets EDGE here, though there is still 3G. The GSM 2G is used by "smart meters", SCADA and/or traffic lights in various countries and isn't likely to get turned off in next 10 years.
The Vodafone UK SIM might work on GSM in other European countries with Vodafone, such as Ireland.