Retail stores (such as Target), drug stores, and cable companies are resellers of cell phones and their services (in the U.S.).
This page addresses mobile telephone usage within the United States only with cell phone carriers (or resellers) within the United States
This website is designed to give you tips (as a consumer) when using electronic devices. Sometimes, there can be a concern to bring situations to the local U.S. Representative for Oregon.
ESims are useful to make it easy to switch carriers as well as adding carriers when using your phone in other countries. Could there come a time when the device can't be used based on the unwillingness of your previous cell carrier being able to work with your new cell phone carrier?
In the United States, the FCC makes it very clear that the cell phone owner (customer) must work with the cell phone carriers to ensure that your device works with their services and that the mobile number can be transferred. There are times when who the carrier is isn't very clear.
(See Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Local Network Portability):
https://www.https://www.fcc.gov/general/wireless-local-number-portability-wlnp
When you sign up for new service, the represenstative you are working with, may not imply if they are representing a cell phone service or is acting as a reseller of cell phone service being provided by another company or carrier (such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile).
Using a cell phone on wi-fi network in area you live or work in doesn't imply that they are also providing the same coverage on a cell phone tower, which is required to activate your phone.
There are more commericals for cell phone carriers than can possibly fit on a cell tower. Make sure you know which carrier you are with and they are on that tower before you sign on the dotted line.
What is an Esim?
An Esim is a component that is built into the phone to allow you to switch carriers (and your phone number) easily through an app or QR code without the need to program a sim card in the device at the store.
This system was designed to prevent electronic waste into landfills as well as security concerns if the phone gets into the wrong hands since the unauthorized user can replace the sim card with another one.
What can be a concern is that the reseller is not working with the carrier to get your current phone number switched to the current device (if switching carriers) that could be the result in misrepresentation (a reseller implying they are the carrier) or the possibility of collusion (between the resellers and the carrier(s) make your phone unusable).
What is a Sim card?
Many devices use a Sim card to activate your service. These tiny chips only contain the mobile numbthe for your phone (as well as a few identication systems).
Attempting to get your phone fixed?
Another tip to keep in mind, if you are trying to get your cell phone screen repaired (in most cases) the place you purchased the phone isn't going to fix the phone.
Keep in mind. It is a sales environment that is very competitive. It can be tough for someone to sell a phone when they are at the counter fixing yours.
Does a Sim card store your information?
A Sim card isn't designed to store your personal information (contacts, phone numbers, apps, and photos).
Years ago, the cell phone contacts were stored, in order to transfer your information to another phone, but over the years the contact data information is greater than the storage capacity of the Sim as well as security concerns if the information gets into the wrong hands.
That data is maintained through a cloud service provided by the manufacturer (if it is Apple) or Google for Android devices.
Phone information can also be backed up to additional cloud services provided through companies such as Microsoft (Onedrive) and Dropbox as well as in house cloud servers including Nextcloud allowing the user to backup thier data (should the device get into the wrong hands) well as using the information from other personal devices.
Some devices allow the user to install their own storage device using an SD card.
These devices were common storage systems for most mobile phones produced in the last 20 years when cameras were added.
In recent years, cell phone manufacturers have removed the option to allow for a secondary Sim card or for marketing purposes, that may be concerning if the data stored isn't encrypted or gets into the wrong hands in any way that you may or may not have any control over.
Sometimes, it is better to keep your phone phone storage to a minimum amount as needed so that your information is accessible from a cloud server.
Companies have used built in storage options to mark up phone prices and perhaps take control away from the consumer when it comes to personal or business data responsibility that can affect you in many ways if is gets into the wrong hands.
With the Nextcloud Server in operation, every piece of information that was ever placed in a cell phone since 2001 (except for text messages) is stored on a multiple, encrypted terabyte drive network that is more secure than keeping all your personal business in one device while using security practices compliant with EU (European Union) guidelines that has been tested to submit information quickly when you are away from home, another state, or another country.
This website covers information about these cloud services as well as SD and solid state drives.
In any way does this website encourage anyone to break their contract. In the United States, these matters should be addressed with the Consumer Affairs Division, within the state you reside in, if your carrier isn't resolving the matter.
Make sure you read your contract (this includes the cell phone warranty (by the manufacturer)) first before taking any action.
Here is a link from the FCC providing tips and guidelines when porting call phone numbers:
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-phone-number-when-you-change-providers
Any complaints you may have about porting your mobile number to another carrier can be address through the FCC at:
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
What cell phone reseller can and can't do
A cell phone reseller can:
Sell you a phone
Activate the device (with the contracted provider)
Work with your current carrier (in most cases) making sure that your current phone is transferred to the carrier (known as ported).
A cell phone service reseller can't (in most cases):
Replace your phone (if it's a manufacturer warranty concern you must contact the manufacturer).
(A cell phone reseller can accept the device for a refund (return policy) following contractual agreements and state/local guidelines).
Troubleshooting/technical support (at the location where you purchased the phone). This can be provided by the manufacturer or a customer support team by the service provider.
There are exceptions to these guidelines. Make sure you research the company you are getting the service with and the company that makes the phone you purchase.
This can be confusing at times because if the company can replace cable boxes and networking equipment why don't they do the same thing with the phone you purchased from them? They are a reseller to your cell phone and the service following guidelines based on the manufacturer of the cell phone and the service. As a consumer, it is good idea to follow the warranty from the manufacturer.
This site doesn't recommend cell phone products in any way but can direct you to sources to get the information.