Computer Related > Using old phone overseas Miscellaneous
Thread Author: legacylad Replies: 9
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 13:47 
 Using old phone overseas - legacylad
I’m decluttering my mums home, and found a Nokia C1-01. Purchased 2011 with an E Mobile Top Up card. I somehow doubt she used it.
Should I find the charger, and it charges up, is it worth keeping as an emergency phone in case I lose mine overseas …not sure if I could add contacts without a SIM and payasyougo balance on it. ?
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 13:57 
 Using old phone overseas - Bromptonaut
Question would be about coverage I think. Is 2011 pre 3G?

I'm sure I was told a while ago that 2G coverage was being withdrawn.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 14:07 
 Using old phone overseas - martin aston
The battery is probably shot too. If you can get to the battery to replace it, take care. As well as nasty leakage it might well have swelled up. I had this with an iPod that sat unused in a drawer. It actually popped the screen off.

Personally I would just safely dispose of the phone and, if a spare is useful, buy a new cheapo one.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 14:40 
 Using old phone overseas - VxFan
>> The battery is probably shot too.

Old Nokia phone batteries are usually quite stable and very long lasting in my experience.

I gave my elderly mother an old Nokia phone that was going to be thrown out at work while she was in hospital. The 1st Nokia phone that had a torch. Got to be at least 10 years old with the original battery. She never turned it off, mainly as she struggled to use it other than to make an occasional call. Standby time was well over a week, including the occasional phone call. Now sits in my drawer at home with all my other old tech. Hasn't been charged for months, and gets switched on every now and then to stop Giff Gaff from cancelling the PAYG number.

I have several other old Nokia's too, older than the one above. All with the factory battery. and all still work.

Nowadays, you're lucky to get 2 years use from a modern smart phone.
Last edited by: VxFan on Wed 29 Jan 25 at 14:40
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 18:11 
 Using old phone overseas - martin aston
Thanks Vx. I agree that batteries can last years with regular use and recharge. I had a Nokia for 10 years plus that was still going strong when I upgraded. I believe issues arise if you leave them discharged for years as seems to be the case here.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 14:09 
 Using old phone overseas - tyrednemotional
3G coverage will go before 2G. EE and Vodafone have already terminated their (UK) 3G services, and O2 goes by the end of this year.

The C1-01 will, I think, predate 3G, and 2G will be around for somewhat longer, but I don't think I'd choose to rely on the 'phone.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 14:14 
 Using old phone overseas - legacylad
Thanks all.
I’ve found the charger and it’s charging ok !
Will take your advice and dispose of.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 17:56 
 Using old phone overseas - Biggles
It is a GSM (2G) only phone. In Spain, Orange will keep a 2G service untill 2030.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 22:13 
 Using old phone overseas - Rudedog
Slight drift - any idea what the SOS function in many newer cars use? My GTI has it which is a 2019 car and I thought it might use some kind of 3G built in eSIM but if that's being/has been stopped then maybe not.
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New Wed 29 Jan 25 22:50 
 Using old phone overseas - Kevin
A 2019 vehicle is probably 4G. BMW went 4G for the 2018MY so mid 2017ish.
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