I've been researching more into SIM or no SIM, and learning more about how it actually works.
So far I've learned that whether you've got a SIM in your phone or not, it's still communicating with cell towers around you which could triangulate your location either way.
The SIM is your cell network ID. The phone has its own ID and that can also be tracked. The SIM is just for account and billing purposes. The phone with its unique ID is tracked by the NSA in addition to the SIM or account ID.
the phone would need to be modified in a way that disconnects the baseband from it's power source so that it stops communicating with the towers. otherwise all you've done is disconnected your phone bill and rights to use the tower, even though the tower continues to use you.
Initially, when I was learning about all this, I decided to buy a portable hotspot device and insert a data only sim into that, and insert my personal sim into an old brick phone, which lies around with it's battery removed.
Now am I contemplating just inserting my SIM back into my main phone, and just using it in aeroplane mode 99% of the time (which is already what I do).
I don't communicate over SMS or phone calls, I use Signal as well as an always-on VPN.
The only things I'd gain is, 1) the ability to easily recieve 2FA codes more easily, 2) make calls when needed, and 3) have access to mobile data more conveniently then using a hotspot device which I've got to turn on and carry around.
What's your guys's opinion on this? My threat model is probably around low-mid as I'm not a criminal or on the run, but still value my privacy. Thanks!