Cellular Carrier Discussion Thread

rsm

I've searched this topic previously but there doesn't seem to be a consensus answer. I currently have GoogleFi for my wireless service. While some say GoogleFi still works with GrapheneOS, I still worry from a privacy perspective as I imagine they're still collecting every piece of data. What is the consensus most compatible wireless service provider that others switch to or prefer to use?

DeletedUser115

rsm you should assume any carrier collect all the data they can... Use a reputable VPN + be aware of cellular tower tracking + avoid registering it to your name if you can.

Whatnoww

Take a look at PGPP. Obviously it's not perfect but still worth a look.

rsm

DeletedUser115 I get that, but I would like to at least separate the data across carriers as much as possible, if possible at all. Because GoogleFi is an MVNO, I'm going to assume that the data will be in both their hands as well as the respective towers that they use (i.e. Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). I'd rather the info only be in one provider's hands, and also separate from Google since they would then be able to connect it to all of my other Google Info and thus defeat the purpose of switching to a de-googled phone whatsoever.

rsm

Whatnoww I should have specified that this is with respect to the U.S.

Whatnoww

rsm PGPP works in the US AFAIK. It's just expensive.

Kenny33

Mint mobile prepaid cards swapped out every few months. Sim used only for data, don’t use sim number for calls/texts (use voip)

rsm

Kenny33 I'm not opposed to this, but any guidance on porting to voip? I'm fairly good at figuring out tech, but phone systems is one thing that I've had trouble when researching in the past.

rsm

Whatnoww I looked into this. The one thing I don't like about it is that it prevents you from running a separate VPN and is closed-source. As a result, it's unclear what they're doing with your data and there's no additional steps you can take to find out. Basically you just hand over your money and trust them that they're doing what they say they're doing.

slum_mafia

I've been pretty happy with no compatibility issues from Librem AweSIM. AT&T network without the worrisome collection of personal information.

OpenSource-Ghost

Does AweSIM support 5G networks? I want to switch to it, but I also want fast reliable data. T-Mobile offers just that, but they aren't as private as Librem.

BTW, local cops (undisclosed location in USA) absolutely hate Google Fi. They don't tell me why exactly, but its difficult for them to perform live intercept of phone calls of Google Fi users and impersonate them.

[deleted]

How does something like AweSIM compare to regular prepaid SIM if you can acquire one without KYC?

rsm

OpenSource-Ghost My concern has less to do with state/governmental monitoring and more to do with privacy and tracking from large tech. I would assume that using Google Fi on graphene renders the purpose of Graphene somewhat meaningless, since all information that's protected on a device level is being disclosed on a network level.

MetropleX

rsm not at all using Graphene provides all the benefits and features as listed on the website regardless of carrier. GrapheneOS is a security first platform allowing you to control your privacy to an appropriate level as chosen by you.

Kenny33

rsm

The only solution I’ve found which is somewhat inelegant is mysudo. I hate that it requires play services to give you call notifications on graphene. Allegedly mysudo is working on another push solution but I’ll believe it when I see it.

But basically swap out prepaid SIM cards every month or two (use it only for data) and then you get a mysudo account with 9 numbers and unlimited calling. Utilize these numbers to compartmentalize as needed.

Whatnoww

rsm Where does it say you can't run your own VPN? Isn't just that it routes your traffic initially to another place? AFAIK that doesn't prevent you from running your own. Also, it's closed source as opposed to what? The main draw is the IMSI switching, which no other carrier apparently does.

[deleted]

Kenny33 basically swap out prepaid SIM cards every month or two (use it only for data)

What is being achieved by swapping them out every other month if your phone is uniquely identified to your provider by both its IMEI and IMSI? The moment you insert a new SIM it you start broadcasting both of these to your carrier so all your SIM cards are for all intents and purposes permanently binded to that IMEI. I believe it's what they use to blacklist or track stolen devices.

Kryptos

[deleted] Because, if I understand correctly, the prepaid SIM card they suggest isn't tied to your identity. I think you can pay in cash, buying them on EBay or brick-and-mortar stores.