I just got my Mudita Kompakt. I live in NA but ordered the Global version as it was confirmed to me that it would work in populous areas in NA, and I travel a lot for work. I have yet to try, but reading through this forum, it seems like it is tough to get the global version to work in NA.
What carriers work with the Global Version of the kompakt in the US?
Even the NA-optimized version does not work reliably with AT&T or Verizon. The fact that the Mudita Kompakt has not been registered as a supported device leads to a number of issues. It seems like T-Mobile will be the way to go (though I personally haven’t tried it, I’m just going off reports here).
I’m still on the unstable AT&T setup for now, but looking to switch carriers. It seems like AT&T and Verizon blacklist many dumbphones, so the switch seems worth it even if I end up on a different phone from the Kompakt.
I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m leaning towards US Mobile based on this report in another thread:
I am about to setup with US Mobile, I will let you know my experience. I will also be trying to travel abroad using the US mobile plan. I do have the MK Globally optimized version though.
That’s weird how mobile providers claim right to ban devices from using their network.
In Poland, we used to have “SIM locks” so if you purchased a phone at one provider, it would work only with that provider’s SIM card. There was a whole business of kiosks where you could take the SIM lock off after purchasing phone from someone of another provider. Thankfully this era is gone and it’s pure wild west.
“Weird” is a kind way to put it! I think it’s anticompetitive and should be illegal to restrict which devices can be used. They just want to encourage you to buy devices from AT&T, since the devices they whitelist are essentially just the devices they sell. But these are networks, which should be able to be used openly; it’s as if an ISP restricted the type of computer you could use to access the internet.
All that said, I still hope Mudita can get on the list It will be very helpful for their business in the US.
Just an update. I am currently using the Dark Star premium plan for $35 a month via US Mobile. Given this is my first day, it seems to be great. Service has been a tad spotty while at work today (inside a building with lots of trees around. But other than that its been great. Transferring was somewhat easy over the phone, and Idk if I could have had a better customer service experience as they helped me. Even stayed on the line for 10 minutes while I got them what they needed from my previous carrier. If you decide to go this route, make sure they have you change the APN Settings. I have listed them below, but they should prompt you to do this; your Kompakt won’t work without it.
This is day one, but I am impressed. I will update if things change. I am also leaving the country to travel in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Australia, so I am curious how it fares there. I have sideloaded Airalo in case of emergency. Kompakt can switch between an eSIM and a regular SIM so I think this should be perfect.
This is a current issue with AT&T and Verizon. They are blocking certified devices on the PTCRB because they have implemented a new database approach. This means that even devices who have already been approved are still in limbo until they do a network update.
MVNOs are fine like US Mobile. But until AT&T and VZ update their network next (could happen soon or not), then official activations won’t be possible.
That’s how it works in the US. I haven’t seen this anywhere else. U.S. carriers, particularly Verizon, AT&T retain control over their networks and maintain “approved device lists.”
You know how in Poland, we have this saying…" jeśli nie wiadomo, o co chodzi, to chodzi o pieniądze." ENG translation: When in doubt, it’s about the money
Well, this is true in this case.
This system gives carriers immense power and has several problematic consequences:
Independent manufacturers are locked out, unless they go through costly, time-consuming certification processes tailored to each carrier.
Consumers are steered toward carrier-approved phones, often made by major manufacturers (Samsung, Apple, etc.), reinforcing market dominance.
Innovation is discouraged, because smaller companies with new ideas face high barriers to entry.
Device freedom is limited, even though you legally own the device.
I remember, back in the day (early 2000s), they used to also do CARRIER SIM LOCKS. Even if you 100% paid in full for the device, you couldn’t use it with any other carrier. I think they stopped doing that.