esim for USA: disappointing speed and only 1 out of 3 networks working
I purchased an esim with 20 GB from Esimatic for my OnePlus 12 because they mentioned on the app that, in the US, the esim would work on all 3 networks, T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. The purchase process was very smooth, as well as the activation of the esim. Once arrived in Chicago (first stop), the esim would not connect to any network. After a while, and manually forcing one by one each network, I ended up with AT&T finally connecting in 5G, although not at high speed. Once arrived at my final destination, Elizabethtown KY, AT&T was working though still at slow speed for a 5G. This was more or less the same for all the trip, with some areas a bit faster but definitely below what is normal.I tried to contact the customer service, which was quite responsive and tried to fix the problem. In the communication with them, they told me that they had issues with T-Mobile at that moment. In fact, T-Mobile never worked in any part of the US during my 2-week stay, despite being advertised as one of 3 networks they cover in the US. Speed on AT&T in 5G full bars was a bit disappointing basically anywhere we traveled (Kentucky, Ohio) even after trying all the fixes suggested by the customer service. Verizon seemed to connect at first but actually never worked for the whole trip. Customer service mentioned OnePlus 12 might have been the issue, but I tried with another esim provider (which actually connected to T-Mobile) and the connection was 10-15 times faster. They gave me extra credit and a status upgrade, so I might try again their service in January.
August 19, 2025
Unprompted review
