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They're good to pay for cellular network access privately. If someone is concerned about tracking from there then they should use the cellular network as little as they can or not at all. Remove SIM (or turn the eSIM off in settings but not delete) and use Airplane Mode.

No-KYC SIMs don't prevent cellular network related tracking, it just doesn't immediately tie your identity to it. You're still broadcasting a standard set of identifiers like IMSI and IMEI, and unique identifiers to eSIMs like EID number. You could fingerprint a device by certain features being available since feature sets could differentiate between phones and carriers even without them.

Adversaries with access to base stations and network metrics over a long period of time would see something not add up even if identifiers were being rotated... For example when on Data and using the same VPN all the time, connecting to the same groups of stations may suggest a travel schedule or where someone lives. You'd need to behave like a whole new person every single time you did a rotation, which is why we don't suggest utilities or hardware capable of changing some of them. Changing one would immediately ring alarm bells and map you. Proliferating No-KYC SIMs in bulk can also be costly, the best solution is free.

Most of this would be a non-issue if there's no linked identity or if you / your geographic area was not persistently monitored which is not likely. IMEI /EID are a phone identifier so you would need to buy a device privately (secondhand with cash?) to not have an identity link. Major phone stores may correlate identifiers of a phone to their customer.

Certain connections don't go through VPNs on almost all devices like captive portal checkers. Wi-Fi based calls and texts are also another. You can toggle connectivity and other default checks back to Google servers in GrapheneOS to blend in with other Android devices.

Stick to buying from a reputable and ethical seller. Don't buy shit with names like "Encrypted Russian Voice Change Ghost SIM" for 800 dollars. That garbage is a scam sold by sellers that get seized by law enforcement (think EncroChat, SkyECC) because they appeal directly to criminal groups who are gullible. Your money wouldn't just be wasted, it would fund something illicit. No support from us.

ede3d957... 4mo ago

Thanks. So deactivating the esim when not in use equals taking out the physical sim card? I guess there is still some tracking going on without Faraday bags, as emergency calls are possible with all phones without sims.

Would you generally recomend to use WiFi over esims? These days one can basically use only WiFi without needing to use the mobile network at call.

And one thing that annoys me. Airplane mode does not kill the WiFi. I want a switch to kill all radio at once and configuring different radio configs precisely fitting my needs similar to profiles.

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Discussion

Final 4mo ago

Airplane Mode closes the hole about tracking without a SIM because emergency call support. Calling the number disables Airplane Mode anyway, so little harm done in keeping it on. As for the airplane mode on all radios, yes, that is the case. We have features to turn them off when one is disconnected after a period of time to reduce attack surface though.

WiFi-only works best because there is much less identifying information and the ones that remain like MAC address are randomized per connection. Cellular networks are highly federated and have tons of parties involved while Wi-Fi mostly limits concerns down to who is operating the network you connect to and their service provider. You trust less parties using WiFi.

Obviously, some networks may force you to identify yourself, use accounts, etc. If I am on a train I can simply just lie, it doesn't even try to prove if an email is legitimate in my case.

ede3d957... 4mo ago

I'd really love an option to easily deactivate/hide mobile connection or nfc from the menu when I am not planning to use it for weeks or months.

Maybe it's just a nuance but I feel like that would improve UI in my case.

Happy to have you here. Will donate to your cause and hope to see your own device soon.

How much do you think it'll cost you timewise and moneywise. How can we contribute in a meaningful way outside of donating?

Final 4mo ago

Swipe the top menu all the way down until you see a pencil icon, you can then move the mobile data / airplane mode / NFC buttons out of sight by placing them in the gray area.

GrapheneOS isn't just me. I'm not that significant to the project in comparison nor am I leading anything. I just promote a project I enjoy.

We already have a lot of funding regarding this device, likely we won't be making the device ourselves. This OEM will produce the device, and we will just have official support for the OS there. Could change and nothing is confirmed yet.