On: SIM swap horror story: I've lost decades of data a...

[iNate2000]

I noticed that author assumed he couldn't call 611 and took how long to contact via alternate phones.

I'm pretty sure 611 works without a SIM card.

[vectorEQ → iNate2000]

no sim is no calls or sms. however, an inactive sim is allowed to call 611 (or provider equivalent) , 911(or local equivalent) and a few such emergency numbers generally. You do need the sim to be in working order and in the device. but it does not need to be activated.

[maxerickson → iNate2000]

How would the phone know which network to 611?

[Rychard → maxerickson]

I would expect it to work for a carrier-branded device even with no SIM card, unless the device has been flashed with a stock firmware from the OEM.

For a non-carrier-branded device though, perhaps the presence of a SIM card is required.