Laptop with cellular connectivity a concern?

Questions
1

I am looking into getting a used Thinkpad to install Linux on and both models I was leaning towards have a SIM card tray and thus are capable of cellular connectivity.

My understand - which could be wrong - is that at least with a cellular phone the baseband processor is a privacy concern because it could at least technically connect to/communicate with a tower independently of the CPU, and without the user ever knowing, even in airplane mode or with cellular turned off. Because of this I am trying to minimize my cellphone (devices with baseband processors) use and what I need it for, including going as far as getting an old school dumbphone with removable battery.

Does that concern carry over to a laptop with a SIM card slot? I would never put a SIM in it, but I assume it has a baseband processor in it and it could independently communicate with a tower without me knowing right?

I assume with a laptop and linux maybe there are more options to disable that and/or disconnect it.

I was really surprised to see that old Thinkpads have SIM card slots. I was really close to getting one but now I am not sure.

Would love people’s thoughts on this.

2

Yes, the difference is the modularity, you may be able to physically remove it when not in use.

3

Do you know if it’s a 2G, 3G cellular modem ?

You may be able to disable it in bios, or even better remove it physically if you open the laptop.

4

I do not know that currently (from the store’s website) but I will check. Good tip! Thanks!

If it is 2G or 3G and I could disable it in the bios that would be great.