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View Full Version : Unlocking cell phones??

flattsgurl
10-01-2009, 02:22 PM
I don't know if anyone here would be able to help but I had to ask. LOL I am looking to purchase a new cell phone on ebay. I'm not due for an upgrade until Dec. I think and I just can't wait any more. :thumbdown: I think I found the phone I want but it say's that it is "locked" does anyone know what that means and what it would take to get it "unlocked"?? Any help would be appreciated. :)
kscwgirl
10-01-2009, 02:28 PM
I don't have any idea but I can ask Jeff when I get home if no one else can help LOL
digideb
10-01-2009, 02:31 PM
It means that it can only be used for that provider. (Locked iPhone can only be used for AT&T). But, if it's unlocked, you can use it w/any provider. Also, if it's locked, you can only use it in your country. Usually you can call your wireless provider, tell them you're going on vacation out of the country & you need your phone unlocked! So, if you don't mind lying, you'll be good to go! lol
flattsgurl
10-01-2009, 02:34 PM
Thanks Sara!! :)

And Deb...the one I want is coming from a seller with in the US so I should be ok right?? LOL I have AT&T and when I did the search it was only for AT&T phones so I'll have to double check that part. I'd hate to spend all that money and then have a phone I can't have switched over. :D
digideb
10-01-2009, 02:35 PM
As long as it's an AT&T phone, you should be good to go! :)
digideb
10-01-2009, 02:36 PM
My brother works for Tmobile & unlocks phones all the time! lol
BrattyMeg
10-01-2009, 04:20 PM
check your plan too b/c some phones won't work correctly without certain plans esp with AT&T like you need the data plan for say a blackberry but don't for like a propel..etc

I have AT&T too :) I love them lol
flattsgurl
10-01-2009, 04:22 PM
Oh yeah...that's true Meghan. I think a guy that works with my husband has the same phone so I'll have to ask him. We've had AT&T for over a year now and I really like them too :)
digideb
10-01-2009, 04:25 PM
DH works for AT&T so, I think we'll probably be w/them forever! lol
Leila
10-01-2009, 04:38 PM
My parents work for AT&T. My dad's been working for them since before they were AT&T, lol!

RE: unlocked iPhones. As far as I know, they only work on T-Mobile at this point because of the sim card thing. T-Mobile and AT&T use them, most others don't.
digideb
10-01-2009, 04:54 PM
My parents work for AT&T. My dad's been working for them since before they were AT&T, lol!

RE: unlocked iPhones. As far as I know, they only work on T-Mobile at this point because of the sim card thing. T-Mobile and AT&T use them, most others don't.

That would make sense Leu. Yes, it has to take a sim card. But, my brother gets at&t phones unlocked to use w/t-mobile. So, I didn't even think about the other providers.
Nathalie
10-01-2009, 05:28 PM
When I changed from prepaid to a plan, I received a phone my DH is using now. He had to search the internet to find something to unlock the phone to be able to use it but I cannot tell you exactly what. And he is at work now, will ask him when I speak to him.
dgreenshield
10-01-2009, 06:06 PM
If you are getting an iPhone, the comment about at&t and t-mobile is true. I had mine when we were living overseas and then when we moved to the US, I had to find a provider that could run my iphone....it was only those 2 networks because of the sim card. we were shocked! Every other country we have been to uses sim cards except here in the US!!!

I know that apple will sometimes unlock your iphone for you.
putri
10-01-2009, 10:43 PM
Sometimes you can cheat the data plans too. If you get a smart phone you have to pay the $30 for Internet and data. But I can get by with getting an almost free phone that can connect to the Internet ($15/mo for the Internet access), get the Internet plan, buy an unlocked phone (Nokia n71) and stick the sim card in there and AT&T won't know that I switched to a smart phone :P
kim21673
10-02-2009, 01:05 AM
DH works for AT&T so, I think we'll probably be w/them forever! lol

My DH works for AT&T too (Ameritech and SBC too..before the big merge)..we are stuck with them forever and every which is fine b/c I like free house long distance and a discount on my iPhone!!:thumbup:
digideb
10-02-2009, 09:54 AM
My DH works for AT&T too (Ameritech and SBC too..before the big merge)..we are stuck with them forever and every which is fine b/c I like free house long distance and a discount on my iPhone!!:thumbup:
Yeah, DH worked for BellSouth before the big merge.
We don't get free long distance on our landline. We only get free local. And, we'll get a discount on our iPhone plans, but not on the iPhone itself. I wonder if it's a position thing, or area thing? DH is a LCM, so he's a manager. We are in the SouthEast. What district are y'all in & what position does he hold?