Cellular Phones/Sprint & att

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Question
I need a durable phone. I am prone to dropping them. Well my dad has a Nextel 602 and I was wondering if I can switch my Att simcard to it and use that phone for my service? Thanks

Answer
You won't be able to use your dad's phones because Nextel phones work on an iDEN network and even though they use a SIM card, that SIM is programmed to access Nextel's iDEN network. AT&T works on a GSM network and their SIMs are programmed to access the GSM network. These two are not compatible, so you can't use an AT&T SIM with a Nextel phone or the other way around. If you need a durable phone, I would recommend purchasing a new phone from AT&T. They have the Samsung Rugby, Motorola Tundra and Samsung Bound. All three of these are ruggedized phones and should be a better fit for you. If you aren't eligible for an upgrade and/or can't buy a new phone yet, then you should consider buying an Otterbox which is a ruggedized cover for your existing phone. Just go to the Otterbox website and you can see if they have a case that will work with your current phone. People who work outside and in the elements and other places where they can easily destroy their phones use this type of case to protect the phone. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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