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Cellular Phones/BLACKBERRYS AND SIMS IN USA

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Expert: - 11/11/2009


Question
I am going to the US soon for a couple months, and have a Blackberry Curve 8900, unlocked, and wanted clarification as to whether or not I would be able to purchase a SIM which would work in my device and allow me to access the internet and receive and send data.

If this service isn't available what's the best SIM I'd be able to get which wouldn't be expensive for me to send and receive text messages from the UK and I can top it up for a month, week or 2 weeks at a time?

Answer
You will not be able to purchase a SIM in the US that will allow you to use both the BlackBerry data features and make phone calls. A GSM SIM prepaid will allow you to make calls and send texts (though the texts will be considered international and are more expensive), but you will not be able to send or receive email or use the internet with the device, no matter what SIM you buy that is prepaid. You can get any prepaid card from T-Mobile or AT&T or Tracfone or Net10 (there are others) that you can put into the BlackBerry and the minutes typically expire in 30 days or longer. 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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