Expert: DebiN - 12/15/2009

Question
Hi DebiN, My wife and I are still on the old ATT wireless plan using really old Samsung cell phones.  We have an incredible deal with 2000 minutes + 1500 texts for only $60 per month for the both of us.  We do not want to switch to a newer phone because our plan will change dramatically. Problem is we are still on the old blue ATT network.  My wife does a ton of texting and talking. She was told that an old Blackberry 7290 should work once we put in the old sim card.  Can I buy a cingular branded used 7290 or will it not work? If not what are other options for old phones that are easy to text on that will work for us. thanks  

Answer
The BlackBerry 7290 will work with your SIM only if it is branded AT&T Wireless. The Cingular branded 7290 will not work, as it is SIM locked and will not work with an AT&T Wireless SIM card. Even if you get a BlackBerry that will work, you can't use it for data without a BlackBerry data plan and AT&T can't add this plan to an old AT&T Wireless account. I know that you like the old plan that you are on, but eventually, you will have to get new SIMs which then requires a new plan and phones. You might think about the value you get by getting brand new free phones, a new SIM card that works on the 3G network, etc. Perhaps you can talk to the sales rep about seeing what they can do about some lower cost on text messaging for you. Remember that the new plans also have rollover minutes (and yours does not). That is also worth something.

With your SIM, you can only use SIM unlocked phones or AT&T Wireless branded ones. If you use a SIM unlocked phone, you will have to program the settings for WAP and MMS. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN