Expert: DebiN - 12/31/2009

Question
Hello, thank you for reviewing my question. Please advise me how best to proceed. I recently purchased a cell phone which is currently locked to a GSM prepaid provider. I have not activated it nor even taken it out of its tight packaging. I have existing GSM service on another cell phone from a different company. I would like to make the phone I just purchased a back-up for my existing phone, essentially being able to switch the sim card between the two. One of my friends who knows about these things says that because I purchased the prepaid phone, that the phone is for all intents and purposes mine and that I should have access to this unlock code, which the provider should furnish me with. However, I suspect if the prepaid provider feels I will not make use of their service, it would not necessarily be to their advantage to give me the information. My question is: Does the provider have to provide me with the code if I request it? And, would I have to contact the phone manufacturer to complete this procedure? Thank you for your assistance.

Answer
Unfortunately, what your friend told you is not correct. The carrier of the prepaid phone is not obligated to provide you with the unlock code to the phone. Carriers only provide unlock codes to post-paid customers on active service who are not in arrears on their payments and have had service for at leat 90 days. The purpose of unlocking the phone is so that it can be used outside of the US with a local SIM, if necessary. I'm not aware of any provider who will unlock a not activated prepaid GSM phone for anyone. I strongly recommend that if you want a backup phone, that you purchase a prepaid one that is branded by your carrier, not another carrier. Or better yet, purchase insurance from your carrier. Then, if you lose or damage your phone, it can be replaced. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN