Expert: DebiN - 1/28/2010

Question
HI
I just purchased a 7290 Blackberry (unlocked) off of E-bay.  My carrier is T-mobile.  I was told that all I have to do is insert my Sim card into the blackberry and it will work.  I only want it for calls and texts. I will not get the data plan at this time.  Do you foresee any problems with this situation as long as the phone is in good condition.  Also, if this phone works and it all works out good I was thinking of getting another off of E-bay for my son.  Will T-mobile let me bring in my own phone and activate another line.(I currently have three lines). Will they just  give me a Sim card an charge activation.

Thanks for your time
Tracy

Answer
The 7290 will work with your T-Mobile SIM card if the device is SIM unlocked and will work for text and calls without issue (provided the device is not damaged). A 7290 is an old BlackBerry (they haven't been sold in over 3 years), so please be aware of this. If you want to get another line with T-Mobile, just start up service and get a free phone (they have many) and then buy another BlackBerry or other device and simply take the SIM out of the new phone and put it into the BlackBerry. That way, you will have a spare phone that you didn't pay for and no issue. There is no reason to start up service without getting that free phone because it won't cost you any different whether or not you get a phone. The activation charge is regardless of whether you get the phone from them or not. I hope this helps. You can have up to 5 lines on certain family packages (only 3 with others). Check with T-Mobile to be sure that your plan allows for over 3 lines. DebiN