Expert: DebiN - 11/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am currently using a Tracfone LG600 phone and the carrier is T-Mobile. When I enter my zip code 60543 it shows T-Mobile or ATT could be the carrier for the area.  I want to purchase a LG420 at the local Walmart.  Is there anyway by looking at the blister pack whether it is T-Mobile or ATT?  I have had such good coverage with T-Mobile that I would like to stay T-Mobile

ANSWER: You won't be able to tell if it's T-Mobile or AT&T except by the SIM card. If the SIM card begins with 8901, it's AT&T. If you had good coverage with T-Mobile, you would likely have as good if not better coverage with AT&T. I wouldn't worry about that.

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QUESTION: My current sim card starts with 8901 and it is definitely T-Mobile so that isn't correct.
According to Wikipedia - On T-Mobile phones, the first line of the SIM number will end in "SIMT5", on AT&T/Cingular, the first line will end in "SIMC4", and mine does end in SIMT5.

ANSWER: There is nothing on a SIM card that shows SIMC4 or SIMT5. The SIM card number is 15 digits long and there is nothing additional on it. Where are you seeing the SIMT5?

The 89 represents the US, the 01 is AT&T. On your SIM card, does it show the carrier? If it shows T-Mobile, then you are definitely correct. What color is the SIM card?

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QUESTION: My sim card is white and has 2 lines which read
TF64SIMT5
89012607300.......51
Just like Wikipedia says it has 2 lines.
My phone email is  331425####@tmomail.net which also shows it is T-Mobile

Answer
Thank you. Totally makes sense. I appreciate that info. You are completely correct that this is T-Mobile. So, if you have T-Mobile today, and want to keep your number, then if you get a new phone, you can get Tracfone to keep T-Mobile as your carrier and your number, so there is no issue, I can assure you. The phone you want to buy is compatible with T-Mobile, so don't worry about that. Just let them know when you get the new phone, that you want to move your number to the new phone.