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Cellular Phones/Can an upgraded phone be from a different company?
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Question
My mom's on my T-Mobile plan, and I'd like to upgrade her old V188. We've used all of upgrades, so any phone I buy from T-Mobile will cost more than I'd like to spend. She really needs just a basic phone with large numbers and a decent screen. First, is it possible to buy a phone from someone besides T-Mobile and still have it work using her SIM card? Second, do you have any recommendations on a really basic phone for an older user?
Thank you so much!
Julie
All you need to buy is a used T-Mobile phone. Don't try to get a SIM unlocked or any other carrier's phones, just find a T-Mobile branded phone on line or from T-Mobile refurbished. That way you don't have any worries. Then when she is upgrade eligible, you can get a new one under warranty phone from T-Mobile. An unlocked AT&T phone will work, but she would be better with a T-Mobile phone, then all the features will function properly. 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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