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Cellular Phones/moving sim from blackberry

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Expert: - 5/22/2010


Question
QUESTION: I have a BB with an ATT dataplan (of course).  Is there anyway to move the sim card to a nonBB phone (say an unlocked Droid phone) and just have voice service while using wifi for data?

Thanks

ANSWER: Sure. It will work in any unlocked gsm device. Not a droid, at least not Verizon's droid. But in a gsm phone, it will work and you can use WiFi if the phone supports it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can this be done without subscribing for a data plan with ATT (or TMobile)?  I "heard" that ATT can determine from the IMEI what phone is on the network and if its a "smart" phone without a data service subscription, ATT will send a letter and "for your convenience" subscribe you in the data plan service.

Thanks

Answer
I believe what you are referring to is if you buy a SmartPhone from AT&T, a data plan is required. If you don't buy your phone from them, then they can't require the data plan. However, if you are using a lot of data, they may suspect that you have a SmartPhone and then may require that you have a $30.00 data plan. I'm not aware of any of the companies being able to detect IMEI, though there is always that possibility.  

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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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