Cellular Phones/Blackberry 7100G

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/4/2010


Question
I just purchased a 7100G Blackberry from ebay. Everything was working fine for 1 week. Then my call dropped in the middle of a conversation and from that point on it said 'no coverage'. It's continually 'searching for network'. What does this mean? Did I press something on the phone in error? Also, do I have to have internet service in order to send a text message?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
This BlackBerry is very old, i.e., the 7100 came out about 4 years ago. It's very likely that this BlackBerry has been used and it's radio antenna is likely damaged, i.e., it can't hold the signal. I can pretty much tell you that you did nothing wrong, but if I were you, I would return the device, if possible, and buy something new that has never been used. It's never a good idea to buy a used cell phone or data device like a BlackBerry. It's nothing but trouble. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

Cellular Phones

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.