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Question
Hi DebiN! I'm considering switching to Virgin Mobile's prepaid cell phone service, but I want a smartphone (I'm a current iPhone 3g user).
My problem is this. The only smartphone they have available is the Blackberry Curve 8530. It's a little pricey and I'm not a huge fan of the phone itself. I know it's part of Sprint's CDMA network, so my question is if I buy an unlocked CDMA phone (such as a Blackberry Storm 9530), will I be able to activate Virgin Mobile service with it? Thanks a lot!
Don't do it. If you have an iPhone today, you will not be happy with Virgin Mobile or CDMA technology or the BlackBerry. It will be a huge mistake. You won't be able to use an unlocked CDMA device on the Virgin prepaid network. It won't work. It's not like GSM where you can unlock a device and put a SIM into it. CDMA devices have to be flashed to the carrier and that carrier has to have an image for the phone for it to work properly. Please don't do this. That is my recommendation.
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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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